The iPhone App Store's
arbitrary and
inconsistent approval process continues to
baffle and annoy on every level, as
Macworld Editor-in-Chief Jason Snell just had his iPhone book rejected... for using the word "iPhone" in the title. Apparently Apple doesn't like app names or icons to include the word iPhone or images of the iPhone -- which arguably makes sense on some level -- but you'd think a freaking
iPhone reference manual would warrant an exception, wouldn't you? Making matters worse, it appears that one Mr. David Pogue didn't have this problem, as his iPhone: The Missing Manual was approved with title and icon intact. Sigh. Phil Schiller --
deploy!
Update: And just like that, Apple has reversed its stance and
approved the app unchanged. Internet high-fives all around. [Warning: iTunes link]
posted November 3rd 2009 2:56PM
Now Apple will ban the magazine for containing the word MAC in the title!
Apple will reject itself one day.
So why is it when I do a search in the app store for "iPhone" quite a few apps come up with the name iPhone being used?
I'm guessing that Apple doesn't like Macworld (hence leaving them), and don't want people to associate Macworld with Apple branding. David Pogue, being their go-to guy at the NYTimes, is a different story. Don't wanna do anything to upset him.
I'll bet dollars to donuts that had something to do with it.
Would Apple reject Satan?
Yet again reaffirming my belief that Andriod is just an all around better platform because you really don't have to deal with this type of crap. *Waits for my upgrade on Verizon to come up so I can get a Driod, Eris, or Calgary*
What's with all these people shitting on Apple? Yeh they're app store approval process sucks but the general public don't give a crap, and for the most part it works. Seems like its a new trend to say bad things about apple, you people call APPLE FANS iclones!
And to the person who said, Why would you want one? Why the hell wouldn't you want one, you people can say what you want about Apple and the iPhone but 10 million people aren't stupid and they bought the iPhone for a reason, because it IS an amazing phone, which has been a complete game changer! Yeh there's loads of good alternatives but that doesn't mean the iPhone is all of a sudden just for people who want to look cool! And are some of you people actually trying to deny that the massive amount of touchscreen phones now targeted at the general public wasn't anything to do with Apple? Seriously people.
Best downrate my comment now coz im not joining the Apple haters band wagon.
It's a sign the iPhone is losing mindshare just as IE did after firefox took off. Nobody on the internet wants to seek approval or be controlled by anyone.
"Why the hell wouldn't you want on" - it being an AT&T exclusive in the US is more then enough reason for me. A hell of a good reason in fact! The best phone in the world ain't worth shit if it's exclusive available on a gimped network like AT&T's.
Yeah, but the amount of apps that make it through the approval process is still more than what's on android
HOW DARE THEY?!!?!??!?!
*insert ignorant Apple hating outrage*
Jack.
Yeah I'm an Apple hater even though I've owned every generation of the iPhone, and currently own a 3GS. You might be willing to follow Apple blindly like some love sick puppy, wag your tail, roll over and let them stroke your stomach, but I'm not. I love my iPhone, but if Apple fucks ups, I'll be the first to call em out on it.
Engadget your comment posting system leaves a lot to be desired! As you can tell guys that was meant for a different thread.
You may just be my hero. I'm in the same position. Cant stand the iphone lemming phenomenon!!!
So inferior......
You obviously didn't read my post... at all. I specifically said I didn't like this decision either, so your entire "blindly following Apple" speech can just go right out the window, thanks. If you had been paying attention, you would have seen that I was saying that you need to understand that Apple has every right to do ANYTHING THEY WANT with their hardware and software.
Period. THE END. It doesn't mean I agree with it, it means they have the right to do it. Do you understand the difference? You originally said "who do they think they are", which was just a very stupid thing to say.
@ Jack,
No that was not a stupid statement, when I asked that question I was refering to Apple's arrogance and conciet. If you can't see that then you're blinder than I thought.
Apple has become the most loved and hated company in America. it's amazing how Engadget is always bias and looks for every reason to publish anything regarding Apple.I just have one question: how come sales figures for the Iphone in china has not been published yet?
Why do comments in an iPhone or Android related article always have to turn into a fanboy's flame war?
I have an iPhone, and i like it for being that: an iPhone. It suits my lifestyle and it combines two of my most used devices, my phone and my iPod.
On the other hand, android looks equally as awesome. Android has Google's do-what-you-want ethics behind it. It looks fantastic, and android is sleek, stylish and fast.
