Apple Taking Steps to Address App Store Name Squatting?

[pmjoe]

I find this disappointing. Assuming someone is going to develop an app in 90 days is a bit of a stretch. If Apple is concerned about name squatting, perhaps they should go by the number of names a developer is holding (limit them to 1 or 2 without a documented exception or proof of past results) and/or track their level of non-naming related development activity in their developer account to make sure they are actually doing some development work.

Just a simple example: I didn't search, but I assume there is not a MacRumors iOS app. But it would not surprise me that someday there will be. It certainly seems ridiculous to me that they cannot hold that name for an app associated with their website.

 

[Rantipole]

Too bad they aren't accepting fart apps anymore.

Dang, I was going to post in here and ask if anyone could recommend a fart-noise app.

I'm completely serious.

 

[charlituna]

I find this disappointing. Assuming someone is going to develop an app in 90 days is a bit of a stretch.

Except that these people don't have 90 days to make a complete app. They set it up weeks ago, months ago even, and haven't done anything with the name. So now they are being given 90 days to upload the app they presumably have been working on.

Real developers that are actually working on something will either have an app or contact Apple to beg for more time. Squatters will do nothing and let it go.

At least that is what Apple is hoping.