The whole "duplicate functionality" line is such bullshit. Why are there 100 weather apps, don't they duplicate the functionality of the weather application that comes with the iPhone, what about other mapping apps? Don't they duplicate the functionality. All that refusing these applications does is push more people to unlock and jailbreak. That is the problem with large companies today, they don't seem to pay attention to what people want. Just think how much more money they would make if they let all the apps that you have to jailbreak your phone in order to install to be available through the app store. Most of the unofficial apps are fantastic and allow for much greater use of the phone and the vast majority of them are not illegal or questionable. Until these companies wise up, people will continue to circumvent the measures put in place to prevent you from doing whatever you want with the device in question.

billc124

@munineye: Argh. "any and every app that DOESN'T violate actual laws"

Stupid editing.

munineye

I think it would be best if they just allowed any and every app that does violate actual laws (like a NES emulator or somesuch), then we can pick which ones we want. The users should be able to determine what apps succeed or fail without Apple's hand mucking things up.

Think of it like evolution versus intelligent design.

munineye

The SDK is still in closed beta. I know some people think "beta" is a meaningless term, but for old-school companies, like Apple, that means it's still being tested and the rules aren't established.

Of course, this also means that when Apple finalizes things, the blogosphere will be abuzz over how they "reversed" their positions on some items, even though many of their current positions are tentative, pending the results of the beta testing. Ah, Apple. The emotional roller coaster never ends.

sumocat

Hence the need to jailbreak. I always find myself doing things in the 'grey area' because of the many restrictions put in place by big & faceless corporations. Ridiculous.

I don't want to pay again for an internet connection through my phone since I'm usually around a WiFi network. So when I'm on the road, I use Offline Maps. But that's a bit aside from the question at hand...

I'm not happy with the App Store. I find jailbreak apps much more useful since they enable me as a user.

A3sthetix

As a owner of a Ipod touch it is depressing that features that we need we cant have. For example, in order to sync with a internet calendar I have to go through outlook. which is burdensome since I don't use outlook. give use the Option in the calendar or give us third party apps that will do it.

sdierks

It almost sounds like government: We'll take care of our citizens (or in Apple's case, customers) because they are too stupid to take care of themselves.

Antonio

I'm displeased with the app store. I primarily use linux, so being tethered to iTunes is no good. There have been several apps that apple blocked that would let me sync over the air instead of through iTunes. Each of those pisses me off quite a bit.

valadil

If Apple want to check each app, it's cool by me. However:
a) They must publicize their standards in a clear and simple language and must abide them.
b) Using this regulation to silence competing applications which try to push the iPhone forward is plain stupid and very annoying. It must be stopped.

The bottom line:
I am not going to get an iPhone, not now and not in the future, at least until open it properly. This is not my kind of platform. It's just a one man's (Jobs) show.

dirkhaim

When they started putting the NDA chokehold to developers to keep them from squealing about denials. I jailbroke my Touch.... which worked but couldn't get an sources, and the online help was, well, helpless.

I figure I botched something and will try again later.

YourTechSupport

Think of it this way: If Microsoft pulled even half the BS Apple's pulled with the iPhone App store, the blogs would be exploding with people complaining about anticompetitive practices.

I guess the good news in all this is that every jilted iPhone developer is an Android developer-in-waiting.

When my contract's up later this year, I was going to have to decide between the iPhone and a gPhone. After all this nonsense, it's an easy choice.

dotyoureyes

I have a feeling the pull my finger app was pulled not because it was useless but because they didn't want to have Apple's name associated with something like that. As for why they didn't just say so, I have no clue.

bazaar_apparatus

There are some "dumb" apps out there, but isn't that part of what's great? If a "dumb" app is able to rise to the top 100, then that's the people's choice, who cares if it's not really functional? And for those that spent countless hours, days, weeks, or even months to create a bonafide badass app, only to have it denied at the gates, shame on Apple, big time. They will lose their following and valuable developers quick and people will start moving to Android. Is the downfall of the iPhone/iPod Touch going to be the store? Really?

screenshot

There are some really nifty non-gray area apps on the market which I love. Twinkle, Tris, Pandora, Monkey Ball, etc.

While Netshare or a SNES emulator would be great, there -are- actual legal reasons behind why they don't exist, and I can understand that. If you want those apps then just jailbreak your phone.

