In a major announcement, Apple has revised its App Store Review Guidelines to support updated policies, upcoming features and provide additional clarification. These changes will affect developers looking to publish their apps on the App Store, as well as those considering alternative app marketplaces. AppPlusMobile provides a detailed look at the key changes and their impact on the iOS app development community.
New freedoms and restrictions
In a notable move to align with the European Union's regulatory framework, Apple will now allow developers to distribute notarised iOS apps through alternative app marketplaces. This development underlines Apple's commitment to a more open digital environment, but also provides detailed information and guidelines on how to authenticate iOS apps.
Revised guidelines at a glance
The revised guidelines include several key updates:
- 2.3.1: Added that a violation of this rule is grounds for an app being blocked from installing via alternative distribution.
- 2.3.10: Added that developers cannot include names, icons, or imagery of other mobile platforms or alternative app marketplaces in their apps or metadata, unless there is specific, approved interactive functionality.
- 3.1.3(b): Added a link to 3.1.1 to make clear that 3.1.1(a) applies, and multiplatform services apps can use the 3.1.1(a) entitlement.
- 4.8 Login Services: Updated to make clear that the login service cannot collect interactions with your app for advertising purposes without consent. It also adds that another login service is not required if your app is an alternative app marketplace, or an app distributed from an alternative app marketplace, that uses a marketplace-specific login for account, download, and commerce features.
- 5.1.1(viii): Added that apps that compile personal information from any source that is not directly from the user or without the user’s explicit consent, even public databases, are not permitted on alternative app marketplaces.
- 5.4 and 5.5: Updated to state that apps that do not comply with these guidelines will be blocked from installing via alternative distribution.
- Bug Fix Submissions: Added that bug fixes will not be delayed for apps that are already on alternative app marketplaces, except for those related to legal or safety issues.
It has also been clarified that the submission of bug fixes for applications already on alternative marketplaces will not be delayed due to legal or security issues.
What this means for developers
These changes signal a new era of iOS app development that emphasises flexibility and user privacy. Developers will need to carefully consider the new guidelines to ensure compliance and to realise the full potential of alternative app marketplaces. In particular, the clarification regarding login services and user data collection underscores the importance of privacy in today's app landscape.