This is because Apple sent them a message that their apps have not been updated for a long time and they might disappear from the App Store if new updates are not provided. This has caused a lot of ink to flow and recently the company decided to explain itself in a blog post addressed to the developers.
Already millions of apps removed from the App Store as part of the store improvement
In the post, Apple explains that this policy, which aims to improve the iOS app store, dates from 2016.
” […] We’ve started the App Store improvement process to remove apps that no longer work as intended, don’t meet current review guidelines, or are outdated. This helps us ensure apps work for the vast majority of users and support our latest security and privacy innovations. Over the past six years, we’ve removed nearly 2.8 million apps as part of this process.”says the company.
Regarding outdated apps, Apple explains that these are apps that have not been updated for three years and do not reach a certain threshold in terms of the number of downloads (an app that has not been downloaded or has too few downloads in the last 12 months) that are affected.
When an app is deemed outdated, the developer receives an email requesting an update. Nevertheless, Apple has decided to let go of some ballast, since the time allowed for developers to update an obsolete application is increased from 30 days to 90 days. On the other hand, the firm indicates that there is now a procedure to allow developers to appeal its decisions regarding the removal of applications.
And of course, even removed from the App Store, an application will continue to function normally on devices on which this app is already installed.
Apple explains that when outdated apps disappear from the App Store, it allows better apps to have more visibility. The firm also discusses the security of the platform.
“Apple hardware and software are constantly evolving, and we frequently provide developers with new tools to improve performance, security and privacy. When developers update their apps to incorporate such technologies, they are doing their part to help protect user security.”says the firm.
There is also the issue of user experience, since an updated application will adapt to new iPhone and iPad screen sizes, new SDKs and APIs, as well as new features offered by Apple on iOS and iPadOS.
Google has a similar policy
Remember that like Apple, Google will soon begin to crack down on obsolete applications. This applies to Android applications that do not target a recent API level of the operating system.
And like Apple, Google talks about the security of user data. Indeed, with each version of Android, the firm offers new protections. However, if an app is not updated regularly, it can make new Google measures ineffective.
In any case, these policies requiring developers to update their apps regularly are far from unanimous, especially among independent developers.