Apple reportedly rejected an Android magazine from its App Store because its content focuses on Google’s competing mobile OS. The Android mag was developed by Mediaprovider, a small Danish magazine publisher that also publishes an iPhone magazine. The Android-based magazine was developed as a counterpart to the iPhone magazine which is available in iTunes for iOS devices.
The Android magazine launched on November 11th and was expected to début in Apple’s App store. The application was not expected to be popular among iOS users but was submitted to the iTunes application store as a complement to its iPhone edition. According to Mediaprovider CEO Brad Dixon, his exchange with Apple about the rejection of his Android edition went as follows:
“So what’s the problem?” Dixon asked, knowing full well what the problem was.
“You know… your magazine,” replied the Apple rep, who identified himself only as Richard. “It’s just about Android…. we can’t have that in our App Store.”
This latest rejection is reminiscent of the controversy surrounding the App store submission of the Flash of Genius flash card app. This flash card app was originally available as an Android app that was a finalist in Google’s Android Developer challenge. This notable achievement was included as part of the description for the iPhone version of the app. Before approving Flash of Genius, Apple contacted the developer and asked him to remove this Android reference from his description or face rejection from the App Store.
Both of these examples highlight the control Apple has over its App store and the walled garden that you are entering when you develop for or buy a device that runs on this mobile platform. Apple has tried to loosen its control and provide detailed application submission guidelines, but in the end Apple has the final say and it is saying that Android in any shape or form is not allowed through the gate.
[Via Fortune]
