I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple stalls the developer to copy the idea and add an events app or integrate it into maps. They’ve done similar things in the past.
App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
141–150 of 364 posts
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#142Earlier quoted context omitted.
Exactly this, one of the things that really struck me about apps on fdroid is just how simple they are. They do one thing, and (usually) do it pretty well, probably because the developers probably don't have the time and resources to do anything more than that. But that's perfect for someone who just wants the thing on their phone to do what it says on the tin.
I'm convinced that if iOS was opened up to third party app stores, a potentially popular store wouldn't be a Facebook/Google monopoly store that exists solely for user tracking, but rather something boutique and niche like F-Droid (except maybe without the FOSS focus). The current App Store is huge and unwieldy, its search and discovery UX dated. There's ample room for third party app stores that specialize in high-q…
> The current App Store is huge and unwieldy, its search and discovery UX dated.
It’s worse than dated. The top results are ads. I’d pay a monthly subscription fee to return to the App Store search/UX from before it had ads.
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#143Ran into the exact same problem with a very simple camera app I made. Camera app was completely gesture based. So you never had to find a button to quickly flip the camera to the other side of the phone or find the button to start/stop recording. It made using a camera a lot quicker to get multiple shots of a scene and your reaction shot. Also added in stabilization to the front lens, which was easy but wasn't enable…
The real reason is that they don't want more apps. There are too many, so any small independent dev has an uphill battle getting their app approved.
This is probably true, and also so sad.
They have their business reasons, but this comes at the detriment of some many things, as they’re fighting tooth and nails against side loading.
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#144Please just support PWAs.
This isn't an all-or-nothing thing. iOS 15 included several PWA-related improvements, and a 2023 iOS 16 update will bring Web Push to iOS.
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#145Earlier quoted context omitted.
the first apps I remember on iOS were a beer glass that poured out beer when you tipped the phone, and a lightsaber app that made sheeewwwww sounds when you swung the phone around. We loved them It's ok to make stupid apps as long as you're not scamming. The oh-so-serious nature of the current online experience sucks
> ... a beer glass that poured out beer when you tipped the phone, and a lightsaber app... Oh I remember those two. I think they were installed via Cydia[1] no? Or maybe it was right after, when the official AppStore was launched. Silly, but great wow factor in those early days. [1] for the youngsters here: Cydia was the only way to install apps in your iPhone before the AppStore was created (circa 2008). You had to…
They were on the app store for sure
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#146Ran into the exact same problem with a very simple camera app I made. Camera app was completely gesture based. So you never had to find a button to quickly flip the camera to the other side of the phone or find the button to start/stop recording. It made using a camera a lot quicker to get multiple shots of a scene and your reaction shot. Also added in stabilization to the front lens, which was easy but wasn't enable…
You probably embarrassed Apple for how simple a camera app can be.
They will probably replicate his design in the future.
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#147Ran into the exact same problem with a very simple camera app I made. Camera app was completely gesture based. So you never had to find a button to quickly flip the camera to the other side of the phone or find the button to start/stop recording. It made using a camera a lot quicker to get multiple shots of a scene and your reaction shot. Also added in stabilization to the front lens, which was easy but wasn't enable…
>Ran into the exact same problem with a very simple camera app I made. >[...] >(Just by posting this, now I fear I broke some kind of TOS, and can never publish an iOS app again?) This is how your loyalty to Apple's racket is rewarded. This is your prize for buying hundreds of dollars of their equipment and paying hundreds to license their development kit and get your software reviewed for their locked-down phones.
But it's okay because [vague arguments about "protection" and "privacy"]
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#148Our app has been using the same purpose string on why we needed the camera. We have submitted over 50 updates for two years. Then all of a sudden our app was rejected with
“Revise the purpose string in your app’s Info.plist file for the camera to explain why your app needs access and include an example of how the user's data will be used.”
I argued back and forth with whoever was reviewing for Apple at that moment. After 3 hours our app was approved. Smh.
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#149The frustrating part here is you're a straight up dev humbly working on features and have an app you want in the store. Meanwhile, a quick search of the store yields tons of spammy apps that are definitely just wrapping a web-site or, worse, designed to scam people out of their money via in-app purchases.
Re: App Store doesn't accept “too simple” apps
#150Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm convinced that if iOS was opened up to third party app stores, a potentially popular store wouldn't be a Facebook/Google monopoly store that exists solely for user tracking, but rather something boutique and niche like F-Droid (except maybe without the FOSS focus). The current App Store is huge and unwieldy, its search and discovery UX dated. There's ample room for third party app stores that specialize in high-q…
> The current App Store is huge and unwieldy, its search and discovery UX dated. It’s worse than dated. The top results are ads. I’d pay a monthly subscription fee to return to the App Store search/UX from before it had ads.
And those ads actually cancel out search results!