Tech giant Apple has issued an apology to WordPress after its app was blocked from the app store, preventing the company from updating its iOS app.
According to WordPress founder Matt Mullenwag, the WordPress app had been "locked out of the app store" and Apple placed restrictions that prevented the firm from updating its iOS app.
In order to resolve the issue, WordPress will need to change its app status to include in-app purchases. The change requested by Apple will grant it a 30% cut of WordPress' in-app sales.
The problem was, WordPress is a free-to-use website creator and did not include any in-app purchases.
The confusion
Apple argued that the problem originated from WordPress advertising its premium services in the app even though customers could not actually purchase those services in the app.
However, Mullenwag claimed that the payment option had already been removed by the time Apple pushed through with blocking WordPress' iOS updates.
Mullenwag wrote about the issue on Twitter on Friday and Apple apologized to WordPress and said it will no longer block updates or require the company to change its free app status to include app purchases.
The ban was initially based on the fact that the free WordPress iOS app included payment plans but not in-app purchases. In order to purchase premium plans and other service add-ons, users need to visit the WordPress website.
Under Apple's rules, which apply to all developers on the app store, this setup was described as a violation.
However, Apple determined following further review that the WordPress app complies with Apple's rules since apps that offer a free standalone service don't have to include in-app purchases.
In a statement, Apple said: "We believe the issue with the WordPress app has been resolved. Since the developer removed the display of their service payment options from the app, it is now a free stand-alone app and does not have to offer in-app purchases. We have informed the developer and apologize for any confusion that we have caused."
App Store legal battle
Earlier this month, Epic Games filed a legal complaint after Apple decided to ban Fortnite from its App Store, preventing users from installing the globally popular game.
The filing of the legal complaint in a California court was announced by Epic Games minutes after Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store.
The ban was imposed following a game update that allowed players to purchase in-game currency at a lower rate if they bought directly from Epic, effectively bypassing Apple.
Using the App Store, Apple takes a standard 30% cut of sales from its compulsory payment system. Apple said Epic had taken the “unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines”.
The game developer alleged Apple of effectively running a monopoly in both deciding what apps can appear on iPhones and demanding that its own payment system, with the relatively high 30% cut, be used.
According to Piers Harding-Rolls, games research director at Ampere Analysis, Epic’s update that violated Apple’s policy “was done to make Apple remove the app”.
He said: “Removing Fortnite from the App Store helps to deliver a groundswell of support for Epic, something it is trying to achieve.”
