Apple has informed developers that it will be removing games and apps from its App Store that have not been recently updated.
An email was sent out to developers, explaining the change:
“This app has not been updated in a significant amount of time and is scheduled to be removed from sale in 30 days,” the email reads. “No action is required for the app to remain available to users who have already downloaded the app.
“You can keep this app available for new users to discover and download from the App Store by submitting an update for review within 30 days.
“If no update is submitted within 30 days, the app will be removed from sale.”
Apple is scant on details as to whether this will be a rolling refresh, or this email is a one-off. Also unclear is how recent updated need to be made to keep the app current, and whether users need to keep dormant apps installed on their devices to keep them, or if they will remain in their previously downloaded apps list.
The company’s support document titled “App Store Improvements” claims the change is “to make it easier for customers to find great apps that fit their needs.”
Of course, many gaming apps or simple one-function apps don’t need constant updates, so prepare yourself for quite a bit of backlash.
