Apple Reportedly Removing Iranian Apps From App Store

If the latest reports are to be believed, Apple is allegedly removing apps made by developers and startups based in Iran from the App Store. The company hasn’t taken an official position on the matter and hasn’t commented on these reports as well. Apple previously opened up the App Store to Iranians in September last year albeit in a limited manner.

A news report points out that the Digikala app was removed from the App Store a few days back. Digikala is one of the biggest e-commerce services in Iran and its iOS app had millions of users.

The company would have to have a good reason for doing this when you consider that it has been gradually lifting limitations imposed on apps from startups and developers in Iran after giving them access in September 2016.

Apple doesn’t offer an official version of the App Store for Iran just yet but many companies based in the country register their apps outside of Iran in order to tap into the limitless potential of the App Store.

The report also mentions that Apple is sending the following statement to Iranian startups that are attempting to upload apps to the App Store:

“Unfortunately, there is no App Store available for the territory of Iran. Additionally, apps facilitating transactions for businesses or entities based in Iran may not comply with the Iranian Transactions Sanctions Regulations (31CFR Part 560) when hosted on the App Store. For these reasons, we are unable to accept your application at this time. We encourage you to resubmit your application once international trade laws are revised to allow this functionality.”

As previously mentioned, Apple is yet to issue an official comment on the matter.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Apple
Tags: App Store, Apps