Apple Introduces App Store Guidelines To Prevent Cloned Apps For iPhone Users
This week, Apple unveiled its latest MacBook and its inaugural mixed reality headset. However, the WWDC 2023 also brought some noteworthy developments that are significant to users. Apple has implemented new policies in the App Store to combat the problem of app clones and imitators.
In fact, the company has gone to the extent of claiming that clone apps violate its App Store rules, potentially getting them blacklisted from the App Store. The new rules clearly state that no developer can use the same code, interface, or even name that is similar to another popular app.
App clones have become a big problem for both Google and Apple in recent years, as developers try to ride the hype of popular apps and make clone versions that sound or look similar to the main apps. Such cases became more common when Wordle became a hit, even though it never had an app for phones.
These changes are likely also related to the threat posed by ChatGPT, which developers use to code and make apps. Apple clearly believes that reviewing App Store policies shows that the company means business and won’t allow developers to flout the rules or else have their apps removed from the App Store, which is a bigger loss for app creators.
However, the company needs to keep a close eye on these apps and make sure that all cloning is done the right way, and Apple doesn’t end up removing apps that may not have violated its App Store rules. Other changes have been mentioned in the App Store policies that include apps that display ads. These applications must have the ability to report ads that are not suitable for certain age groups and other subscription-related changes.
