Apple has apparently booted from its iOS app store the availability of AppGratis, the popular daily deal app and app discovery service.
Although Apple and AppGratis have remained quiet on the issue so far, there is rampant suspicion that Apple’s developer guidelines may have prompted the ouster.
The guidelines dictate that “apps that display apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected.”
This would seem to fit the description, at least in part, of what AppGratis does.
Although it remains to be seen if AppGratis will be given a second chance at life in the App Store, AppShopper – which was dumped by Apple for similar reasons – was not permitted re-entry after its dismissal.
It is possible, of course, that AppGratis committed another no-no in the eyes of Apple, which can be easily corrected. But, for now, we’re all in the dark and left wondering what truly motivated the move to ban AppGratis from the iOS App Store.
MMW will keep you posted as more details develop.
