Apple clarifies conditions for App Store app removal, extends update deadline to 90 days
After a week of confusion and speculation, Apple has attempted to address developers' concerns about the company removing outdated apps from the App Store.
In mid-April, Apple had notified developers that any app that has not been updated for "a significant amount of time" would be pulled from the App Store. However, developers would be able to circumvent the removal by submitting an update for review within 30 days.
Developers took to social media to speak up against the policy, stating that the changes were unfair to indie developers.
In response, Apple has issued a press release on its developer website. The release explains the situation in more detail.
First, Apple clarifies that a "significant amount of time" means within the last three years. This also seemingly only applies to apps that fail to meet a minimum download threshold in a rolling 12-month period, though the company does not clarify the minimum threshold.
Apple states that it is doing this to provide users with a better App Store experience. By removing old, outdated, or abandoned apps, it hopes to offer better discoverability for apps that are actively maintained.
Additionally, it ensures that apps meet the App Store security and privacy guidelines, which Apple notes are "constantly evolving."
Lastly, the company wants the apps to conform to a certain level of quality. The apps should work across all modern screen sizes, SDKs, APIs, and other features offered in the iOS and macOS ecosystems.
Apple has increased the time needed to update old apps from 30 days to 90 days as a show of good faith to developers. Additionally, Apple notes that if the app has been downloaded by a user, it will not be removed from the users' device.
Read on AppleInsider
In mid-April, Apple had notified developers that any app that has not been updated for "a significant amount of time" would be pulled from the App Store. However, developers would be able to circumvent the removal by submitting an update for review within 30 days.
Developers took to social media to speak up against the policy, stating that the changes were unfair to indie developers.
In response, Apple has issued a press release on its developer website. The release explains the situation in more detail.
First, Apple clarifies that a "significant amount of time" means within the last three years. This also seemingly only applies to apps that fail to meet a minimum download threshold in a rolling 12-month period, though the company does not clarify the minimum threshold.
Apple states that it is doing this to provide users with a better App Store experience. By removing old, outdated, or abandoned apps, it hopes to offer better discoverability for apps that are actively maintained.
Additionally, it ensures that apps meet the App Store security and privacy guidelines, which Apple notes are "constantly evolving."
Lastly, the company wants the apps to conform to a certain level of quality. The apps should work across all modern screen sizes, SDKs, APIs, and other features offered in the iOS and macOS ecosystems.
Apple has increased the time needed to update old apps from 30 days to 90 days as a show of good faith to developers. Additionally, Apple notes that if the app has been downloaded by a user, it will not be removed from the users' device.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
Note to any developers out there: If I'm looking at an app and it doesn't report anything in the App Privacy section, I assume that you are mining my data and I look elsewhere. At this point if you haven't updated your app and started reporting on what you collect and what you track, I assume you are spyware. Get your act together, or get out.
Like I said before, though, age alone is not an indicator of an apps usefulness, so deleting an app just based on age makes no sense. (should we delete Tim Cook just based on his age?)
Clarifying criteria & new timing extension for App Store Improvements process
Actual clarification:
As part of the App Store Improvements process, developers of apps that have not been updated within the last three years and fail to meet a minimal download threshold — meaning the app has not been downloaded at all or extremely few times during a rolling 12 month period — receive an email notifying them that their app has been identified for possible removal from the App Store.
Apple always wants to help developers get and keep quality software on the App Store. That’s why developers can appeal app removals. And developers, including those who recently received a notice, will now be given more time to update their apps if needed — up to 90 days. Apps that are removed will continue to function as normal for users who have already downloaded the app on their device.