The only thing that bugs me is Apple's "duplicate functionality" removals. Those removals are really unfair to the developers, and I can understand why they're upset. I think it would be fine if Apple put forth a list of "Do Not Write" apps.

sjones411

Post them all and let the internet sort it out. Let people find good apps on sites like lifehacker.com or the 100 "best iphone apps.com" sites that will pop up. There's a rating system in place right? So doesn that not weed out the crappy ones?

Tony Bullard

@brandon, I'm 100% in agreement.

When I bought my iPhone and jailbroke/unlocked it to use it with the "T-Mob", I had the slighted little pang of guilt over it. I didn't want third party apps. I didn't want fancy icons o extended functionality. I was willing to trust Apple to let the App Store evolve and make that possible. I've purchased maybe two paid applications to date. There's just nothing in there that I want and feel is worth the asking price (above free).

Now, I'm glad they're not getting any subsidy from me aside from my initial purchase.

I will definitely be checking out the Android phones as they progress.

ThinkandDrive

Apple needs to state what its rules for acceptance are, period. Making app's that improve Apples own software is hardly reason enough to deny them entry into the app store

Apple will no doubt steal the idea's that these developers have come up with and incorporate some of them into their own app software, which is a tad unfair.

artfuldodga

I work at a higher ed institution that is moving to Google Apps for EDU. I've been planning on buying an iPod Touch or iPhone figuring Google would release a nice client like they have for the Blackberry. Now that I've seen MailWrangler's application denied, I don't see much hope of a Google client, and the web interface just won't cut it. So now I'm not buying a Touch, and I won't recommend them to any students, faculty, or staff. I'll hunker down for awhile and wait and see what Android brings while I spend a little time playing with my Archos 605 to see how I could use it to meet all my media needs (instead of just video).

pkscout

@brandon: I completely agree. My girlfriends dad has an iPhone and downloaded an app called the iPint. What a load of garbage, it's not useful in the slightest. The only thing it will possibly get you is a iHangover. I think all apps (Excluding malicious) should have a chance. This is how peopple invent things, they use someone elses idea, figure out the details the original designer didnt and work from there - We will never progress if we're not allowed to try.

an2an

I don't think the pull my finger app is killer, but there are so many useless pieces of garbage in that store, I don't know how they can consider that one any more useless. In this case, it seems Apple is being subjective.

In the case of not duplicating functionality of built-in Apple apps, I think they're inhibiting the competition that would eventually allow the iPhone to evolve.

All-in-all, I don't think there's any reason to not allow an app that isn't malicious. It's eventually going to discourage developers and push them towards other platforms (Android?).

brandon

@Joe: **Shouldn't

Joe

If I have to pay money to list my app in the store, I should have to worry about whether or not it's going to get pulled.

Joe

How's about I want them to keep an eye on the app store, and keep out malicious content, but allow these apps that compete or whatever, delivering the best experience to the consumer?

I imagine it's quite a fine line...

12-Inch Idongivafuck Sandwich

Answer to the question in the title:
NO

koekielam

@witeowl:

Then you got your wish, it's been done.

Alex7575

The world is a simple place. Everything is about maximizing profit. Currently Apple believes that its current policy, which is borderline anti-trust, is giving them maximum profit. The only way that this will change is if a) they get sued (much like Microsoft) and are forced to change, or b) the sales in their app store goes down because everyone prefers the jailbroken freedom. A "nice" company is just an illusion. Customer loyalty means that you have bought into the illusion and have been fooled.

Kent84

Tangent: If I could change one thing about the app store, it would be to prevent people who have never downloaded an app from rating it. That needs to be stopped.

witeowl

@lilbyrdie:

Can you point me to any other carriers that have an app store? And show me a link to it?

Alex7575

@bazaar_apparatus: Good point. I'm sure they could have stated that they won't allow apps that are "deemed to be in poor taste" or something like that. They do have the right to do that, but need to make it more clear.

witeowl

It's a complete joke. Apple only needs to prevent malicious/pornographic apps from getting on the store. The rest of the platform should be an open market - even if developer products "duplicate the functionality" of the default apps (mobile Firefox anyone?).

The way they're acting is completely childish.

LivSimpl

Check them for malware behavior, and put them on the store. If they improve upon Apple's built-in apps, then GOOD! It's not like Apple loses money if I don't use their mail app.

