As part of WWDC 2019, Apple has updated the requirements for mobile applications for the App Store. Key edits affected children’s apps and HTML5 games.
There are nine edits in total, we have identified three main ones.
Amendments to provisions 1.3 and 5.1.4
To ensure the security of children’s personal data, all applications in the children’s category, as well as all applications aimed at children, can no longer include third-party advertising and analytical tools, and also should not transfer data to third-party companies.
Editorial comment: In other words, the developer is now forced to cut out all the popular frameworks from his children’s application. At the same time, so far no one forbids him to use his own solutions. Plus, the question remains: are Apple’s own solutions considered third-party, according to the regulation?
Amendment to regulation 4.7
HTML5 games distributed in applications should not give access to real gambling, lotteries or charitable donations. Also, HTML5 games should not support digital commerce. Such functionality is acceptable only for code that is included in a binary file and can be checked by Apple.
Editorial comment: The main problem is how to interpret the term “E—commerce” within the framework of this provision. The most obvious and simple explanation: Apple thereby officially prohibits making any payments within HTML5 applications.
Amendment to regulation 5.1.1 (ii)
Applications are required to obtain permission to collect data, even if the information collected is anonymous at the time of collection or immediately after it.
Editorial comment: Putting a check mark in the pop—up window once is not a problem. The main thing is that Apple does not require developers to ask for permission before each data collection (now data collection in mobile applications is ongoing).
Compliance with the first two provisions of Apple requires all developers who are now waiting for an application for the publication. Applications in the App Store must be brought into compliance with the rules by September 3, 2019.
As for regulation 5.1.1 (i), it is already listed in the general set of rules.
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