Apple Seemingly Removing 'Outdated' Apps From the App Store

[iHorseHead]

They should do the same with Mac App Store, to be honest.
A lot of the apps there haven't been updated for a decade (and you still have to pay for those) and App Store doesn't even work on Snow Leopard anymore.

 

[theluggage]

I wish the developers would keep their apps updated, I applaud Apple for removing the bit-rotted applications from the store. Technology changes quickly... keep up or be left behind.

You can’t tell whether an application is “bit rotted” just because it is 3 years old, and 30 days notice out of the blue isn’t sufficient notice for a developer to actually do anything.

As with all these stories, there may be another side to it, but at face value this is Apple being ridiculous.

 

[azentropy]

I think it is more of Apple removing apps that haven't been updated in a while AND are rarely purchased "new" anyway.

 

[addamas]

Anything worth downloading before they remove it ?

 

[tomnavratil]

As a someone in software (including mobile app) development, I understand both sides of the argument. However fairly often, developers cannot be bothered to optimize their apps to relevant SDKs or general improvements such as privacy labels or dark mode. Not even talking about scenarios where developers simply ignore feedback and their score drops. And honestly, for simple apps, pushing an update to update things like App Store listing, privacy labels, updating libraries etc. doesn't have to be a complex exercise. Unfortunately there are mobile apps on App Store that for example don't even have valid API endpoints and they simply don't work.

 

[Doomtomb]

sounds good to me

 

[mrbobdobolina]

I made a silly dumb (panda) sticker app for iMessage a few years back. Got the notice a month ago that they were taking it off the store because it wasn't updated.

It's worth noting that they aren't removing it from end users, and they aren't deleting it from your dev account, they are only changing it's app store status to no longer be "for sale." I *think* they are just requiring a new binary/upload/file thingy, presumably with new content/fixes/updates.

 

[ajf.350d]

Would this also affect existing installs/purchases if I had to reset a device or bought a new one?
The main weather app I use hasn’t been updated for a long time but for me it was the best I found and happily pay for the privilege.

 

[tomnavratil]

Would this also affect existing installs/purchases if I had to reset a device or bought a new one?
The main weather app I use hasn’t been updated for a long time but for me it was the best I found and happily pay for the privilege.

It should still be linked to your account AFAIK as the developer has a valid Apple Developer account, it will just not be available for sale to new users.

 

[JosephAW]

If you’re like me you have copies of all your current apps on your computer and use configurator to install and remove apps.
Keep in mind that when Apple removes an app from the store you will no longer be able to install it on your device using configurator because it has to verify that the app is still located in the store.
I think you can still install apps if you are not running iOS 14.5 or higher.
Surprising they don’t automatically remove apps from your device when they remove from the store, that day is coming.
Sad situation. Actions like these will cause more demand for sideloading.

 

[Macative]

So pointless. If the app still functions and doesn't crash, it should be left alone. The developer is still paying for it to be up there.

 

[aidler]

Can this be the reason for the App Store currently (started around 3 hours ago) crashing for many on the iPad Pro?

 

[Macative]

Good sick of seeing apps not being updated in years or for new phones, I would be happy them removing any app that haven’t been updated in over a year

Lots and lots of reasons why a fully functional app that serves a purpose for certain users can't be updated anymore. It shouldn't be taken down.

 

[Boris Bronson]

Good.
I tried downloading a favorite puzzle game a week ago from 8 different developers (all variations of the same game) and NONE of them could run on my iOS 14 iPhone though they all said they could.

There is so much abandonware in the App Store. Culling needs to be done.

Yeah they need to deal with abandonware better and devs that are just content milk IAPs without ever updating the app (looking at you, Tiny Rails devs). If devs can’t be bothered to resize their apps for newer phones then they can’t complain if they get binned.

 

[tomnavratil]

So pointless. If the app still functions and doesn't crash, it should be left alone. The developer is still paying for it to be up there.

Well yes and no. Developers agree to the ToS of App Store Connect and Apple Developer Account and if the app hasn't been updated in years, then it doesn't follow quite a few things like Human Interface Guidelines, its security and compliance could be compromised, new SDKs are not utilized properly etc. So I'd say it might "function" but not really.

 

[tomnavratil]

Lots and lots of reasons why a fully functional app that serves a purpose for certain users can't be updated anymore. It shouldn't be taken down.

Existing users will still be able to use those apps.

 

[Macative]

Existing users will still be able to use those apps.

On their device. But can't install on new devices or even redownload.

 

[NightFox]

While they're at it, can they also strictly enforce app detailed version history to every developer on Apple App Store? Not everyone reads version history but app developers should be transparent about what's new and what's changed or even what's removed in the new version of the app they publish...

What, you mean "Bug fixes and other improvements" isn't detailed enough for you? /s

 

[jonnyb098]

Good, there are tons of garbage apps out there that arent even updated for the iPhone X or iPad Pro from 4 years ago.

Enough is enough.

 

[JosephAW]

What is the minimum age requirement? Maybe developers should boycott updating their apps for more than 30 days and have the store be empty of apps

 

[jonnyb098]

There are some apps that don't need to be updated. Their developer perfected them, and everyone is happy. My Logbook for my vehicles is one such app. I had to nudge him to make it 64-bit, but otherwise, there is no need to make any updates.

At the very least they need to update their privacy info “nutrition label”

 

[BootsWalking]

Yet another reason for developers to push for their own app distribution, because if you don't control the distribution then you don't control your app.

 

[tomnavratil]

On their device. But can't install on new devices or even redownload.

Correct, not via App Store. So this will only cover some use cases with legacy work apps for example (which often shouldn't be distributed via App Store in a first place though).

 

[jonnyb098]

No problem. Just update one of the App Store creatives and write „bug fixes“ in the change log

HAHAHAHAHA

“We are continuously improving our app to bring you the best experience” (code for: we are now tracking the F*** out of you and don’t wanna say it)

 

[Gummy95]

This is disappointing. There's an older game I like, Army of Darkness, that works fine but hasn't been updated (or needed to be updated) for years. Now it's unavailable, wonderful. As a long-time gamer, it's unfortunate to lose these little bits of gaming history. I don't see anything to celebrate here.