There is a LOT of potential on this platform. Let it do its thing.

SMSDHubbard

Hell no. Its unnecessary censorship, plain and simple.

jokermatt999

The arbitrary and capricious nature of the App Store is disconcerting, as is Apple's arguably paternalistic approach. I certainly do appreciate Apple's overall design ethos (good design, like art, often requires tight control), but I agree with some of Zittrain's points about the dangers of the iPhone.

And remember, Apple has tried to exercise too much control in the past (re: the openness of their hardware) with near-fatal consequences... This may be their Achilles heel.

earth2marsh

I wouldn't say I'm happy with the rules. However, they really aren't any different than any other normal cell carrier store. In fact, they might even be better and cheaper. Some of the biggest carriers in the US may even tell you that they'd love to see your app, and then not carry it at all -- leading you on. Others may take it for a month, then build their own when yours is successful, and drop you from their store. It's all par for the course with mobile carriers and their stores.

Do developers like it? Hell no. But the ones making money learn to work within the system. And there's a lot of money to be made in the system.

lilbyrdie

@sumocat:

"The SDK is still in closed beta"

Even if that statement were true, what does that have to do with not allowing a farting app into the store? Or any of the selection practices shown by Apple?

You're talking oranges here.

Alex7575

I agree with most of the people here. Apple needs to set forth a full set of rules for the App Store that need to be followed by everyone (including Apple). All this business of Apple deciding what is useful and what is not is bull. With the capabilities of the iPhone, it is like Apple saying you can only get applications for your new iMac from the App Store.

Unfortunately, the possibility of change is slim as long as Apple is riding it's current wave of euphoria. With people continuing to buy from the App Store, why should Apple change?

It almost sounds like *gasp* Microsoft!

Maresian

The answer to your question, "Are You Happy with Apple's App Store Rules?" is NO! I hope Apple gets its butt kicked by open platforms.

RickyF

My vote is for Apple to let the developers develop what they want and to let the users decide which apps they want to use, not Apple. iTunes already has parental controls built in, simply extend those into the App store if parents are worried about their kids downloading inappropriate apps.

ShadyPghGuy

I think the app store is like the communist regime.

qrius

I won't get an iPhone regardless or the App Store policy because I've had AT&T and didn't like them and the monthly data charge is outrageous. I would consider getting an iPod Touch regardless if the prices were better. I guess it's the Nano for me for a while longer.

crichton007

I'm not a fan--especially of the contracts involved with getting an application in the app store. They force everyone into adhesion contracts that give Apple free reign to do whatever they want to ensure the apps are locked into the app store. If apple doesn't like the app, too bad for the developer. It's BS.

jonny6pak

There is a huge amount of garbage in the app store, but at the same time there are real features missing from the iPhone that could usefully be filled by good will written applications that are allowed to properly integrate.

Utterly pointless applications like lightsaber, iBeer or iLighter are so numerous its embarrassing. They flood the App Store and create a minefield trough which you have to carefully navigate.

On the flip side excellent applications like SyncXML are not allowed to fulfil the genially useful task of allowing you to sync the built in calendar with Google calendars.

You have to assume that apple would rather have an App Store full of garbage then anything that dose something useful. Maybe this is because SyncXML is encroaching on the MobileMe territory, or maybe its because apple wants to reserve the right to roll out there own solutions to such things to there own fanfare... who knows.

If the simply relax the rules, we are just going to be flooded further by more and more iBeer applications. In my opinion, they need to cut that stuff out, and properly empower application developers to use the iPhone platform.

neotoxic

I'll be happy with the appstore if/when OrbLive gets the green light...

rajimoto

Tethering is hardly a unique idea and podcast downloading has been available in the iTunes Desktop app for quite a while. So why is Apple stealing their ideas? Why are the developers being accused of stealing the ideas from the unknown developer who first offered tethering via a phone or PDA? I believe the issue with Tethering has to do with ATT and not Apple. They want a cut of it. Look at the other phones and their service providers. All of them charge for Tethering. My Palm 700p's firmware was updated to prevent unlicensed tethering. Hardly heard a wimper from anyone (mostly cause the system was so messed up they couldn't even attempt a connection) Podcast Downloading is a major feature for me and would allow me to go days without a sync but currently this is the only method. I'm sure that if Apple allowed this app through and they then update iTunes on the phone to download podcast the whole country would be up in arms about that.

