Is Apple being a bit too sensitive? One of the developers from New York-based development studio DLP Mobile just sent us some information regarding the latest example of Apple’s seemingly arbitrary and overly sensitive app rejection policy. Loads of “sexy girl” apps still seem to be making it onto the App Store without issue, however, when DLP Mobile submitted an update to their Mirror App for the iPhone 4, the reviewer assigned to the case found the set of included screenshots featuring America’s Next Top Model’s Lyudmila Bouzinova to be inappropriate for a ‘4+’ rating!
I’ve attached the pictures below and personally I see nothing offensive or pornographic about them. Sure, it could be argued that they give the illusion of nudity, but let’s face it, we are no where even near seeing any sort of cleavage. One quick search of the term “girls” on the app store will return teenage boy’s treasure trove of much more racy pictures that have already been given the stamp of approval by Apple’s crack team of reviewers. This just goes to show just how inconsistently Apple wields their mighty ban hammer.
Here is the letter DLP Mobile got from Apple:
Dear [DLP Mobile],
Thank you for submitting your application to the App Store. Unfortunately, Mirror App cannot be posted to the App Store at this time because the screenshots provided contain content that is objectionable for certain age groups. This is in violation of Section 3.3.18 from the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement that states:
“Applications may be rejected if they contain content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, sounds, etc.) that in Apple’s reasonable judgment may be found objectionable, for example, materials that may be considered obscene, pornographic, or defamatory.”
The application screenshots must meet the requirements for a 4+ rating (no objectionable material) since these images are visible on the App Store by all users even when purchasing is restricted by the application’s rating. The inappropriate images have been attached for your reference.
While your iTunes Connect Application State is displayed as Rejected, it is not necessary to upload a new binary. Once you have made the necessary modifications, please reply to this email and we will proceed with your application review.
Best Regards,
App Review Team
iPhone Developer Program
To resolve the issue DLP Mobile just changed out their screenshots and resubmitted the update for approval, which was granted quickly. Check out the rest of the supposedly “obscene, pornographic, or defamatory” screenshots below and let us know what you think. Did Apple make the right call?
Note: The last two images are the replacement screenshots.
