Apple Updates Developer Guidelines Prohibiting Third Party App Promotion

Apple has once again updated its App Developer Guidelines, prohibiting promotion of third party apps and affiliate services, as pointed out by PocketGamer. The update adds a new clause to the guidelines that reads “Apps that display Apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected”, which according to the source, could have a big impact third-party app promotion services that offer developers a paid top slot on app recommendations.

Apple is likely moving to limit external influencers on its app ecosystem, notes the source, though such services drive considerable volumes of downloads and are relied upon by many developers as a key part of their free paid-app promotion or more often, ad-funded free apps.

Tipped off last week by a number of sources, an investigation by PocketGamer.biz has cast light on what appears to be a new clause in the guidelines that restricts apps that provide links to apps that are not your own.

he wording is typically vague, but clause 2.25 appears to give Apple carte blanche to put any app that promotes titles from a different developer out of action.

At the moment, we understand Apple’s likely prime targets are pure app promotion services, such as (but not necessarily including) FreeAppADay, AppoDay, AppGratis, Daily App Dream and AppShopper, amongst others.

However, Apple’s action against apps violating clause 2.25 hasn’t yet been to remove the releases in question, but rather to prevent them from further increasing their influence over apps in the App Store.

What’s your take on this one guys?

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.