GideonKoliha

if you have a problem with apple and their gay rules, then jailbreak your device. there is really no downside, unless your against that kind of thing. there are tons of useful apps available for a jailbroken device, including...wait for it...copy and paste.

i would love to see apple loosen their rules, and allow any and all apps that are not malicious. i think apple will slowly come around, especially now that they have a direct competitor (android).

sti25impreza

This is what I would like to see: Allow apps to be installed from outside of the App Store, e.g. from a link on your web site. These apps would run with certain restrictions, e.g. no cell carrier access. This way, anyone who doesn't make the App Store cut could still distribute their app. It would probably not hurt Apple's business much, since most people would still want to use the App Store and the cell networks. But it would make people feel like they have another option, so their hard work won't be wasted if Apple rejects their app.

WaldoGiant

Apple should clearly define the criteria for admission/exclusion and pre-qualify application concepts. That way, a developer could determine if his/her idea for an application would be acceptable under the guidelines. Having a fuzzy approval process that is only applied after a completed application is submitted is ridiculous. Apple has the right to decide what they sell and what they don't, but they don't have the right to do it like it's being done currently.

AmberCaban

apple has been quite selective in the apps, they put stupid apps like lighter, ibeer, and 100s of other stupid apps.
apple should take time and think about productivity, fun and other stuff.
besides they should really check the prices.
i am kinda sad because of what they made us (iphone/ipod touch) users think about the iphone... until today jailbreaking iphone is better, faster and free. i havent jaibreaked my iphone because of the warranty but i think they should take a look at the stupid apps they have.

koi pond? what the hell is that... i mean why dont you go to a pet store buy some fishes or kois if you want to and have a personalized fish tank not some crapy fish tank screen...

in my opinion the app store hasnt made me happy at all except for texas hold em, super monkey ball and enigmo

jaimemicha

I think if apple is going to have a review process then they need to make sure they properly review the apps. There are so many apps in the store that I would still consider as beta. a lot of these apps are paid apps too. Granted the devs and testers should catch these bugs in the first place but if apple wants to justify their review process then they should be catching these problems before they get approved. Also their approval standards are way too arbitrary. Devs need a crystal clear guideline of what will get their app rejected. I can see a lot of frustration and apprehension coming from whether or not knowing an app you have worked hard on is rejected just because apple said so.

EffieHalomitosis

If this was Microsoft, milking their captive market for all it was worth, then most people would be calling it anti-competitive behaviour.

HoneyHamlegs

Very annoyed at their policy. I have purchased a smartphone that is only as smart as they think it should be without compromising their revenue stream? Come on - why block podcast downloading? Why block navigation? Why block a better e-mail too? None of these are protecting the user, just protecting Apple. It sucks.

mmillmor

@12-Inch Idongivafuck Sandwich:

It really is a fine line. Consumers want streamlined access, yet want choice. Developers want THEIR app to be always available. Apple wants to have the final say. It's difficult from many angles.

What really irks me, though, is that as one who paid for the developer certification, it is the NDA, not the AppStore that is hobbling me. I began trying to do development very early on, and I got stuck in a few areas which prevented me from completeing some apps I was developing. And because the NDA was SO restrictive, I couldn't even legally get help from peers. Unfortunately, my personal circumstances changed, and I now have less time to learn the nuances of iPhone development, so the whole thing has been, in many ways, pretty much a waste for me. But one day, I will be able to get back into development.

jbarr

As a consumer and not an iPhone app developer, Apple's App Store policies do not directly affect me.

I am pleased to see that Apple will now only accept reviews from people who have downloaded or purchased an app. Also, "date released" will be sorted by the initial release date, not by the updates. The store should really have both options although the updater function will eventually find updates to my previously downloaded apps.

In terms of Apple's handling of its developers, there are a number of areas of improvement including guidances on what is acceptable or not, transparency in the review process (how long until the apps shows up on the site), etc. I only know about some of this drama because I read about it, not because I'm a developer.

I can imagine that some developers will become discouraged because of Apple's poor communications, but I will point out that they have undertaken a massive project in a relatively short amount of time, and I consider the App Store launch as very successful, albeit not perfect.

As a consumer, I am quite pleased with the App Store, yet I hope for ongoing improvements because I hold Apple to very high standards in the user experience domain.

