Apple to Require Developers to Add User Account Deletion Function In-App

On iOS and macOS, it’s going to get easier to rid yourself of an app and the user account to which it’s linked.

According to a new developer update (via The Verge), Apple is requiring iOS and macOS developers to add a user account deletion function within the applicable apps by January 31, 2022.

Apple says that the future account deletion requirement will only apply to new apps and updates that are submitted for App Store review starting January 31, so any app that is already live will be fine — so long as it’s never updated.

“The updates to App Store Review Guideline 5.1.1 last June provided users with greater control over their personal data, stating that all apps that allow for account creation must also allow users to initiate deletion of their account from within the app,” reads the update. “This requirement applies to all app submissions starting January 31, 2022.”

The rules also apply to apps that rely on a social network, such as Facebook or Twitter, for user account creation. The App Store guidelines say: “The app must also include a mechanism to revoke social network credentials and disable data access between the app and social network from within the app.”

Apple’s tweaking of App Store rules is something that works against developers in a lot of instances, but this one is squarely aimed at helping customers ensure their accounts are easily deleted when they want that to happen.