Apple to remove uninspiring apps from its App Store

Apple has warned developers that a number of their applications are at risk of being removed from the App Store if they are not updated or fail to attract user interest. Through its updated App Review guidelines this week, Apple stated it would take firm action against apps deemed overly generic and which have many similar products in its store. “We may remove those apps from the App Store in the future if they are not updated, improved, or fail to attract customers,” Apple said. The company highlighted the practice of developers creating new variations of app categories that are already widely available or mimicking popular apps without offering meaningful added value. These categories include wallpaper apps, simple timers, sound effects, dating apps, digital torch apps, and fortune-telling apps. Apple also warned that developers who repeatedly submit such apps risk losing access to the Apple Developer Program. According to Apple, these apps are already so common on the App Store that new ones will only be accepted if they can offer a significantly different experience or feature enhancements compared to existing apps. The technology giant believes that reducing low-quality apps helps to declutter the App Store catalogue, making it easier for users to find more relevant apps and providing greater opportunities for developers who continue to invest in their product quality. The company explained that it has an App Store Improvements mechanism which notifies developers if their application has become outdated or is experiencing a decline in downloads, giving them an opportunity to update and improve the app before facing the risk of removal.