Developers of Screen-Time Monitoring Applications Assert that Apple is Systematically Removing Their Apps from the App Store
Apple has taken action against at least 11 of the 17 most downloaded screen-time and parental control apps on its App Store, according to a report in the New York Times. This move comes as Apple introduced its own screen-time tracker in iOS, causing concern among developers and regulatory bodies.
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, recently claimed that the company is not about maximizing phone usage. However, some developers suggest that Apple is trying to direct users towards its own tools, providing more control over user behavior. Apple ordered developers to eliminate key features or remove apps entirely, citing policy violations such as prohibiting an iPhone from controlling another.
Apple's in-house screen-time features are less granular compared to third-party apps. For instance, Apple's tools don't allow parents to schedule app blockages during specific times, like school hours or family dinners. Additionally, Apple's screen-time features only block adult content on its Safari browser and some apps, not on others like Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
Bruce Chantry, a father of two from Cleveland, found Apple's tool more complex and less restrictive. His children easily bypassed Apple's web filtering tool, and the tool lacked a kill switch to instantly disable certain apps. Hitting the screen-time limit for an app using Apple's tool only returned a prompt to "Ignore Limit."
Fred Stutzman, CEO of screen-time app developer Freedom, expressed doubts about Apple's intentions. He questioned if Apple genuinely wanted users to spend less time on their phones. With the App Store being the sole channel for official access to Apple customers, and Apple controlling a substantial U.S. market share, rejection by its reviewers can be devastating for a company.
Developers of the apps Kidslox and Qustodio have filed complaints with the European Union's competition office, while Kapersky Labs filed an antitrust complaint with Russian authorities in March 2019. Kapersky claimed that Apple said their use of configuration profiles in the Kapersky Safe Kids app was against policy, and refused further negotiations.
Concerns over Apple's control of the App Store and its power over competitors have also led to a legal battle between Apple and Spotify. Meanwhile, Apple has at times appeared to bend its own supposedly strict rules to promote its in-house offerings.
The Times reported that Mobicip's app was threaten with removal, with a 30-day deadline and a short message reading, "If you have any questions about this information, please reply to this message to let us know. Best regards, App Store Review." Mobicip's CEO, Suren Ramasubbu, attempted to communicate with Apple, but received no further guidance until his app was removed.
Apple maintains that it treats all apps equally, and its goal is to provide users with a vibrant app ecosystem.
Enrichment Data:Apple's actions are driven by its commitment to user safety, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements. This involves scrutinizing apps that might maliciously harvest user data, ensuring that apps comply with strict guidelines, and limiting access to certain types of content under EU regulations. Developers respond by ensuring compliance, providing alternative solutions, challenging Apple's decisions through legal means, and engaging in advocacy efforts.
- The tech industry is questioning Apple's intentions, with Fred Stutzman of Freedom app suggesting that Apple's supposed commitment to reducing phone usage may not be genuine, given its control over the App Store and the potential consequences of rejection by Apple's reviewers.
- Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, argues that the company's actions are driven by user safety and compliance with regulatory requirements, but some developers argue that Apple is leveraging its position to direct users towards its own tools, providing more control over user behavior.
- With the prohibition of certain features in third-party apps, developers are now supposedly forced to rely on Apple's less granular in-house screen-time tools, raising concerns about the future of independent app developers and parental control tools.
- In response to Apple's actions, companies like Kapersky Labs have filed antitrust complaints, accusing Apple of using its dominant position in the market to restrict the use of configuration profiles in their apps, potentially violating competition laws.
