Apple App Developers: Apple Not Being Very Friendly To This Group

Apple App Developers: While the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) App Store is the largest of its type, it appears that the Cupertino based company is cracking down on developers that encourage users to share the app with their friends.

Obviously, this sounds a bit silly since you would think Apple would want people to promote the apps to others. Along with this, it is sure to upset the developers who have put so much time, energy, and money into developing these apps.

Like always, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is staying quiet on whether or not this is actually a growing concern. However, a story by PocketGamer.biz states that “apps are now liable to be rejected if they feature “filtering, bookmarking, searching, or sharing recommendations.”

If true, it goes without saying that developers will need to change their approach with future apps.

Apparently, App Store regulation 2.25 is getting in the way and holding back apps that have any sort of sharing recommendations.

You can learn more about this regulation here.

Here is more from the same article:

“It appears Apple has stretched the remit of 2.25 to cover sharing via email or social networks. The ability to search the App Store within third-party apps also now seems to be restricted.”

While there is nothing wrong with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) wanting to deal with developers who are trying to game the system, the company needs to realize that this can also get in the way of those who are trying to do things the right way.

An anonymous developer was quoted in the same article as saying:

“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.”

This is a great point. If users are unable to find apps through others, is the entire mobile app industry going to suffer as the end result?

It will be interesting to see if Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) sticks to its guns or if there is a backlash that results in changes in the future.

On the next page, you can see App Store regulation 2.25 for yourself: