Apple has decided to update its developer app review guidelines for the iOS App Store this week, adding new clauses that attempt to address appropriate usage of ARKit, Face ID, and more.
According to a new report from 9to5Mac, the guidelines state that ARKit apps must offer “rich and integrated augmented reality experiences,” suggesting that simple demo and cookie-cutter apps will be rejected. It remains to be seen how strictly the rules will be enforced, but it seems like Apple doesn’t want the store flooded with simple apps.
Another guideline forbids any apps that may market themselves as “including content or services that it does not actually offer” – specifically iOS-based virus and malware scanners, which of course have always been nonsense.
One of the new guidelines states that developers making use of the LocalAuthentication framework to enable Face ID unlock are now required to offer an alternative method of unlocking the phone for children under the age of 13.
Additionally, in terms of privacy, Apple is making it clear that you may not attempt to identify other people or guess their user profiles based on ARKit’s facial mapping tools, explicitly banning data mining on ARKit facial data.
Apple explicitly calls out apps that “facilitate human trafficking and/or the exploitation of children” are not allowed in the App Store. Obviously, these kind of apps were always illegal, but Apple is making it plain that it will notify authorities if such abuse is found.
iOS 11 app updates have already started to show up on the App Store, and new apps that requite iOS 11 will be released alongside the software on Tuesday, September 19.
You can check out the full list of App Store review guidelines here.
