Apple Defends VPN App Removals in Russia to Preserve App Store Access
Apple justifies removing nearly 100 VPN services and independent media apps from its Russian App Store, claiming compliance with local regulations prevents a total service ban. Despite sanctions, Apple maintains 12% of Russia's smartphone market through indirect iPhone imports.
Child Safety Concerns Mount as Apple's App Store Found Hosting Age-Inappropriate Content
Investigation reveals hundreds of apps on Apple's App Store inappropriately rated as child-safe, including AI dating simulators and drug-dealing games. The findings highlight serious content moderation issues and call for independent oversight of age ratings.
Mobile App Market Shows Mixed Signals: Downloads Drop While Revenue Soars to $127B
Global app downloads declined 2.3% in 2024, yet consumer spending reached $127 billion, up 15.7% year-over-year. Apple's App Store dominated revenue growth with $91.6B, while subscription-based apps emerged as key revenue drivers despite representing only 5% of total apps.
Apple Secures Temporary Victory Against Brazil's App Store Payment System Mandate
A Brazilian federal court has suspended an antitrust ruling that would have forced Apple to allow third-party payment systems in its App Store. The judge deemed the original order 'disproportionate,' providing Apple temporary relief from daily $43,000 fines while the broader investigation continues.
Apple's Tightening Grip: Game Emulators Face Mounting App Store Challenges
Apple's relationship with game emulators grows increasingly complex as popular apps face rejection despite initial platform openness. The company's inconsistent approval process leaves developers frustrated while raising questions about its true stance on emulation software.
Brazil Challenges Apple's App Store Control with $43,000 Daily Fine Threat
Brazil's antitrust regulator demands Apple remove restrictions on in-app payment methods within 20 days or face substantial daily penalties. The ruling joins global regulatory pressure pushing Apple to reconsider its App Store monetization policies.
Apple Unveils 45 Finalists for 2024 App Store Awards, Including Vision Pro Category
Apple has announced its prestigious App Store Awards finalists for 2024, featuring 45 outstanding apps and games across 12 categories. The expanded program now includes a dedicated category for Vision Pro apps, highlighting exceptional achievements in user experience, design and innovation across Apple's platforms.
Popular TV Tracking App TV Time Battles App Store Removal Over Copyright Dispute
TV Time, a widely-used entertainment tracking platform with 30 million users, was temporarily removed from Apple's App Store due to a DMCA complaint over user-uploaded content. The incident highlights Apple's significant control over app distribution and raises concerns about the company's handling of intellectual property disputes.
App Store Giants Face Scrutiny Over 'Shadow IP Enforcement' Practices
Google and Apple's app store policies are under fire for their opaque intellectual property rules and takedown procedures. Small developers argue these practices, coupled with the platforms' market dominance, are harming their businesses and calling for more transparent systems.
EU App Store Enforces New 'Trader' Requirements for Developers
Apple now mandates EU app developers to provide contact information on the App Store, complying with the Digital Services Act. This requirement affects all monetizing developers and raises privacy concerns for smaller operations.