> Apple said the update violated an App Store rule that doesn’t let developers show “irrelevant” information to users.
I'm curious which rule this is and to what or whom the information needs to be irrelevant to to be in breach.
I'm curious which rule this is and to what or whom the information needs to be irrelevant to to be in breach.
"You must not directly or indirectly target iOS users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase, and your general communications about other purchasing methods must not discourage use of in-app purchase."
2.3.10 has a bit about not including "irrelevant information about Apple or the development process." It's under the Metadata section, but still:
"2.3.10 Make sure your app is focused on the iOS, Mac, Apple TV or Apple Watch experience, and don’t include names, icons, or imagery of other mobile platforms in your app or metadata, unless there is specific, approved interactive functionality. Make sure your app metadata is focused on the app itself and its experience. Don’t include irrelevant information, including but not limited to information about Apple or the development process."
Apple can change the guidelines at any time. They make up 'rules' to their own benefit. And selectively enforce existing ones so major players get a free pass.
Developers have no recourse, other than leaving the platform.
Are Facebook not a major player on iOS?
Here's a few examples of Apple selectively enforcing their rules.
Apple agreed to charge Amazon a 15 percent fee instead of the standard 30 for subscriptions https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/30/21348108/apple-amazon-pri...
Apple allows WeChat include Mini Programs. These are 3rd party web pages the user can install that are tightly integrated with WeChat features. They're basically apps that run within WeChat. In my opinion this violates the app store premise BUT WeChat is so crucial to Chinese users Apple can't pull the app. So they bent and rewrote the rules to allow it. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1137321.shtml
But, when Facebook tried this with Facebook Gaming, which does something really similar to WeChat Mini Programs, they got banned by Apple. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/technology/apple-ios-face...
Apple allows Chinese customers to make app store purchases using WeChat Pay or Ali(baba) pay. Meanwhile in the US, it's impossible to pay using the competing Facebook pay / Google pay. https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-app-stores-chinese-custom...
There's also the Hey fiasco https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23542937 and the Wordpress fiasco https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24238856 . Meanwhile, Gmail and Netflix are unaffected.
Likewise, after Fortnite added an alternative payment option that avoids Apple's 30% tax, Apple banned not only Fortnite, but engine updates for all apps that use the Unreal Engine. That's the opposite of what Tim Cook told congress.
> Epic Games also called out Apple on Tim Cook’s testimonial at the recent Congressional hearing.
> “Just over two weeks ago, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook was asked during a Congressional hearing whether Apple has “ever retaliated against or disadvantaged a developer who went public about their frustrations with the App Store”. Mr. Cook testified, “We do not retaliate or bully people. It’s strongly against our company culture.” But Apple has done just that,” it said in the statement.
https://tech.hindustantimes.com/gaming/news/apple-continues-...
I've been using Macs for 7 years (they gave them at job) but would never buy any apple hardware myself. They just dont have any benefits.
Which probably means "we make them up on the spot as needed to serve our interests."