Ask HN: How is Clubhouse allowed to be on the App Store?

Posted by newbie578 on Saturday February 27, 2021 @07:16PM
from the ask-hn dept.

I just tried downloading Clubhouse on my iPad, and I noticed I cannot do anything with it, since I do not have an invite. Isn't this breaking ToS of the App Store?

Wasn't Hey by Basecamp rejected from the App Store for the very same reason? Since the app has basically no function if you don't have an invite, and you cannot register for it inside the app?

Would love to hear someone explain to me how is that possible.

( 4 comments | 15 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: How is Clubhouse allowed to be on the App Store? by tanylak on Saturday February 27, 2021 @07:32PM (#26289554)

There are probably enough invites floating around that Clubhouse can be available.

Or maybe they paid apple for the privilege of having the app.

Or maybe apple is a silent investor. ;)

Anything is possible

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How is Clubhouse allowed to be on the App Store? by davismwfl on Saturday February 27, 2021 @08:38PM (#26289895)

Technically it lets you reserve your username and upload contact phone numbers (really needs to use hashes or something). When this happens your contacts will see you are wanting an invite and can let you in.

I could be mistaken on exact functionality but I did this and was in within a couple of hours no problem.

So technically it isn't useless and has real functionality, just not super useful till you get the invite.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How is Clubhouse allowed to be on the App Store? by ksherlock on Saturday February 27, 2021 @08:06PM (#26289732)

1. No 2. No 3. So what?

Hey charges $99 a year but didn't include an in-app sign up and payment through Apple.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How is Clubhouse allowed to be on the App Store? by timmytaplands on Sunday February 28, 2021 @10:36AM (#26294080)

Invites aren't that hard to come by. You can buy them on ebay for pretty cheap. When you sign up you receive a couple of invites immediately, so you can bring a couple of people on board.

[ Parent | on HN ]