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Apple revises App Store guidelines on children and gambling apps
Developer guidelines for getting into Apple's good graces have never been static, but today's update to the App Review Guidelines revealed a few more notable changes than usual. Specifically, the folks in Cupertino have unveiled new rules regarding gambling and children's apps. With the former, all gambling apps that offer real money need to be free, have proper licensing and permissions, be restricted in areas that disallow it and can't offer credit through in-app purchases. As for the latter, children's apps must now reflect an additional restriction in the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) that prevents developers from collecting media-related data like photos and videos from minors. Further, all apps for kids now require a privacy policy, behavioral advertising restrictions and a prompt for parental permission prior to any in-app purchase. As iTunes has recently allowed kids under 13 to have their own accounts, certain apps may also ask for a child's birth date, but only in accordance with current privacy statutes. iOS devs interested in making the App Store cut should certainly take heed of the new guidelines and get to coding -- at least while they still can.
Apple's App Store Review Guidelines: Some juicy bits
We've been busily going through the App Store Review Guidelines that Apple released to developers this morning, and we're surprised (and happy) to find direct, blunt language which makes Apple's requirements crystal clear. Here are a few gems. Line 8 is a standout: "We have over 250,000 apps in the App Store. We don't need any more Fart apps. If your app doesn't do something useful or provide some form of lasting entertainment, it may not be accepted." From line 9: "If your App looks like it was cobbled together in a few days, or you're trying to get your first practice App into the store to impress your friends, please brace yourself for rejection. We have lots of serious developers who don't want their quality Apps to be surrounded by amateur hour." You'll remember Steve also said "amateur hour" during last week's press event. Here's line 10: "We will reject Apps for any content or behavior that we believe is over the line. What line, you ask? Well, as a Supreme Court Justice once said, 'I'll know it when I see it'. And we think that you will also know it when you cross it." Line 12 ends with a punch: "This is a living document, and new apps presenting new questions may result in new rules at any time. Perhaps your app will trigger this." Finally, the introduction concludes with a subtle barb: "If it sounds like we're control freaks, well, maybe it's because we're so committed to our users and making sure they have a quality experience with our products. Just like almost all of you are too." Almost all of you. The introduction sounds like it was copied verbatim from Steve Jobs' own mouth. We're looking at the rules themselves now, but here's the gist: Go ahead and use 3rd party apps, keeping the following in mind: Don't submit 3rd-party apps that download code Don't make crap Help us make a kick-ass experience for everyone Good work, Apple. [Via Engadget]
