There have been some stories recently about Apple rejecting apps that contain video ads encouraging people to watch them or share them in exchange for in-app rewards. No doubt this was worrisome to the advertising agencies and developers involved in those apps, but some of the theories as to what exactly was happening tended towards the overly complex, and in some cases, conspiratorial. Tim Cook famously said that, when it comes to Apple hardware plans, looking at one piece of supply chain data didn't allow for the drawing of any meaningful conclusions. Likewise, looking at ad network complaints and developer reactions doesn't necessarily allow for any useful insight into App Store policies. That appears to be the case here as well. So, what exactly has been going on?
First, going back to the introduction of the App Store, Apple made it clear that situations would inevitably emerge that can't be anticipated beforehand. When that happens, Apple will have to figure them out.
Second, Apple doesn't allow apps to try and manipulate App Store ratings, reviews, or ranking in any way, shape, or form. That includes trying to coerce people into downloading other apps, be it from the same developer or another developer on the same ad network.
Third, static analyzers aside, the App Store review team is made up of human beings who, whenever new, unforeseen business models or marketing tactics arise, have to figure out how to detect them and deal with them.
Taken all together this means that, when something new happens, some apps will initially get through that probably shouldn't, Apple will adjust, some apps that probably should get through won't, Apple will adjust again, and a balance will be achieved.
It's not a perfect system; there's no such thing. Some scammers may take advantage of people at first. Some legitimate ad placements and developers might get frustrated in the interim. But in most cases it settles down fairly quickly.
So, in this case, it's highly unlikely that Apple flip flopped on App Store policies or the iAd team was involved in any way. That's not a meaningful conclusion or useful insight. It's not even dark matter.
What's far more likely, meaningful, and useful is that some apps, ad networks, and developers tried to game the system. Since they were in clear violation of existing App Store policies, Apple figured out what they were doing, and booted them for it. A few apps with similar advertising schemes got caught in the crossfire, which is always unfortunate. But Apple figured that out too, tightened their aim, and is now making sure only the scammers are getting the boot.
Ad networks and developers are free to use video ads and offer in-app rewards for doing so, they're simply, and still, not allowed to encourage App Store manipulation by rewarding ratings, reviews, and downloads.
That's as it was and as it should be.
We, the App Store customers, don't benefit from anyone spending time on gaming the system. That time would be better spent preparing for iOS 8 and the new App Store features like Editors' Choice badges, the new, scrolling search results screens, trends, the Explore tab, app bundles, updated analytics, TestFlight, and everything else Apple has planned for this fall and beyond.
from iMore - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog http://ift.tt/1v45s1m
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment