Apple’s iPhone App approval process has come under quite a bit of criticism recently, and with good reason. The app approval process has to be one of the most inconsistent processes in the tech industry. Developers and users alike have expressed frustration over the seemingly arbitrary decisions made by Apple’s review team.
The Case of iRwego
The latest application to come under the spotlight is called iRwego. This app features artwork of Super Mario as well as over a minute of music from the Super Mario game. Now, all this would be fine if it was licensed by Nintendo, but it isn’t. The use of copyrighted material without permission is a clear violation of intellectual property laws, and yet, somehow, this app managed to slip through Apple’s review process.
So how did this application get approved in the first place? We have no idea, but we can expect the app to be pulled from the iTunes app store very soon. If you want it, you had better be quick, although it is hardly worth the $0.99. Here is a video of it in action.
Inconsistencies in Apple’s Approval Process
It amazes me that Apple approves applications like this, while many legitimate apps face significant hurdles. For instance, we have had so many problems getting a simple reader application approved. The criteria for approval seem to be inconsistent and opaque, leaving developers in the dark about what is required for their apps to be accepted.
The approval process is supposed to ensure that apps meet Apple’s standards for quality and security. However, the approval of iRwego, an app that blatantly violates copyright laws, raises questions about the effectiveness of this process. It also highlights the need for greater transparency and consistency in Apple’s review procedures.
We are hoping that the Geeky Gadgets iPhone App will appear in iTunes any day now, but who knows? We could still be waiting for its approval in 2010. This uncertainty is frustrating for developers who invest time and resources into creating apps, only to face delays and rejections without clear explanations.
Moreover, the inconsistency in the approval process can have significant financial implications. Developers rely on timely approvals to launch their apps and generate revenue. Delays can result in missed opportunities and lost income, especially for small developers who may not have the resources to endure prolonged waiting periods.
In conclusion, while Apple’s app approval process is intended to maintain a high standard for the App Store, its current implementation leaves much to be desired. The approval of apps like iRwego, which clearly violate copyright laws, undermines the credibility of the process. At the same time, legitimate apps face unnecessary hurdles, causing frustration and financial strain for developers. It is crucial for Apple to address these issues and implement a more transparent and consistent approval process.
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