Since Twitter suddenly took down the API used by third-party apps in January, popular clients like Tweetbot and Twitterrific instantly stopped functioning.
After blocking the applications' access to Twitter content, the social media firm did not issue a comment about the matter for nearly a week.
Last week, Tweetbot and Twitterrific developers upgraded their defunct apps with additional features, as reported by TechCrunch. By clicking the new "I don't need a refund" option on their nonfunctional apps, they are encouraging subscribers to deny a refund.
Through the Tweetbot app, customers may move their subscription to Ivory, the company's Mastodon client. In Twitterrific, however, it is not allowed to switch subscriptions. The startup did not develop a Mastodon client that may be a viable alternative for subscribers' payment.
Subscribers who sympathize with independent developers may show support by refusing the refund.
Related Story: Twitter Justifies Third-Party Apps' Removal After Breaking Unknown API Rules
Shuttering of Tweetbot, Twitterrific, and Other Twitter Apps
With an official modification to its terms of service, Twitter eventually forbade the creation of any apps that were substantially similar to the official Twitter app.
Without any prior warning or explanation from Twitter, developers of Twitter clients that had been in use for more than a decade were suddenly forced to shut down their services. They even had no opportunity to wind down their operations or notify their users.
Two of the most popular Twitter clients, Tweetbot and Twitterrific, each had thousands of existing subscribers who paid for their services on an annual basis.
Next month, MacRumors said customers would get pro-rated refunds since the applications would not work. This will hurt companies that do not know their revenue will be cut off.
Tweetbot and Twitterific will be liable for these reimbursements. John Gruber of Daring Fireball compares this to a situation when an employee is terminated and then has to repay the previous six months of compensation. The sudden move by Twitter has dealt a devastating financial blow to app developers who have been compelled to cease services.
How to Decline Refunds?
It merely takes two simple actions to decline the refunds.
- Launch Tweetbot/Twitterific.
- Select the "I don't need a refund" button.
Your choice is based on your experience with the apps and if you want to help the developers in a potentially terrible era for companies. Refunds will be provided automatically. So, those who decide not to do this will get a pro-rated refund on Mar. 28.
Because the apps are inactive, the creators cannot reach out to customers. This means few people will open the app to deny the refund. Apple will compel Tapbots and Iconfactory to pay between 70% and 85% of each refund, depending on membership duration.
See Also: Bluesky is Now Available on the App Store; New Twitter Competitor From Jack Dorsey With a Catch
