We ran into this when I was working on App Map. http://appmap.mobi It's just one of the roadblocks against cloning the App Store or just putting a spin on what Apple is doing. It's not a big deal as long as you're doing something different.
Ironically, their new Maps app points you to a bunch of apps on the app store when you ask for transit directions.
Ah, so Zynga will have to remove one of the rows of crap they added to Words With Friends?
Hopefully this does not effect AppShopper[1]. It is a great resource and has saved me money.
> “The whole point of the review guidelines is that Apple wants consumers to get the very best apps from the App Store, and they recognize that if it gets filled with garbage, discovery gets even worse, and that just hurts the platform,” Satok said in an interview.
Both Apple and Google are way too late on that - they're getting proactive now that the cows have escaped and burned down the barn on the way out.
Apple should rank apps based on actual usage not downloads.
On the web we call unique users vanity metrics, and monthly active users the real deal. Why not the same for mobile?
Sounds like all app recommendation apps will be going away.
If the paranoid reading of this article is valid then this could only mean more entrenchment for big name players.
"Apps that display Apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected." <- So, sounds like the rather benign goal of keeping developers from impersonating Apple's own payment channel and thereby confusing users into believing they are transacting with Apple and then to send Apple support issues.