Monthly Archives: August 2009

Iphone devs: how to avoid rejection by Apple

iPhone,

Here are some very handy guidelines for avoiding rejection in the Appstore:

  • Must have more than “minimal user functionality”
  • Cannot transfer excessive data volumes over cellular network
  • Cannot simulate failures or errors
  • Cannot use PhoneGap
  • Cannot duplicate the functionality of a built-in app
  • Cannot collect personal data without permission
  • Must notify the user on internet connection failures
  • Cannot facilitate a checkout, transaction, or purchase
  • Unfiltered internet access must be rated 17+
  • Avoid public figures, celebrities, and Apple
  • Free/Lite version can’t up-sell (tricky)
  • Cannot go anywhere near Apple’s trademarks
  • Cannot mention prices in Description or app
  • No contests, giveaways, or charity donations

Give me one example of in app purchase on the iPhone

iPhone,

In app purchaseThere’s so much talk about in app purchase but just try finding an example of a live app that’s using it.

I found one, but it took me over an hour of Googling. For the benefit of future searches you can try out in app purchase in Tweet Push, an app that costs 99¢ and has “successfully” implemented the feature.

I say successfully, in fact the first purchase I made, 99¢ for 30 days of Twitter push notifications (yes I know I can get this for free with Boxcar) just hung. I waited around 5 minutes and the purchase confirmation just hung, ie, spinning wheel.

Then when I tried to purchase the credit again I was informed I had already purchased it! Only then did the indicated “30 days credit” update to “60 days credit”.