Deprong Mori

In my view, Apple should allow competing apps on the iPhone. Could you imagine the outcry if Apple restricted its operating system to only allowing the execution of non-competing, 'Apple-approved' software on Mac OSX? Despite the name 'iPhone', I see the device as more of an extension of our computer than simply a phone. It's a PDA with a phone feature - and as such, Apple should respect users' rights to run whatever they want on their devices.

Solarusdude

Last I heard they were making devs agree to NDA's so that if their app gets rejected, they can't talk about it.

Ortzinator

If its not transparent, its not worth coding for. Simple.

carleeto

I consider my iPhone my mobile computer. But when I come home, I can download 3rd party content on my mac if I think it's better (Firefox, Adium, etc.) So I don't see why I'm not being allowed the option to download alternative apps.

Peechiz

I think it is wrong for them to disallow apps that are perfectly operational and virus free. I think apps that are redundant and repetitive should be welcome and increase competition. We are a capitalistic country and should not allow such communistic ideas. I would like apple to release a statement with their reason for disallowing jailbreaking (besides cracked apps); there is really no reason except to maintain a stronghold on the Appstore and only allow what benefits them.
I am really beginning to dislike apples policies.

Laser1030

If i develop an app, and it gets pulled, I should get my money back.

Paradox460

Bulk of apps are junk. There are handful of apps which are worth anything. Apple needs to do something to encourage developers to write better apps. Apple should also provide a better SDK.

arungupta

@Deprong Mori: As a consumer and not an iPhone app developer, Apple's App Store policies do not directly affect me.

You are most definitely affected by the fact that there are applications which improve upon built-in functionality that are being rejected because Apple wants people using their applications instead of the improved upon versions.

urukhaifive

@qrius: Really, it's a great example of capitalism in action. The big corporation ignores the voice of the people and only focuses on maximizing profit.

urukhaifive

@sti25impreza: I agree with you. With Android coming out and the recent 16% drop in share prices, they will have no other option but to open up the store and probably drop the prices on the iPhone a little. It's all about please the shareholders.

Kent84

Well all the apps I've bought are nice but they are the same as the apps I have from Cydia. They crash occasionally and when App Store want's to upgrade them, it already says that I have the newest version of it. So it's confused.

Akion

@carleeto: Agreed!! Why put your heart and sole into improving applications that don't work and then get rejected cause developers are taking on things Apple considers low-priority.

niketp

I hate the way iPods handle podcasts. I was hoping the app store would offer up the chance for not just one replacement, but a competitive marketplace where a truly good one would emerge. Looks like Apple's not interested in such things.

Not to mention I still want a good file manager and PDF reader. AirSharing is good, but again, that seems like something that would have been prime ground for competition, and not just a single app.

Duane

@Alex7575: Shoot, if I had known that THIS was going to be the wish that was going to come true, I would have made a different wish.

(But yay nonetheless.)

witeowl

@Kent84: What do you know. 2 days after the 16% drop in shares, the Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for iPhone software is gone.

Kent84

What really bothers me about the app restrictions is not being able to run apps in the background. It's this in combination of a no competitive app policy that really bothers me. I'd like to think that I understand where Apple is coming from - wanting to maintain "the apple experience" and simplified troubleshooting but with their current policies I feel I'm being forced to rejailbreak my phone.

eugenedebs

I think the worst rule is that Apple forbids running emulators/VMs and thus forbidding the Palm emultor, JAVA VM and so on...

StephanoBabalon

The thing with apple is that you don't ever really know, they are so secretive with everything. So the only thing we can really say we are missing out on is what we can see with jailbroken devices and what comes out in articles like these. There seems to be some interesting things out there but you can't be sure.

EditorinChief

From a business perspective, many of the apps that were pulled were done so for wholly logical reasons. Take, for an example, the NetShare tethering app. AT&T charges $30/month for the ability to do this. A free app that can do the same would cause a loss of revenue. Another reason an app might be pulled would be because it violates trademarks and rights. A Tetris clone was pulled because EA makes the official Tetris for the iPhone and caused legal trouble.

From the end-user perspective, though, it's tyrannical. If your app is 'too useful', then it'll get pulled. Essentially, only the dumbest survive. Such as the current (as of this writing) app at the top, which emulates a lighter.

nemihara

@Laser1030: I actually even wrote a rant about them on my blog:
[atechkid.blogspot.com]

Laser1030