There’s no mistake Apple is in hot water with their App Store inclusion/rejection process but some of the rejected were just painstakingly bizarre. The most recent one that’s got the FCC investigating Apple, is the Google Voice app but before then, Apple had faced criticism from the public on various other apps that were included and/or rejected. Let’s look at 10 of them.
Baby Shaker Why?: “Deeply Offensive”
Who screens iPhone Apps? Yet, the better question definitely is: Who is sick enough to write an App like this? Sick, sick, sick people!!
Booty Call Why?: Sexual content
I must admit that I rolled on the floor laughing at Jamie Fox in his film debut of Booty Call (1997), but Apple does not allow any form of sexual content in their collection of Apps. Booty Call was far from being X-rated (it gave tips on ‘hooking up’), so I wonder if the creators would have named it something more out of the 1950’s, like How to Get to Second Base Before Marriage, it wouldn’t have been peeled from the app list?
Drive Train Why?: 3rd party copyright infringement
This was a remote control for a BitTorrent client, and Apple was afraid Drive Train could infringe on 3rd party copyright. Probably a wise move of CYA for Apple.
Eucalyptus Why?: Sexual content
This app was rejected by Apple because it allowed users to download copies of the classic book on sexuality, Kama Sutra. So, this is where the conflict between Apple’s refusal to allow sexual content and 1st amendment rights (specifically CENSORSHIP of books) come head-to-head. Think of Eucalyptus as a mini-digital library, and that’s what the public did. After some controversy, Apple allowed the app to enter the store.
Freedom Time Why?: Making fun of public figures.
This was obviously a countdown until George W. Bush left the Presidency. Yes, it makes fun of a public figure, but don’t editorial cartoons do the same thing? Rumor has it that Steve Jobs personally sent the developer an email saying it would offend half of their customers. I would argue that HALF was QUITE a stretch!
Google Latitude Why?: Confusion with Google Maps
Many had anticipated the release of this app, but Apple rejected it anyway. Fortunately, there is a web version of Google Latitude. So, why can’t iPhone users just go through Safari or the Google app to access it from there? I haven’t actually tried it, but it does make sense.
Google Voice Why?: AT&T told Apple to? (rumors)
This has caused the most controversy among all the rejected apps by Apple. It has led to government inquiries as well as the resignation of an Apple Board Member.
I am Rich Why?: No reason other than stupidity
This was a dumb app to begin with. It’s just a red gem that glows but cost a whopping $999. Yup, that’s nine hundred and ninety nine dollars. Apple removed it in August 2008, but not before 8 people bought it. I wonder which idiot would buy such an app. I don’t know why Apple yanked the app. They could have left the app and laughed at the idiots who buy it, they still get 30% of the cut.
Netshare Why?: Tethering wasn’t (and still isn’t) allowed on the iPhone
This was a wonderful app that allowed tethering, something many iPhone users clamored for. Unfortunately, AT&T pressured Apple to remove the app because it was taxing their network. Hmmm…I wonder what jailbreaking, the current way to tether, is doing to the AT&T network?
Slasher Why?: Offensive
This app had a picture of a knife and when shaken it played the Psycho theme. Folks in the UK were in an uproar that Slasher could increase crime. As much as I called Shaken Baby (above) sick, I can find the humor in this. But, I suppose research comparable to that done on the behavioral effects of violence on television will be picked up by some graduate student soon. Not to sound absolutely corny (well, maybe I’m guilty), I can see the title now: Increases in Adolescent Violence: There’s an App for That!
