14 DAY TRIAL // The newly published App Store Review Guidelines are now available to iOS Developer Program Members, Apple has announced on the iOS Dev Center.
The revised documentation provides guidance and examples across a range of iOS development topics.
These include user interface design, functionality, content, and the use of specific technologies to help programmers prepare their software for the approval process.
As noted by Cult of Mac, which has thoughtfully posted the updated wording for the entire world to see, the new App Store Review Guidelines seem to have been written by Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs himself.
The reason for this assumption is the extremely casual language used to describe some of the factors that may or may not facilitate App Store approval.
“We’re thrilled that you want to invest your talents and time to develop applications for iOS,” the introduction begins.
“It has been a rewarding experience – both professionally and financially – for tens of thousands of developers and we want to help you join this successful group. This is the first time we have published our App Store Review Guidelines,” Apple states.
“We hope they will help you steer clear of issues as you develop your app, so that it speeds through the approval process when you submit it.”
Cutting right to the chase, Apple outlines that the company views apps different than books or songs, therefore those who want to criticize a religion, or want to describe sex, are encouraged to go ahead an write a book or a song.
“It can get complicated, but we have decided to not allow certain kinds of content in the App Store. It may help to keep some of our broader themes in mind,” Apple explains.
Another notable quote from Apple is, “We have over 250,000 apps in the App Store. We don’t need any more Fart apps. If your app doesn’t do something useful or provide some form of lasting entertainment, it may not be accepted.”
Other criteria on which Apple may reject an app includes:
- An app that “looks like it was cobbled together in a few days”. Apple explains that it has a lot of serious developers who will want their quality apps to stand out. The company sees this as a priority, and for good reason too.
- Content or behavior that Apple believes is over the line. “What line, you ask? Well, as a Supreme Court Justice once said, ‘I’ll know it when I see it’. And we think that you will also know it when you cross it,” the document reads.
Those whose apps get rejected will need to appeal to the Review Board.
New apps presenting new questions may prompt Apple to revise the App Store Review Guidelines again, the company said.
“If it sounds like we’re control freaks, well, maybe it’s because we’re so committed to our users and making sure they have a quality experience with our products. Just like almost all of you are too,” Apple concludes.