Apple to lock iOS app screenshots upon submission to halt scammers
In a change of App Store policy, Apple announced on Wednesday that screenshots attached to app submissions will be locked in once they are approved, effectively putting an end to a scamming tactic used to dupe customers into spending money on fraudulent apps.
The new rule, made effective today, looks to stymie attempts from scammers who would submit an app showing one set of screenshots only to swap them out with images from other popular apps after being approved by Apple. As noted by MacRumors, nefarious developers would combine the fallacious images with app names suggesting the work was a legitimate iteration of an existing title.
A video of such a scam that has been making its rounds on the web shows an app called "Mooncraft," supposedly a a clone of the hit game Minecraft, is not quite what the buyer was expecting. As seen below, the screenshots in iTunes clearly represent a different game than the one actually purchased. Note that the Mooncraft icon is also a blatant copy of the Minecraft franchise, further confusing unwitting customers.
From the announcement:
The new rule, made effective today, looks to stymie attempts from scammers who would submit an app showing one set of screenshots only to swap them out with images from other popular apps after being approved by Apple. As noted by MacRumors, nefarious developers would combine the fallacious images with app names suggesting the work was a legitimate iteration of an existing title.
A video of such a scam that has been making its rounds on the web shows an app called "Mooncraft," supposedly a a clone of the hit game Minecraft, is not quite what the buyer was expecting. As seen below, the screenshots in iTunes clearly represent a different game than the one actually purchased. Note that the Mooncraft icon is also a blatant copy of the Minecraft franchise, further confusing unwitting customers.
From the announcement:
While Apple's new policy will cut down on fake apps, it is also likely to hinder honest developers who will now have to go through the roundabout process of submitting updates to their respective app pages to change an image.Beginning January 9, app screenshots will be locked in iTunes Connect once your app has been approved. New screenshots may be uploaded when you submit a binary for an update to an existing app or a new app. For more information on capturing and using screenshots, read the Xcode User Guide.
Comments
While Apple's new policy will cut down on fake apps, it is also likely to hinder honest developers who will now have to go through a roundabout process to upload screenshots to their respective app pages in the event of an update or version change.
Is it really that hard? I mean, it was made to be as simple as possible. All screenshots on all Apple devices are leagues easier than anywhere else.
I think they should allow video clips of the app in action, as well. That'd be nice to see. But really, the policy for all App Store scams should be pretty simple: all available apps deleted, developers banned for life, legal action taken (if applicable). Guarantees such as this would cut down on rule breakers by a great amount.
"New screenshots may be uploaded when you submit a binary for an update to an existing app or a new app."
Not sure how you're hindered in the event of an update or version change, since you can upload a new image then...
There I fixed that for you. No thanks needed, the pleasure was mine.
Quote:
While Apple's new policy will cut down on fake apps, it is also likely to hinder honest developers who will now have to go through a roundabout process to upload screenshots to their respective app pages in the event of an update or version change
I recommend everyone whining to take a midol. Perhaps we can have a few articles on ISP disruptions and how it annoyingly impacts one's mail and workflow? Not.
Originally Posted by dasanman69
There I appended that for you. No thanks needed, the pleasure was mine.
Fixed. Your implication that anything's broken right now was… wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
While Apple's new policy will cut down on fake apps, it is also likely to hinder honest developers who will now have to go through a roundabout process to upload screenshots to their respective app pages in the event of an update or version change.
As a developer, that last line is total BS. Changing screen shots is as easy as clicking the remove "X" on the old shot, clicking the upload button and sliding the new shot into the position you want. All Apple is changing is the ability to change the screen shot after it is approved. Checking that your screen shots are still accurate should be part of every developer's upload checklist. Also the screenshots only lock once an app is approved, so you have 7-12 days (based on my experience) after you upload to catch any missed image updates before the approval locks your images. This should have zero impact on honest developers.
