Apple has silently updated its iTunes Connect policy to not allow developers to edit descriptions and metadata of their apps without submitting a new version of the app for the App Review process.

While this does make simple edits like fixing typos more difficult, it will help deter developers from engaging in SEO tricks in which they change their app description to capitalise on the hot keywords and other trends.

Post this change, the only field in their app listing that developers can change without any approval from Apple is their Privacy Policy URL. Previously, developers could have edited the ‘What’s New’ and description of their app at any time they wanted.

Apple’s intention seems to be to combat spam here, but this can lead to app review process being congested with unnecessarily minor updates. Not to mention it makes some very basic tasks for developers unnecessarily complex and tedious.

As a developer, what do you think about this change from Apple? Drop a comment and let us know!