Apple "puts gagging order on App Store rejects"

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 25 Sep 2008 at 09:50

Apple is reportedly ordering developers who have their software rejected from its iPhone App Store to keep mum about the reasons for their failure.

Developers who've been sent letters outlining the reasons why Apple won't accept their application have found a warning at the top stating "the information contained in this message is under non-disclosure," according to MacRumours.com.

Any potential iPhone App developer must already sign a non-disclosure agreement that prevents them from discussing tips on developing applications or sharing code with one another. That now appears to have been extended to the rejection letters, many of which have already been published on the internet.

There's growing disquiet in the iPhone developer community about Apple's attempts to quell dissent, with the company seemingly treating each App on a case-by-case basis, with no clear indication of what type of application will be accepted by Apple's gatekeepers.

Apps that manage podcasts or turn the iPhone into a 3G modem have either been rejected, or booted off the App Store after initially being approved.

Apple's strict vetting of iPhone apps is in stark contrast to Google's Android, which allows anyone to develop and publish apps on its marketplace.

Apple was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.