Enhancing transparency and building trust, Apple has released its highly anticipated “2022 App Store Transparency Report.” This comprehensive report goes beyond previous agreements, offering detailed insights into app removals, appeals, developer account terminations, government takedown requests, and more.
Apple’s commitment to accountability and security is evident in the thoroughness of the report, aiming to foster trust among developers and customers.
1.6 Million App Submissions Rejected, Over 185,000 Apps Removed
The report highlights the significant number of app rejections, with a staggering 1,679,694 app submissions being rejected throughout the year. The majority of rejections were due to violations of the App Store Review Guidelines, with performance-related issues being the most prevalent. Safety, business, design, legal, and miscellaneous reasons also contributed to the rejections. However, it’s worth noting that 253,466 apps were eventually approved following the initial rejection.
In terms of app removals, the report reveals that 186,195 apps were removed from the App Store. Games constituted the highest number of removals, followed by utilities, business, education, and lifestyle apps. Specific guideline violations, such as design and fraud, were the primary reasons for these removals.
Transparency in Government Takedown Requests
The report discloses government takedown demands, with mainland China leading the list. Other countries such as India, Pakistan, Russia, and several others also made takedown requests. Notably, apps are removed only from the storefronts where the demanding jurisdiction has authority, ensuring their availability in other storefronts globally.
Developer Account Terminations and Customer Security
The report provides insights into developer account data, revealing that 428,487 developer accounts were terminated. Fraud and export control violations were the primary reasons for these terminations. While developers can appeal terminations, appeals for terminations due to fraud are typically rejected.
Apple’s commitment to customer security is evident in the termination of over 282 million customer accounts, preventing fraudulent transactions worth billions of dollars. The report also shares statistics on App Store activity, including weekly visitors, app downloads, redownloads, and app updates, showcasing the platform’s popularity and usage.
Building Trust in the App Store Ecosystem
Apple’s 2022 App Store Transparency Report demonstrates the company’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a secure and reliable ecosystem. By providing detailed information on app rejections, removals, account terminations, and more, Apple aims to build trust among developers, shareholders, and customers, ensuring a safe experience for all.
