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Apple has now updated its App Store Review Guidelines. In addition to using the "Rosetta" trademark in app descriptions and banning applications that promote illegal substances, the company has clarified further details regarding its game streaming services.
The updated App Store Review Guidelines were published today by Apple on the Apple Developer Portal and emailed to registered developers. Apple reiterates that apps that promote the use of tobacco, vaping, illegal drugs, or excessive alcohol consumption are not allowed on the App Store, nor are apps that encourage minors to use these substances. The new guidelines also require the developer to provide information that reflects the app experience, including the new App Store privacy labels. Apple has made it clearer that app descriptions and screenshots must not have references to other apps or contain inappropriate content. Point 2.3 states:
2.3: It was clarified which information must accurately reflect the core app experience: “Customers should know what they are getting when they download or purchase your app, so make sure all your app metadata, including privacy information, your app description, screenshots and previews accurately reflect the core app experience and remember to keep it up to date with new versions.
App Store Review Guidelines: Developers are no longer allowed to use “Rosetta”
Interestingly, Apple is now asking developers to stop using "Rosetta" as an example of outdated technology. This is likely due to the fact that the new M1 Macs rely on Rosetta 2 to run Intel apps. The company presumably wants to avoid confusing users. The new guidelines also provide more clarity on the App Store's in-app purchase system. First, Apple states that gift cards, certificates, vouchers, and coupons redeemable for digital services must be sold through in-app purchases. Apps that offer tipping options for developers should also use the App Store payment system.
More clarity for game streaming services
Apple also announced today that game streaming services are generally allowed in the App Store. However, the titles must be available as a separate app in the App Store. The company had already included some of the rules in this regard in the App Store Review Guidelines in September last year.
3.1.2(a): Clarified how certain games can offer a subscription through third-party apps and services: “Games offered in a Streaming Game Service subscription may offer a single subscription shared across third-party apps and services; however, they must be downloadable directly from the App Store, must be designed to avoid double payment by a subscriber, and should not disadvantage non-subscribers.
Apple also added a new rule that requires developers to obtain explicit permission from users before tracking them, which is part of the new App Tracking Transparency APIs. The new APIs, included in iOS 14.5, allow developers to measure the effectiveness of ad clicks within iOS apps that navigate to a website while maintaining user privacy. If you want to see the full changes to the App Store Review Guidelines, you can find them here. here. (Photo by bigtunaonline / Bigstockphoto)
