Developers can now suggest changes to Apple’s App Store guidelines

Apple is now encouraging developers to suggest changes to the App Store guidelines and its development platforms, as promised at WWDC 2020.

The Cupertino-based tech company has updated the App Store guidelines with ease of bug fixes for developers. The apps present on the App Store will no longer have to resolve guideline violations before Apple approves bug fix updates unless they are related to legal issues. Developers can instead address the violations now.

Apple released a note confirming two new changes in its guidelines:

For apps that are already on the ‌App Store‌, bug fixes will no longer be delayed over guideline violations except for those related to legal issues. You’ll instead be able to address guideline violations in your next submission. And now, in addition to appealing decisions about whether an app violates guidelines, you can suggest changes to the guidelines. We also encourage you to submit your ‌App Store‌ and Apple development platform suggestions so we can continue to improve experiences for the developer community.

Apple’s App Store policies have been a topic of controversy since third-party developers started raising their voice against Apple’s app distribution practices. It might be looking to reshape its image regarding the same with these new changes.

Currently, Apple is battling against Epic Games over Fortnite’s policy violations after it removed the app from the App Store. Fortnite had introduced discounts for in-app purchases in an update prior to its new season. While the feature helped players on cost savings, it bypassed App Store’s in-app payment system that would get Apple its 30 percent commission. Apple later terminated Epic’s developer account.