Thanks
That's good. Now they need to stop accepting posters as screenshots... it is not an art exhibit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AJMonline
As a developer, that last line is total BS. Changing screen shots is as easy as clicking the remove "X" on the old shot, clicking the upload button and sliding the new shot into the position you want. All Apple is changing is the ability to change the screen shot after it is approved. Checking that your screen shots are still accurate should be part of every developer's upload checklist. Also the screenshots only lock once an app is approved, so you have 7-12 days (based on my experience) after you upload to catch any missed image updates before the approval locks your images. This should have zero impact on honest developers.
Agreed. I have half a dozens apps in the App Store and frankly I thought the screenshots were unchangable after approval already (most of the other elements were). I'm glad they changed this. One of the things Apple should be verifying is that the screenshots are a reasonable representation of the app. Obviously they can't do that if the developer can change them at any time.
I can't remember the last time the image actually showed an actual screenshot. I'm all about TS's suggestion about allowing video clips of the app in action but I can see why Apple might not want it.
Apple should go after these criminals with everything that they've got. Ban them for life and then pursue further criminal charges and lawsuits, no matter where in the world they're located. Apple has plenty of cash and they should certainly aggressively chase after fraudsters and criminals who prey upon unsuspecting Apple customers, even though the overall scope of these frauds is obviously microscopic. I've downloaded a ton of apps and I've never once ran into any scam app. These criminals shouldn't just be banned from Apple's appstore, they should be banned from the entire internet, for life. You don't let convicted pedophiles hang around in school yards, and you shouldn't let convicted criminals and fraudsters, who commit their crimes on the internet, be able to gain access to the internet.
iOS's walled garden is a good thing, and it could be made even more secure. The thicker the walls, the less the chance of criminals sneaking through.
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Originally Posted by Apple ][
iOS's walled garden is a good thing, and it could be made even more secure. The thicker the walls, the less the chance of criminals sneaking through.
Or worse, customers out. That would be bad. Maybe an armed guard should follow customers to make sure they don't get in contact with other systems? /s
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
In a change of App Store policy, Apple announced on Wednesday that screenshots attached to app submissions will be locked in once they are approved, effectively putting an end to a scamming tactic used to dupe customers into spending money on fraudulent apps.
While Apple's new policy will cut down on fake apps, it is also likely to hinder honest developers who will now have to go through a roundabout process to upload screenshots to their respective app pages in the event of an update or version change.
Am I the only person who thinks that the problem is Apple approving "Mooncraft" (and alii), an obviously illegal ripoff of a successful game?
The ONLY point of a walled garden is for these "innovative and original revolutionnary apps" (eg, ripoffs) to not end up in customers' hands.
A better solution would have been, as discussed a few days ago on these forums, to have a sample of the app, as Apple has for music or movies, or a solid refund policy (instead of refunding only when people threaten to go to court... "buy something, get something different, get refunded"), and most importantly a better review process.
At least, obviously Appple's aware of the existence of the problem, which is great news.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AJMonline
As a developer, that last line is total BS. Changing screen shots is as easy as clicking the remove "X" on the old shot, clicking the upload button and sliding the new shot into the position you want. All Apple is changing is the ability to change the screen shot after it is approved. Checking that your screen shots are still accurate should be part of every developer's upload checklist. Also the screenshots only lock once an app is approved, so you have 7-12 days (based on my experience) after you upload to catch any missed image updates before the approval locks your images. This should have zero impact on honest developers.
People will have to actually plan for stuff in advance (instead of planning a posteriori). I know some artists who're going to get very very sad
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
I can't remember the last time the image actually showed an actual screenshot. I'm all about TS's suggestion about allowing video clips of the app in action but I can see why Apple might not want it.
Why? What's the downside?
Apple could also withhold all payment to developers for new apps for the first 6 weeks (or something). This would discourage scammers from even trying, knowing they would surely be found out before they receive a cent. After the initial period is over payments could be just like they are now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gatorguy
Why? What's the downside?
Bandwidth from their servers and the fact that app approvers would have to sit through them before being able to approve the apps, is the only thing I can think of.
Just imagine KickStarter type videos x100 every day, they'd go mad.
Personally I'll always search on YouTube for video reviews before purchasing a game anyway.
Small price to pay if it allows you to restore your customers' confidence in you and your product.