Apple asks PCalc devs to remove app widget due to obscure rule
PCalc is one of the most popular utilities on the App Store, and since it made the move to iOS 8 and added Notification Center widget functionality, it got even better. Apple seemed to agree at first, and even promoted the app on its Featured page. Now, PCalc developer James Thomson has revealed on Twitter that Apple is forcing the removal of the app's widget due to a rule that is either brand new or hasn't been enforced thus far.
Apple has told me that Notification Center widgets on iOS cannot perform any calculations, and the current PCalc widget must be removed.
- James Thomson (@jamesthomson) October 29, 2014
"Apple has told me that Notification Center widgets on iOS cannot perform any calculations, and the current PCalc widget must be removed," Thomson wrote, adding that making the PCalc widgets perfect for iOS 8 was one of the most challenging parts of the most recent update. Apple later clarified to Thomson that a widget could only be allowed to accept a formula, but not actually perform a calculation.
It's one thing for an app to run afoul of an obscure Apple guideline, but it's much less common for that to happen to an app that was not only approved but also promoted by Apple. We'll have to wait and see how this one pans out.
