Re:How to Make $80k per Month on the Apple App Store (2017)
by btown on Sunday March 17, 2019 @10:01PM
(#19418171)
It's interesting that you say "this devalues the App Store in the long run." Because since there's no way to use an alternate app store on iOS products, Apple would only be at risk if the idea that "iOS apps are scammy" starts to enter the mainstream zeitgeist and change deeply-ingrained product choice decisions. Before that happens, the story would be picked up by mainstream media, not just a Medium blog. And at that point, Apple could hire the anti-scam team they should have hired in the first place, fire nobody, issue a veiled apology, and move forwards. Some will gripe, but Apple will almost certainly escape unscathed from a public-trust perspective. It's entirely rational - saddeningly so - for them to be reactive rather than proactive to these types of apps.
The correct response is to publicize these types of findings, have journalists and lawmakers demand accountability, and accelerate the transition towards voluntary self-regulation. Tech needs its muckrakers [0] just like any other industry, and we shouldn't expect companies to change without them.
Given the frequency with which we hear of legitimate apps being removed or rejected by Apple, one can't even argue that Apple is just not paying enough attention.
I don't say this often, but someone at Apple should be fired over this. This devalues the App Store in the long run, because it will teach Apple users not to trust their only source for apps; and that will lead them away from Apple products.