Apple is upholding its decision to terminate the Apple Developer Account of Appstun, a mobile app company founded by one of its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2021 student winners. According to an announcement on Appstun’s website, Apple decided to shut down the developer’s account after multiple rejections of its app, citing violations of App Store guidelines.
Controversy Over App Rejections
The issue was recently highlighted on X by David Heinemeier Hansson, an Apple critic and CTO of 37signals, who criticized Apple’s control over app developers. Appstun’s co-founders, both young entrepreneurs, have expressed frustration with Apple’s decision, noting that they had attempted to comply with App Store guidelines. Despite their efforts, Apple repeatedly rejected the app designed to create custom Apple Watch faces.
Apple Concerns and Appstun’s Response
Apple’s primary concern was that the app misled users into thinking it offered real watch faces when it showed custom images and animations that did not integrate with the Apple Watch face system. These animations could potentially drain the iPhone Watch battery faster. iPhone was also worried that customers might not understand the distinction between a traditional watch face and the animated images provided by Appstun’s app.
Appstun tried to address these concerns by adding notifications within the app to clarify that the offerings were not real watch faces. However, iPhone decided to terminate its developer account after continued disputes over the app’s compliance with App Store rules.
Apple Accusations of Misleading Behavior and User Complaints
Apple maintains that Appstun’s app misled users about its features and functionalities and used deceptive marketing practices, resulting in negative ratings and reviews. User complaints included disappointment that the app’s custom animations did not function as actual watch faces. Some users even questioned whether Appstun had the necessary permissions to mimic well-known watch brands like Rolex, leading to accusations of fraud.
ADeveloper Code of Conduct and Broader Context
Apple cited its Developer Code of Conduct, specifically guideline 5.6, which warns that “repeated manipulative or misleading behavior or other fraudulent conduct will lead to your removal from the iPhone Developer Program.” The iPhone has historically faced criticism for not adequately policing the App Store, allowing apps with misleading practices to thrive.
Broader Implications for App Store Governance
Apple’s decision to terminate Appstun’s account may reflect its growing need to demonstrate effective governance of the App Store amid regulatory scrutiny. The company recently reported preventing $1.8 billion in App Store fraud in 2023 and stated it had rejected or removed thousands of apps for violating guidelines. This case highlights the balance Apple must strike between enforcing its rules and maintaining a fair developer environment.
