Apple begins mass removal of outdated iPhone apps

Developers of apps for Apple devices have received letters from the company that include a warning. The so-called “App Improvement Messages” contain information that programs that have not received updates for a long time will be removed from the App Store.

The mass purge has already started, so developers need to hustle if they intend to keep their product. They have 30 days to create and release an update. Within a month, they must submit it for review. In case of delay, the app will be removed from the shop.

Pros and cons of mass deletion

The purpose of the purge is to provide a quality service in terms of providing users with updated apps. As new Apple models are released, their functionality is known to improve. With each release of a new version of IOS obsolete programs stop working or the quality of their work simply declines.

By filtering out the “shop”, Apple will, first of all, provide more space for new products. A streamlined app is easier to manage and track changes to it. Despite the seemingly noble goal, not everyone shares such an idea.

Users who already have an outdated app on their devices will be able to continue using it. Removal from the App Store would eliminate necessary checks and also reduce the target audience, as there would be no new users for the app.

Some developers have already started to “rage” and try to challenge this decision of the “Apple” giant. Thus, Robert Kabwe, a representative of Protopop Games studio, said that the company is going to remove a full-fledged game called Motivoto. It has not received an update since 2019, but is a fully functional product.

The creator of the Apple Watch FlickType keyboard, Costa Eleftheriou, voiced his displeasure. He said that the company removed a version of his app that was intended for visually impaired users. The reason was the lack of an update for 2 years. At the same time, Costa added that the App Store still contains Pocket God, which is highly popular, but has not been updated since 2015.

Apple’s response to the protests

According to Apple App Store Improvements, an ongoing evaluation of apps is being implemented and those whose functionality is more unneeded are being removed. That is, if an app doesn’t work as it should and doesn’t comply with current guidelines (outdated), it’s removed. Except that what is “outdated” according to the company is not clear.

Protesters are trying to dissuade Apple from the idea of a mass purge. In their view, access to apps of any age should be maintained. In fact, it should be left as it is with old video games on consoles. Many of them are long since obsolete, but they are still played. “The Apple giant has been accused of disrespecting developers for such a harsh policy, especially the creators of various mobile games.