Skip to main content

Apple Moves to Bar “Overtly Sexual” iPhone Apps?

iphone-apps
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple‘s iTunes App Store’s policies for rejecting and accepting applications have always been mysterious and arbitrary: the only sure thing seems to be that Apple doesn’t care for applications that replace some of the iPhone’s core functionality, whether that be an email program, a Web browser, or calling features. Apple has also famously disallowed applications that merely provide access to potentially-objectionable content over the Internet—even when that content is readily available to the built-in Safari browser. Now Apple seems to be adding a new element of guesswork to whether an app will be allowed for sale: reports have Apple removing apps with “overtly sexual” content.

Some industry watchers speculate the move is intended to sanitize the upper echelons of the top-selling applications list, removing prurient and potentially offensive entries from highly trafficked lists. In a letter to one application developer who’s app was removed from the App Store, Apple reportedly said it had received numerous complaints about the app and its content.

The App Store does support age ratings for applications, enabling developers and publishers to specify applications as being suitable for customers 17 or more years of age. iTunes users can use filters to prevent minors from seeing and purchasing those applications.

Adult-oriented iPhone applications have historically proven rather popular, with several having appeared regularly on top-selling iPhone applications lists.

As usual, Apple has not published its requirements for accepting applications for the App Store; publicly, the company has only said that it frequently re-evaluates its in-house definitions of what is appropriate for the App Store.

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Best iPhone 15 deals: How to get Apple’s latest iPhone for free
The display on a green iPhone 15.

The iPhone 15 is Apple’s current flagship phone, and it’s also one of its most popular phones. It’s come storming out of the gate since its release and has skyrocketed to make our ranks of the best phones. Its popularity can make it difficult to find iPhone 15 deals, but there are some out there. We’ve rounded up the best iPhone 15 deals going on right now, and while most of them entail trading in a device for savings, trade-in value is very high and could land you a free iPhone 15 if you’re trading in the right device. We’ve got all of those details below, so read onward and start saving on a new Apple iPhone 15.
Today's best iPhone 15 deals

: Get up to $830 in savings when you trade in a similar device. Also included is 3 free months of Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, and 4 free months of Apple Arcade.
: Save up to $830 with device trade-in and inclusion of Verizon Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans.
: Save up to $830 via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a line on a qualifying plan and trade in an eligible device.
: Save up to $700 when you trade in an eligible device and commit to an AT&T Unlimited plan of more than $76 per month.

Read more
Best phone deals: Save on the iPhone, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and more
Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro cameras seen from the back.

There are a lot of phone deals worth shopping right now. Among the best phones you’ll find top names like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola, and you’ll find them among the best phone deals as well. With so many brands and models out there to choose from, we thought we’d round up the best phone deals to shop right now. Reading onward you’ll find some great ways to save on a new phone, as well as a little information on why each phone may be the right one for you.
Motorola edge 2023 256GB (Unlocked) -- $350, was $600

The Motorola Edge 2023 is (almost) a Google Pixel 8 killer. It features a unique leather back, which feels great, a gorgeous curved display, and solid day-to-day performance. But most of all, it offers excellent battery life and all in an Android package you're gonna love. The current deal price is one of the best we've seen, making it more accessible than ever.

Read more
This new folding phone costs less than half the price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
ZTE Flip 5G color options.

Earlier this year, ZTE offshoot Nubia showed off a foldable phone, and expectedly, the biggest draw was its supposedly attractive asking price. As U.S. shoppers waited for the phone to hit retail shelves, ZTE launched it in Japan as the Libero Flip. Thankfully, the wait is finally over on this side of the Atlantic, as well.

Nubia's website has recently listed the Nubia Flip 5G for pr-eorder on its website. The best part is the asking price, which is only $500 for the base variant with a respectable 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. You can bump the RAM to 12GB and double the storage capacity for an additional $200.

Read more