Can two apps have the same name?

Is my AI Vibe-coded App Name taken?

App creators often assume that once an app name is taken, it is permanently unavailable. This assumption usually comes from experiences with domains, usernames, or company registration systems where uniqueness is enforced. App stores work differently.
In reality, whether two apps can have the same name depends on the platform, the type of name being referenced, and how the app is identified behind the scenes. Understanding these distinctions helps explain why duplicate app names exist and why users and developers frequently encounter them.

Can two apps legally have the same name?

Yes. Two apps can have the same name, depending on the app store and how the name is used.
App stores do not operate on a single global naming system. Each platform has its own rules, and those rules focus more on technical identifiers and user experience than on guaranteeing exclusive ownership of names.
As a result, seeing multiple apps with identical or very similar names is not unusual, particularly across different platforms or categories.

How app stores actually identify apps

The most important identifiers for an app are not the visible name users see.
Each app is published using a technical identifier that must be unique:
• On Apple platforms, this is the bundle identifier
• On Google Play, it is the package name
These identifiers are what the store uses to manage updates, ownership, and system integrity. The display name shown to users is a separate layer and does not always need to be unique.
This distinction explains why two apps can share a name while remaining technically distinct.

Does the Apple App Store require unique app names?

The Apple App Store generally enforces stricter name uniqueness than other platforms, but even here the rules are not absolute.
Apple tends to prevent identical display names within the same storefront if confusion is likely. However, similar names, variations, or names that differ slightly may still be accepted. In some cases, apps with the same or similar names may coexist if they are sufficiently differentiated by category, functionality, or branding.
This enforcement is driven by review policy and user experience concerns rather than a universal naming registry.

Does Google Play allow apps with the same name?

Yes. Google Play is more flexible when it comes to app display names.
Multiple apps on Google Play can share the same name, even if they serve similar purposes. As long as the package name is unique and the app complies with store policies, the display name itself is not required to be exclusive.
This is why developers and users frequently encounter multiple apps with identical names when searching the Play Store.
Why do developers assume app names must be unique?
Many developers conflate different systems of naming:
• App store display names
• Technical identifiers
• Trademarks
• Company or product names
Because some platforms appear to enforce uniqueness more strictly, it creates the impression that names are globally protected. In practice, these systems operate independently, and enforcement varies by context.
This misunderstanding is reinforced by generic advice that does not distinguish between store rules and legal branding concepts.

What risks come from having duplicate app names?

Even when allowed, duplicate app names introduce practical challenges.
For users, this can mean:
Difficulty finding the intended app
Accidental installs of the wrong app
Confusion when multiple apps appear identical in search results
For developers, shared names can affect discoverability, user trust, and support requests. These issues are about user experience rather than rule violations, but they still matter in real-world usage.

Why can someone publish an app with the same name as an existing one?

In most cases, it happens because the app store rules allow it.
If the technical identifier is unique and the app complies with policy, the store may not block the name. Stores prioritize system stability and policy compliance over exclusive naming rights.
Unless a name creates clear user confusion or violates platform guidelines, duplicate names may remain available.

How do app stores handle confusion between similarly named apps?

App stores rely on a mix of signals to reduce confusion:
• Developer name and profile
• App icons and screenshots
• Descriptions and categories
• Ratings and reviews
These elements help users distinguish between apps that share a name. However, they do not eliminate confusion entirely, especially when names are identical and functions overlap.
This is why duplicate naming continues to surface as a user experience issue in community discussions.

How do app store rules differ from trademark considerations?

App store naming rules and trademark law operate separately.
An app name being accepted by a store does not automatically mean it is protected, and rejection does not necessarily imply a legal issue. Store policies focus on platform integrity and user clarity, while trademarks relate to brand protection and market confusion outside the store’s technical systems.
Many online explanations blur these layers, which adds to developer uncertainty.

Why do AI and search results oversimplify this topic?

Many summaries reduce the issue to statements like “app names must be unique” or “duplicates are not allowed,” without specifying the platform or context.
What is often missing is a clear explanation of:
• Store-specific naming rules
• Technical identifiers versus display names
• The difference between policy enforcement and branding concerns
Without these distinctions, answers feel incomplete or contradictory.

Conclusion

Two apps can have the same name, and this is a normal outcome of how app stores are structured. Technical identifiers must be unique, but display names are handled differently depending on the platform.
The real impact of duplicate app names is felt in discoverability and user experience rather than in strict rule violations. Understanding how app stores separate technical identity from visible naming helps explain why identical app names exist and why confusion persists despite established policies.