Apple has sent notices to some app developers, warning them that their app will be removed from the App Store if it is not updated within 30 days.
The tech giant has had its policy in place against old and abandoned apps since 2016, but the new version of the policy suggests that it is now more rigorously enforcing the rule.
Apple Extends Deadline For App Update
App developers heavily criticized Apple's policy for being a barrier to independent developers, what with how tough it is to keep up with Apple App Store's changes and how much work it takes to roll out an update, according to Engadget.
Now, the iPhone-maker published a post clarifying why some outdated apps are in danger of being removed from the platform, along with the announcement that it is giving developers more time to roll out updates.
The tech giant said in a statement that it would only send removal notices to developers with apps that have not been updated since 2019.
Developers with apps that have only been downloaded a few times will also receive a removal notice.
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Apple said that dropping outdated apps makes newer ones more discoverable and ensures that the users can enjoy games optimized for its latest software and devices.
There are older apps that do not work as well on the latest generation of iPhones, Mac laptops, and tablets anymore, delivering a subpar user experience.
Still, 30 days may not be enough time for smaller developers to roll out an update. The good news is that the tech giant has extended its grace period and is now giving them up to 90 days to update their applications.
Users will get to keep apps already installed on their devices even if they end up getting deleted by Apple. Developers can also continue earning from them through microtransactions.
Apple Responds to Developers' Complaints
Tech Times reported that right after Apple released the statement about removing old apps from App Store, several developers complained about the new policy.
App Developers Robert Kabwe, and Emilia Lazer-Walker, told The Verge that they got emails from the tech giant, and both expressed dismay that they only had limited time to update their apps on the platform.
Some said that Apple's policy is unfair to independent developers. They are also concerned that the tech giant will wipe away an entire class of apps.
Apple's statement did not clarify the reason why the company did not apply the same app rule consistently. Kosta Eleftheriou, a developer whose app was created for the visually impaired, said that his app was removed from the platform after it was not updated for two years.
However, he noted that games like "Pocket God," which had not been updated for seven years, are still on the App Store. According to The Verge, Apple keeps popular apps on the platform regardless of whether they are updated or not.
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This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Sophie Webster