All these fanboys don't seem to understand that you can own an iPhone, and still love android!
If i had the choice to buy again, i would stick with my iPhone, just because i like the appearance of the device itself. The SINGLE REASON I HAVE FOR NOT BUYING AN ANDROID DEVICE is because i do not like the devices android come on. That is all. If you could put android on an iPhone, i would happily stand at the front of the line. If I had the money, I would buy one of each, I just can't afford two contracts.
Sure, I will 100% agree that apple have become the censorship kings of the world, and it's the same with the AT&T situation: the device can be good, but the providers can be crap. Personally, being in the UK, i don't have to deal with the hell that is AT&T. Instead, i have to live with the hell that is O2. I need my data, visual voicemail and call conferencing you know.
I love the iPhone.
I love Android.
Amen
I don't really know much about android, but I love my iPhone for the simplicity, having an iPod (seriously, iPods are like the only used MP3 player nowadays, the fact the every person says iPod instead of MP3 player speaks for itself), and all the cool apps, like Rockband!
Being in Canada, I'm on Rogers, and am really glad it's not like AT&T (even though they're partners). But all this stuff about if one things good, then everything else has to be bad, like instead of there being 1-10 stars for ratings, there's only 100 and -0. I like Apple, and Microsoft, but hate Zunes and Macs, and love Windows and iPhones/iPods! Also I love my Xbox 360, but may get a PS3 as well, life doesn't have to be in 1's and 0's.
...and this is why I'm jumping ship and picking up my new Droid on Friday.
I think Apple's Acceptance policy is based on the Engadget comments system.
Just randomly now again it decides "Nah. Not in the mood. Rejected."
lmao
Don't forget the Trillian folks: 75 days of "Still reviewing" with no other status updates, whatsoever.
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/trillian-75-day-limbo-pocket-veto/
I think the training manual for the reps doing apps approvals is like this:
1. If it looks like copyright infringement, it probably is. Reject.
2. If you have any doubts at all about the app, reject.
3. If you think you need to ask your supervisor if an app should be approved, reject.
4. Any apps by possible competitors to Apple should be rejected.
5. If the app makes it past the previous 4 rules, approve.
* Bad press is still press. So, reject with no remorse!
At least, that's what I think...
It is just like the moderators on the Apple Communities/FAQ! Spotty rejections at bets, random at their worst...
I think, that every morning when the apple approval people come in every morning with their coffee, they but 5$ in a pot, and the employee with the most ridiculous (but somehow in any remote way a violation to the strictest rule) rejection gets it. I'm glad they approved Rockband, that games friggin unbelievable, totally worth 10$
He breached the SDK Agreement. They have the right to reject the App:
http://adcdownload.apple.com/iphone/iphone_sdk_3.1.2__final/ea0574_iphone_sdk.pdf
2.5 No Other Permitted Uses:
This Agreement does not grant You any rights to use any trademarks, logos or service marks belonging to Apple, including but not limited to the iPhone or iPod word marks. If You make reference to any Apple products or technology or use Apple’s trademarks, You agree to comply with the published guidelines at http://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/guidelinesfor3rdparties.html, as modified by Apple from time to time.
He agreed to that agreement when he joined the iPhone Dev program. This would apply to any other kind of Dev program.
I don't think this is a totally unfair policy, but I think Apple needs to extend this to other brands. For example there is a Twitter client named simply "Twitter", even though it is not developed by Twitter itself. It consistently sells in the top 10 Social Networking apps even though it is low ranked (around 2 or 2.5 stars). If it didn't use the name Twitter I doubt anyone would really use it. There are lots of examples of apps that use this tactic.
I'm waiting for the Dummies Guide to iDiots. to come out. I bet if Macworld use the word iDiots Superguide it would have gotten published.
Hahaha. It's great not to be an apple fanboi!
And that's just ONE of the reasons why I hate Apple!
Wow... that's pretty lame.
And this is exactly why I've purchased a Touch Pro2 instead of an Iphone. Co-incidentally, my girlfriend loves her Iphone 3gs, and dad loves his 3g, but I've never been fond of Apple policies like this one. It's only when it's userbase makes a big stink on the internet do they seemingly reverse their actions in embarassment.
This isn't to say Microsoft is better, but there are better phones out there.
Time to rename your manual to: "The complete guide for $this" And resubmit :P