We submitted our Geeky Gadgets iPhone App to Apple for approval about three weeks ago. I have just received an email from our developer which explains why the app hasn’t been approved.
Apple wants us to remove the contest section from the application, which links to the contest category on Geeky Gadgets. Their reason behind this is that they can’t guarantee the validity of the contests, and for legal reasons, it has to be removed.
Apple’s Strict App Store Policies
Apple’s stringent policies for app approval are well-known, but they often lead to frustration among developers. The primary concern Apple has cited in our case is the inability to verify the legitimacy of the contests we run. This is understandable to some extent, as Apple aims to protect users from potential scams and legal issues. However, it raises questions about consistency and fairness in their approval process.
For instance, there are numerous apps currently available in the App Store that feature contest sections. These apps, from other technology websites, run contests and their contest posts appear in their iPhone Apps without any issues. This inconsistency can be quite frustrating for developers who put in significant effort to comply with Apple’s guidelines.
Impact on User Experience
The removal of the contest section from our app is not just a minor tweak; it significantly impacts the user experience. Contests are a popular feature on Geeky Gadgets, attracting a lot of engagement from our readers. By removing this section, we are stripping away a part of what makes our app unique and engaging.
Moreover, the contest section is not just about giveaways; it also fosters a sense of community among our readers. People enjoy participating in contests, sharing them with friends, and discussing them in the comments. Removing this feature could lead to a decrease in user engagement and satisfaction.
I have to admit I am pretty annoyed with Apple, especially seeing some of the apps that are in the App Store at the moment. They have also said that if they notice a contest blog post in the app, it will have to be deleted from the server. This adds another layer of complexity, as we will need to constantly monitor and update the app to ensure compliance.
Next Steps and Future Plans
So, we will be re-submitting the app to Apple shortly, and are hoping that it will be approved soon, albeit in a somewhat stripped-down format from what we had originally planned. This experience has been a learning curve for us, highlighting the challenges developers face when trying to bring innovative features to their apps.
In the meantime, we are exploring alternative ways to engage our users. One possibility is to enhance other sections of the app, such as adding more interactive content or exclusive articles. We are also considering running contests directly on our website and promoting them through the app, although this is not an ideal solution.
We are committed to providing the best possible experience for our users, and we will continue to find ways to innovate within the constraints set by Apple. While this setback is disappointing, it has also motivated us to think creatively and find new ways to engage our audience.
In conclusion, while Apple’s strict policies can be frustrating, they are in place to protect users. However, the inconsistency in their application of these policies can be a significant hurdle for developers. We hope that by re-submitting our app and making the necessary changes, we can get it approved and continue to provide valuable content to our users. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this process.
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