Apple under fire: Company apologizes for another App Store controversy
New York (CNN Business) — Apple is apologizing after it found itself in yet another controversy this weekend over its app store.
But WordPress, a free-to-use website creator, did not include any in-app purchases.
Confused? So was WordPress.
The problem, according to Apple, was that WordPress had been advertising its premium services in the app -- even though customers could not actually purchase those services in the app. But Mullenwag had already removed the payment option by the time Apple proceeded to block WordPress' iOS updates.
After Mullenwag broke the news on Twitter on Friday, Apple apologized to WordPress and will no longer block updates or require the company to change its free app status to include app purchases.
What WordPress 'did wrong'
Initially, the free iOS app offered by WordPress included payment plans but not in-app purchases. Users interested in premium plans and other service add-ons could only purchase them by visiting the WordPress website. This was described as a violation of Apple's rules that apply to all developers on the app store.
But upon further review, Apple determined the WordPress app complies with Apple's rules. Apps that offer a free standalone service, such as WordPress, don't have to include in-app purchases.
"We believe the issue with the WordPress app has been resolved," Apple said in a statement. "Since the developer removed the display of their service payment options from the app, it is now a free stand-alone app and does not have to offer in-app purchases. We have informed the developer and apologize for any confusion that we have caused."
Apple's app store dominance
Kevin Gammill, Microsoft's General Manager of Gaming Developer Experiences, said in the filing there are "very few other options available for creators" that include "as many features and as much functionality as Unreal Engine across multiple platforms, including iOS." Gammill further states that Apple's revocation of developer tools "will place Unreal Engine" and other games "at a substantial disadvantage."
