Apple Can't Possibly Be 'Surprised' That Developers Are Unhappy

Developers aren’t the biggest fans of Apple’s App Store policies—a sentiment that’s apparently left Apple “surprised” that developers have “legitimate concerns” with its infamous app review process.The tidbit comes from Apple’s latest submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Last year, the watchdog launched an investigation into digital platform services, including both Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store. In September 2020, the ACCC offered up a survey so that consumers, developers, and suppliers could detail their experiences with various app stores—including the review process. The interim report including those sentiments is set to go public on March 31. So, basically, what Apple’s doing here is getting in a final word on the record with the watchdog.In its submission, Apple reiterates that its review process is “human-led” and emphasizes that it’s spent quite a lot of time and moolah to “engag[e] with developers directly.” The company also cites the familiar line that its review process exists to protect iOS users from malware, bunk apps that don’t work, or “objectionable content.” As for efficacy, it says 73% of apps are either approved or rejected within 24 hours, and that developers are able to correspond with the Apple reviewer who rejected the app, as well as make a formal appeal to the App Store Review Board. It also touts its worldwide telephone support line for devs, as well as local Developer Relations teams.