Alongside the release of iOS 12, Apple has also updated the App Store guidelines with some new rules and regulations whilst also revising some existing ones related to data security, cryptocurrency, and more.
The biggest change that is going to please a lot of new users is guideline 2.3.12 which states that app updates must now “clearly describe new features and product changes” in the “What’s New” section. Most iOS app developers are lazy enough to never update the What’s New section in their App Store listing with details of the updates and changes made by them. Hopefully, this guideline will force them to change this habit of theirs.
2.3.12: Apps must clearly describe new features and product changes in their “What’s New” text. Simple bug fixes, security updates, and performance improvements may rely on a generic description, but more significant changes must be listed in the notes.
The App Store guidelines are now also making it clear that apps must take and implement adequate security measures to protect user information and prevent its unauthorized use and access by third parties. It is also allowing developers of non-subscription apps to offer a free time-based trial period before users are presented with the option to unlock the full functionality of the app.
A new App Store guideline also seems to clear the air on apps like Steam Link and other multiplatform services. It says that such apps may allow users to access content, subscriptions, and features acquired from elsewhere, but these items should also be available as an in-app purchase option inside the app. It also warns developers to not target iOS users for using a purchasing method other than IAPs and not discourage them from using IAPs either through any kind of communication.
The updated guidelines also make it clear that iOS apps cannot mine cryptocurrency in the background. It also says that while in-app advertising is fine, they should be appropriate for the audience and not target their personal data in any way.
Advertising: Ads displayed in an app must be appropriate for the app’s age rating, allow the user to see all information used to target them for that ad (without requiring the user to leave the app), and may not engage in targeted or behavioral advertising based on sensitive user data such as health/medical data (e.g. from the HealthKit APIs), school and classroom data (e.g. from ClassKit), or from kids (e.g. from apps in the Kids Category), etc.
Interstitial ads or ads that interrupt or block the user experience must clearly indicate that they are an ad, must not manipulate or trick users into tapping into them, and must provide easily accessible and visible close/skip buttons large enough for people to easily dismiss the ad.
Over the last year, Apple has become increasingly strict in enforcing its App Store guidelines. If you are a developer, you should ensure that you are not violating any of the guidelines else Apple is relatively quick nowadays to remove offending apps from the App Store.
You can find the updated App Store guideline here.
