Apple is now allowing developers to challenge App Store rules. Apps that are already on the App Store will no longer need to resolve guideline violations before Apple approves bug fixes unless those violations are related to legal issues. And Apple will allow developers to suggest changes to its guidelines.
Apple announced that these changes are live and explained that while guideline violations won’t hold up bug fixes, developers will need to address guideline violations in their next submissions.
“For apps that are already on the App Store, bug fixes will no longer be delayed over guideline violations except for those related to legal issues. You’ll instead be able to address guideline violations in your next submission,” reads a note posted to Apple’s developer website. “And now, in addition to appealing decisions about whether an app violates guidelines, you can suggest changes to the guidelines.”
These changes, announced shortly after that debacle, could avoid a similar situation from happening in the future. But less than two weeks ago, Apple reportedly blocked WordPress app updates to force in-app purchase support, and Apple is fighting another battle with Epic Games, which recently started offering Fortnite discounts for players who bypass App Store purchases.
It’s unclear how the developer appeals process will work with Apple, as the only company to have publicly said it contacted Apple about an appeal was Facebook, which said Apple did not respond to its request about its Facebook Gaming app. It’s unclear whether Apple stiffed Facebook because it felt like it or if it was because the appeals process simply wasn’t officially live yet. But hopefully the process of getting an appeal started with Apple is now more formalized, so you don’t have to be a giant corporation to get the ball rolling if you feel you have a legitimate grievance worth investigating.
Here’s the Apple developer note in full:
The App Store is dedicated to providing a great experience for everyone. To continue offering a safe place for users to download apps and helping you successfully develop apps that are secure, high-quality, reliable, and respectful of user privacy, we’ve updated the app review process as announced at WWDC20. For apps that are already on the App Store, bug fixes will no longer be delayed over guideline violations except for those related to legal issues. You’ll instead be able to address guideline violations in your next submission. And now, in addition to appealing decisions about whether an app violates guidelines, you can suggest changes to the guidelines. We also encourage you to submit your App Store and Apple development platform suggestions so we can continue to improve experiences for the developer community.
