Apple Expands on Developer Regulation 2.25
So you’ve probably heard more than a few times by now about what happened with App Gratis, mainly – Apple removing their app from the App Store for being in violation of developer regulation 2.25, which states:
“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.”
While no official announcement by Apple has been made, it can be assumed that apps are now liable to be rejected if they feature any type of: filtering, bookmarking, searching, or sharing of recommendations. The folks over at PocketGamer.biz note being contacted by one developer whose app discovery tool has recently been blocked by Apple because it included such features. That being said, it’s evident Apple has expanded on 2.25 to cover sharing via email or social networks. The ability to search the App Store using 3rd party apps also now appears to be restricted.
The developer mentioned above had this to say:
“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.”
Adding..
“Regulation 2.25 was put into effect last fall and the scope of what it entails has grown quite large since then,”
“At first it seemed Apple was targeting the Tapjoy network and apps that would ‘game’ its top charts. Next, AppShopper fell because it was too similar to its storefront.
“Finally, AppGratis got that axe and seemingly our app as well, although I remain hopeful that we might be able to adjust our UI to appease Apple.
“Discovery on mobile remains an issue. If iPhone users can’t be connected to great apps, then the whole ecosystem suffers.
“If Apple decides it wants to be the sole source for recommendations of iPhone apps – and do something as drastic as discontinue its affiliate network – it won’t win. Apple loses, developers lose, and most importantly, everyone with an iPhone loses.”
One could assume that these updates/expansions on regulations/guidelines are being done because Apple may very well be developing/refining its own App Store App to help with the issues of discoverability, filtering, searching, sharing, and the like..After all, when 6.0 came out they did add the “like on facebook” feature, and with iOS 7 on its way (supposedly by the end of June) we might just see a whole new App Store App to help with all these aforementioned issues.
Or not..
We’ll see.
Kevin is an Online and Mobile Marketing Strategist who has worked with companies of all sizes over the last 6 years. You can follow Kevin on any of the social platforms below.
