More Apple Crack Downs On Discovery Apps

A few weeks ago we reported how discovery App AppGratis had its app removed from the Apple App store then its push messages stop to its 12 million users. This looks like it’s part of a much bigger crackdown confirmed by PocketGamer.biz after Apple began rejecting apps that feature tools for “filtering, bookmarking, searching, or sharing recommendations.”

We’ve been contacted by one developer whose app discovery tool has recently been blocked by Apple because it includes such features, with App Store regulation 2.25 – which restricts apps that could be confused by consumers as app stores in their own right – cited within the reasoning.

Regulation 2.25 reads as follows “Apps that display Apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected”

The developer who remained anonymous reported that the rejected app focused primarily on sharing app recommendations to friends.

“I have not seen this rejection notice before and believe that it is a new one. We thought that basing our recommendations on sharing was suitable for Apple, as it had previously stated that if you bake in social or local into your app discovery, you would be fine.

“However, either we are not social enough, or Apple is going back on its position. Either way, it appears the scope of 2.25 continues to grow and I think they aim to be the only provider of recommendations for apps, along with being the distributor.”

As an iPhone app developer we feel thats Apple are taking things too far and are likely to scare off developers and crush creativity. From the mobile app developers in Los Angeles Apple please calm down and encourage open and easy trade in your store.