Apple Moves to Ban 5,000 Inappropriate Apps Ahead of iPad Launch

Softpedia reported last week that Apple had made a few policy changes regarding adult material found or being submitted in the iTunes App Store. A developer shared his story with the world, revealing that Apple had become intolerant to so-called inappropriate applications, while a new report now claims that more than 5,000 such applications have been removed from the venue.

AppleInsider reveals that the creator of the rejected “Wobble iBoobs” application claimed to have had a discussion with Apple in which he learned the company had removed more than 5,000 offending applications from the App Store. The New York Times now reports that Apple said it was responding to complaints from regular App Store users, when asked about the change.

The report offers a few statements from Apple’s Head of Worldwide Product Marketing, Philip W. Schiller, who said in an interview that a small number of developers had been submitting “an increasing number of apps containing very objectionable content,” over the last few weeks. He explained, “It came to the point where we were getting customer complaints from women who found the content getting too degrading and objectionable, as well as parents who were upset with what their kids were able to see.” Schiller reportedly added that Apple had to prioritize its customers, noting, “We obviously care about developers, but in the end have to put the needs of the kids and parents first.”

The report suggests that the popularity of the iPod touch among children of all ages will translate into similar demand for the iPad, Apple’s latest-unveiled product. A slate-shaped tablet device, the iPad boasts an even bigger screen and better web-browsing capabilities, as well as an ability to run most of the applications living in the iTunes App Store. Apple seems keen on removing any inappropriate content ahead of its public release, also because the device may prove to be a good educational tool.

“At the end of the day, Apple has a brand to maintain,” Gene Munster, an analyst at Piper Jaffray, said. “And the bottom line is they want that image to be squeaky clean,” the analyst, who watched Apple closely, shared. “The reality is that the iPad is going to be a big platform for apps,” Mr. Munster said. “It raises the bar for Apple in terms of policing what goes into the App Store,” he concluded.