"Thousands of Semi-Active Apps May Be Caught Up in Latest Apple App Store Purge"

Here’s a rewritten version of the article in a more readable format:

Apple’s App Store Purge: What You Need to Know

The Apple App Store is set to undergo a new purge, with reports emerging that thousands of outdated apps will be removed from the marketplace. But what does this mean for developers and users?

Background on the Issue

Over the years, Apple has taken steps to enforce its guidelines regarding app updates and deprecated features. However, it seems that many developers have been neglecting these requirements, leading to a buildup of outdated apps in the App Store.

The Guidelines

According to Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines (section 2.5.1), developers are required to keep their apps up-to-date, using public APIs and phasing out deprecated features. While Apple may not enforce this guideline consistently, it has done so at a semi-regular cadence over the years.

Previous Purges

In the past, Apple has conducted similar purges of outdated apps, including in 2016 and 2017. These efforts have had a positive impact on the quality of apps available in the App Store, but also led to some controversy among developers who felt that they were being unfairly targeted.

What’s Changed This Time

While the policy itself hasn’t changed, what’s different this time is the fact that developers are feeling empowered to speak out about their concerns. With Apple facing increasing scrutiny over its business practices and potentially new regulations on the horizon, it’s no wonder that developers are pushing back against the App Store operation.

Potential Solutions

One potential solution for developers who see their apps removed from the App Store is to create an "archive" app store featuring their best work from years past. This could give their work an extended life, even after technologies advanced and screen sizes changed.

What’s Next?

As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Apple responds to developer feedback and what changes are made to the App Store operation. One thing is certain – the tech industry is watching closely.

Related Stories