Rumours abound that Apple is dropping applications from the App Store and also remotely wiping them from iPhone handsets. Image: JeffWilcox/Flickr.
Already being scrutinised by various media outlets for the bloated pricing structure attached to its computer hardware, Apple Inc. is also receiving accusatory glances from iPhone owners and developers regarding the mysterious disappearance of software applications designed specifically for the iconic smartphone.
More pointedly, iPhone users and devs are not best pleased with Cupertino-based Apple after it apparently began using what people have labelled a remote “kill switch” that wipes approved and official App Store applications from handsets should Apple deem them to be unsuitable.
According to PCWorld, fingers are being pointed at Apple after a line of telltale code was discovered within the recently released iPhone 2.0 software by independent iPhone developer Jonathan Zdziarski -- although Zdziarski has conceded that he doesn't really know what the code actually does.
Various reports suggest that certain applications have been wiped from and restored to the App Store over recent weeks, while stories of Apple’s supposed ability to remotely disable phone-based applications have been gathering progressively more attention too.
Three apps presently in the spotlight for suddenly disappearing are ‘NetShare’, ‘BoxOffice’, and ‘I Am Rich’.
It is believed that NetShare was removed following the violation of AT&T’s Terms of Service, while cinema information application BoxOffice disappeared without proper explanation and the ridiculous $1000 I Am Rich application was dropped -- likely because it was all-but useless.
In terms of the rumoured “kill switch” that reportedly drops applications directly from the iPhone itself, some smartphone users claim that downloaded apps have mysteriously vanished from their handsets, while others conclude that Apple is rightly using the technology to maintain security and protection by monitoring and removing any potentially malicious software that works its way through the App Store.
While a certain portion of iPhone users will probably feel disgruntled by losing applications, developers are more likely to be affected considering that, if a “kill switch” does exist, Apple will be able to trash their work whenever it sees fit.
This latest unconfirmed application wrinkle comes as developers continue to wrangle with Apple regarding its contentious non-disclosure agreement (NDA), which prevents developers from talking to one another regarding programming tips, hints and guidance -- which would, you’d assume, lead to happier users via the creation of better iPhone applications in the long run.
Apple Inc. has not yet offered any official comment regarding the disappearing App Store applications and whether or not little more than online FUD is responsible for the much-rumoured “kill switch”.
Comment on this Story