Apple, in response to complaints from developers, has opened up its App Store reviews process, just a little. The company has promised to permit third-party development tools after banning them earlier this year, and has promised to publish review guidelines, so that developers know whether they'll meet the requirements before they submit.
Developers such as Adobe, Google and Unity are pleased with the new rules set out by Apple, and their implications. Yesterday, Apple announced that some of the stringent rules that govern the App Store would be relaxed, and subsequently published a thorough list of guidelines stating its grounds for rejection. The new rules range from the strict and steadfast -- "using the volume or silent switches for functionality will be rejected" -- to ones that still leave Apple with plenty of wiggle room -- “We will reject Apps for any content or behavior that we believe is over the line.”
Following the series of events after April, when Apple changed the license to its software development kit, the Apple CEO, Steve Jobs then wrote an open letter
We know from painful experience that letting a third party layer of software come between the platform and the developer ultimately results in sub-standard apps and hinders the enhancement and progress of the platform
Months later, Apple's latest statement contradicts that statement
In particular, we are relaxing all restrictions on the development tools used to create iOS apps, as long as the resulting apps do not download any code. This should give developers the flexibility they want, while preserving the security we need
Apple has bowed down to another pressure from the developers community, it will now publish the exact guidelines and rules its staff uses to accept or reject apps in the App Store. These guidelines can be viewed here.
Time and time again, Apple has recieved heavy criticism for it's "closed" approach to the App Store. Developers are of the view that by publishing guidelines and relaxing the rules, the future for the iOS development platform will prosper.
Via Wired