App Store: what does the new rule 4.2.6 change for app owners?

Applications created using templates and other app-generation services are now prohibited. When the company revised its policies earlier in the year, the objective was to reduce the number of low-quality apps and spam. However, the decision ended up affecting a much broader market, including small businesses, restaurants, non-profit organisations, clubs, and others that lack the in-house expertise or funding to build fully custom applications from scratch.
Apple's new rule aims to offer greater clarity on the type of applications that will or will not be accepted on the App Store.

Rule 4.2.6 before the change

Applications created from a commercialised template or an app-generation service will be rejected.

Rule 4.2.6 after the change

Applications created from a commercialised template or an app-generation service will be rejected unless they are submitted directly by the app's content provider.

These services must not submit applications on behalf of their clients, and must offer tools enabling those clients to create personalised, innovative apps that deliver unique customer experiences.

The aim is for the application to offer genuine added value for App Store users. It must of course comply with all other App Store guidelines, including those under group "4.2 – Minimum functionality". There is even a free Apple Developer account available: if the app's content publisher is a US-based non-profit entity, an accredited educational institution, or a government entity, they can obtain a developer licence from Apple at no cost.

The review process

GoodBarber has committed to ensuring that its users comply with rule 4.2.6. An iOS application validation process has therefore been put in place, costing €290 per project; it guides users through maximising the added value of their projects and ensures compliance with the App Store guidelines. Every time a user submits a project, they will need to follow this process.

In practical terms, what is the new procedure?

Apple requires that every application on the App Store be published by the company or organisation behind the application.

For example, in the case of a local authority, the application must be submitted using that authority's own Apple Developer account — not the personal developer account of the employee managing the project, nor the developer account of the service provider building the application.

Why this change in Apple's policy?

Apple originally created this rule because it believes applications should offer a high-quality experience, differentiate themselves from one another, and above all not be confused with the web. They are intended to offer a deeper, richer experience. This is Apple's attempt to clarify its thinking around template-based applications.

This is not the first time Apple has evolved, always with the aim of improving the user experience. Many people disagree with how the new rule is being applied, but regardless, compliance is mandatory and must be adhered to by everyone.

So take great care and check today that the developer account associated with your iOS projects matches the content publisher of those projects. It is mandatory that they be the same person or the same organisation. If they are not, it is essential that you bring yourself into compliance as quickly as possible. Solutions exist to transfer an application from one developer account to another. Support is there to help you do so.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

UGC, the future of marketing: how user-generated content can revolutionise your marketing strategy

by Yumea, 7 March 2023

UGC (User Generated Content) is changing the game in the world of marketing. With the rise of social media and content-sharing platforms, the … READ MORE

Category: News , Getting visible online , Social media

Comments: 0

How to use Instagram to reach your audience and drive traffic to your website

by Yumea, 1 February 2023

Social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses looking to reach their target audience and drive traffic to their website. With more than 3.8 billion active users … READ MORE

Category: Getting visible online , Instagram , Social media

Comments: 0

7 Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools you should know about in 2023

by Yumea, 12 January 2023

In 2023, there are numerous websites using artificial intelligence (AI) to help users write content and generate images. If you are looking for tools to help you … READ MORE

Category: News

Comments: 0