Marco.org

Without promo codes, we’re prevented from easily giving free copies of our apps to reviewers — exactly the problem that we were given the promo codes to solve.

This is a big problem for apps that show internet content:

But, according to Apple, apps that feature an embedded web browser or provide access to 3rd party content also automatically require the 17+ rating, regardless of the application’s content or intended audience.

Assuming Apple applies their standards on what constitutes “unfiltered internet content” somewhat uniformly, this will affect, among others, any subsequent versions of:

• Instapaper
• Every Twitter and Tumblr client that can show others’ content
• Every RSS reader
• Every Flickr client
• Every instant-messaging client (remember, text profanity counts)
• Every social-networking client
• Most ebook readers

Not to mention that we all still need to put those ridiculous notifications on our app pages stating that they contain frequent nudity and drug use and violence and mature themes.

I really hope Apple comes up with a solution to this “17+” mess very soon, because this is about to get completely ridiculous. We’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg because most apps haven’t updated since the new policy went into effect.

I also hope, despite a lot of evidence to the contrary, that Apple sees the App Store as more than just the One-Off Game Store.