App Store

Apple clamping down on music downloading apps, ones incentivizing ad watching and social sharing

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Apple appears to have been cracking down on iOS apps which enable users to download music and software making it possible to download other file types from file-sharing networks.

But that's not all, as the Cupertino firm is seemingly asking developers to stop with the practice of incentivizing people to watch in-game ads and share promotional messages on social networks in exchange for in-game coins, virtual items, etc.

Although iOS 8 has relaxed the rules pertaining to third-party development by providing APIs to extend system functionality and create custom keyboards, custom actions in Share sheets, photo and video editing extensions for the Photos app and more, it's obvious that Apple wants to bring order to its App Store and is now prohibiting iPhone and iPad applications that promote apps by other developers...

Apple updates its App Store guidelines to allow for virtual currency apps

Cody Lee ∙ June 3, 2014

Good news for iPhone and iPad users that are into cryptocurrencies. Following the unveiling of iOS 8 during Apple's WWDC keynote yesterday, the company has updated its App Store review guidelines with a new section dedicated specifically to virtual currencies.

It seems that after pulling the Bitcoin wallet app Blockchain, and other crypto wallet-related titles from the App Store, Apple has had a change of heart. It's now ready to accept applications that deal in the transmission of virtual currencies—at least to a limited degree...

Apple announces much improved App Store with app bundles/previews, better search and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2014

In addition to all the goodies outlined earlier, Apple during the WWDC 2014 keynote running at San Francisco's Moscone West has announced a much announced App Store with the new Explore tab, Trending searches, making search faster with continuously scrolling search, the new Editor's Choice label for highlighted apps, app previews with short videos right inside the App Store, app bundles and more...

Apple giving WWDC attendees $25 App Store gift cards

Cody Lee ∙ June 1, 2014

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference is a hodgepodge of long lines, major announcements, and free stuff. Those who are lucky enough to attend the event are usually greeted with a bag of promotional goodies.

This year, in addition to their usual WWDC badges and jackets, attendees are being given a free $25 App Store gift card. It's in celebration of the Conference's 25th year anniversary, and the card reads "25 years and coding."

App Store’s Top Charts now shows fewer apps for performance reasons

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 28, 2014

TechCrunch has spotted an interesting change under the popular Top Charts section in the App Store. The popular section now displays only half as much ranked apps as before.

Whereas previously you were able to scroll through the top 300 apps listed across Paid, Free and Top Grossing categories on the iPhone (or Top 1,500 on the iPad), Top Charts now shows only 150 results.

It's a small but interesting change that shows Apple is still figuring out how to best surface noteworthy and trending apps among the more than million items it now carries in the App Store....

Apple now makes it clear you’re not allowed to update or redownload refunded apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 26, 2014

If you've ever asked for a refund on a Mac, iPhone, iPod touch or iPad app you purchased in the Mac App Store or the App Store, Apple somewhat unexpectedly did allow you to update your existing installations - even reinstall previously refunded apps.

That's no longer the case. According to multiple reports, users who try to update or reinstall refunded iOS and OS X applications are now greeted with a prompt informing them that Apple no longer supports the practice...

Reuters: Apple creating full-blown health and fitness services platform akin to App Store

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 5, 2014

We "know" from rumors that Apple with iOS 8 is planning to introduce a new application called Healthbook said to aggregate health and fitness data pulled from a variety of sources, be it third-party fitness/health apps found in the App Store, dedicated tracking accessories or more.

But that could be just the tip of the iceberg.

According to a mobile health executive who spoke to Reuters, the iPhone maker is looking to create a full-blown health and fitness ecosystem inspired by the App Store...

How to get more matches on Tinder

Joe Rossignol ∙ May 2, 2014

Let's face it. Life is busy these days, to the point that most of us don't even have time to focus on meeting a significant other. The struggle is real. And while there still might be a negative stigma surrounding online dating platforms, Tinder has quickly emerged as one of the most popular platforms for meeting someone outside of a bar or club. The startup app has received numerous awards since launching over 18 months ago, helping to connect everyone from busy university undergraduate students to single adults for dates and casual encounters.

Tinder is essentially an anonymous "hot or not" app for iPhone and Android smartphones. If you find someone physically attractive, swipe right. If you don't, swipe left. It is made to be incredibly simple — and shallow — in nature, yet you probably wouldn't be reading this article if Tinder was as easy as it sounds. If you are not on the top of your game, don't expect to be getting too many right swipes on Tinder. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes and a little bit of effort to improve your results. Read ahead for tips and tricks on how to get more matches on Tinder…

Reddit to develop official apps for iOS and Android

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated January 27, 2018

Reddit has long been one of the most popular websites on the Internet, serving as an online discussion board for users to discuss a wide variety of topics. But one thing it has always lacked is an official mobile app — fortunately, that's about to change. The San Francisco-based company has posted an official job listing within the /r/forhire subreddit, looking for mobile app developers to help create official apps for Reddit…

Facebook open sources animation engine behind Paper for iOS

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Facebook has open sourced the Pop animation engine that drives its Paper app, now available in a listing on GitHub.

The Pop engine supports basic static animations, and also has spring and decay dynamic animations for building realistic, physics-based interactions. The Paper app has been praised for its design, and now developers will be able to access the same engine that drives it for their own iOS and OS X apps.

App Store honors Earth Day with green living apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Today is Earth Day and the App Store is conveniently spotlighting some of the finest iPhone and iPad applications for going green, both free and paid ones. Whether you're into alternative means of transportation, green living in general or environmental awareness, there's an app for you out there among the more than one million software items available in the App Store.

"We’ve compiled a thought-provoking selection of films, books and podcasts to help you celebrate and care for the planet this Earth Day," notes Apple. I've listed all of the featured apps right below...