Apple made the decision to do some cleaning at the App Store by removing applications that track the use of his iPhone or that of his child, much like what offers the screen time on iOS 12. The withdrawal was detailed by the New York Times
The newspaper explains that Apple has restricted or removed at least 11 of the 17 most downloaded apps for usage tracking and parental controls in the previous year. He adds that Apple has already forced developers to remove features that allow parents to control their kids' devices. Some concerned developers have spoken on the subject and some say they have seen their applications disappear without warning beforehand. They decided to file a complaint with the European Commission.
It turns out that Phil Schiller responded to the New York Times article. Apple's vice president of marketing, who also oversees the App Store, says applications that monitor usage are not a problem in themselves. The concern comes from their method for obtaining data: via Mobile Device Management. This system is normally intended for the business world and requires the installation of a profile to have control over the different devices of the employees. "MDM technology is not designed to allow a developer to access and control consumer data and devices," Phil Schiller writes.
The message is clear: developers must stop using MDM for the general public or their applications disappear from the App Store.
It turns out that Phil Schiller responded to the New York Times article. Apple's vice president of marketing, who also oversees the App Store, says applications that monitor usage are not a problem in themselves. The concern comes from their method for obtaining data: via Mobile Device Management. This system is normally intended for the business world and requires the installation of a profile to have control over the different devices of the employees. "MDM technology is not designed to allow a developer to access and control consumer data and devices," Phil Schiller writes.
The message is clear: developers must stop using MDM for the general public or their applications disappear from the App Store.
