They're admitting to using background location to infer screen time, which is clearly "misuse" according to section 2.5.4. Whether the decision is right or wrong, I find it hard to believe that the developer is actually confused by this.
I agree that users ought to be able to use the app without granting access to location data (opting out of #2). But unfortunately, if Apple provides no way of inferring screen time without use of location, this category of app is impossible.
Multitasking apps may only use background services for their intended purposes: VoIP, audio playback, location, task completion, local notifications, etc. If your app uses location background mode, include a reminder that doing so may dramatically decrease battery life.
Screen time inference is clearly not an intended purpose for location, since the actual location data obtained has no connection to it (i.e. to #1 above; note we're interpreting "purpose" from the user's perspective). It sounds like the rep is misinformed, or that the TOS needs to be updated with an explicit exception.
Etc here could allow almost everything or nothing. Depending on what argument you want to push.
Ultimately it’s Apple‘s walled garden and they have the final say.
[citation needed]
I'm not going to say it's super useful, but it has a use.. I would categorize this in the same bucket as Snapchat needing your GPS.
Anyway, the complaint is that they are using this data for more than features and functionality.
Their side of the story leads me to believe this is not the case, and only Apple knows why they think this company is abusing the data they are collecting.
If you are a map app, location data is fine.
If you are tracking screen time, then no.
Apple's is targeting folks like my parents here. They love that apple just works, no crazy secret battery drains etc. Even the subtle prompts apple gives (the little arrow outline etc) is NOT ENOUGH for folks like my parents. It needs to follow logically from what they are doing (no buried menus / advanced features). Apple largely delivers on this. Check out an older person using an android phone with a total ton of apps (and android 3-5 years old, older folks upgrade MUCH more slowly). It's a honking mess. Seriously the battery life goes into the trash, the phone has got a billion things running on it.
Apple is making BIG money focusing pretty strictly on privacy. The idea that they are doing this to avoid competitors to screen time (which they make no extra money on) is ludicrous.
Incorrect. The complaint is that they are not using Location for its intended purpose, thereby impacting the performance (battery life) of the device. Quoted in the article:
> Performance – 2.5.4
> Your app is misusing background location for purposes other than location-related features and functionality.
The key word here is location-related features and functionality. Not "features and functionality" in general, as your comment implies.
I don't think it could be any more clear-cut. "Screen time" is just about the least "location-related feature/functionality" that one could think of. It's pretty clear that they are violating the terms of service, regardless of the benefit that this feature may or may not provide.
It's quite sad that apple conveniently are heavy handing them now that they have built in screen time. Users can't really complain cause this functionality is not kind of baked into the phone anyways.
It's impressive and hurtful at the same time, Apple has unprecedented amount of leverage over app developers and app developers should be careful not to cross Apple's path if they don't want their time to go waste.
It seems some here maybe confused that location in the app is being used surreptitiously, or ScreenTime measured surreptitiously. In fact, it is explicitly requested, explained to the users who sign up, and reflected clearly in the app with all the necessary warnings about possible battery issues on generations of devices affected (6 and prior) and used to report on location. And screen time.
Our users are installing the app for both features, knowing both are there, in the same vein as a number of other digital tools Apple has allowed in the store, that use the same approach.
I have to wonder whether RescueTime included the mapping feature (to see where you're using your iPhone) just to satisfy this requirement. But in the absence of evidence that this feature was included as a pretext, what should happen?
It would seem fair to require that the "primary purpose" of an API's usage be for the intended purpose of that API. But no such rule exists in Apple's guidelines, AFAIK. Instead, we're just left with the overarching principle that Apple can interpret its rules however it wants.
As someone who's been on the receiving end of this principle, I have to say I'm not a fan.
I develop an app that does similar features, we are currently still in the store but apple won't let us release any updates for 3-4 months now. They keep saying rubbish like this but at the end of the day they don't want competition for this own apps.
If they do kill this category of app, I’d say there’s a 99% chance it’s either for technical (for example battery drain) or more likely, privacy reasons.
They use it for location data to display where you are using your phone. They also use that location data to infer other things as well. Your comment makes it seem like they aren't using it for location data at all.