Apple will require third-party apps to make it easier to delete user accounts

Uninstalling a third-party app on an Apple device isn't anything supernatural - in fact, it's a simple click of a button. But if you uninstall an app, it doesn't mean the account you created with that app is gone forever. But starting January 31, 2022, Apple will require third-party developers to simplify the process.

In an update posted to its developer site on Wednesday, Apple announced that it will soon begin reinforcing an update published in the App Store Review Guide last June that states that "all apps that allow the creation of accounts must also allow users to initiate the removal of their account directly from the app."

The new requirement follows other recently announced updates to App Store rules, including tighter controls on "repetitive manipulative or deceptive behavior or other fraudulent practices," fraud and other app quality issues.

Apple also intends to combat "dating apps that may contain pornography or be used to promote prostitution" as well as apps that facilitate the legal sale of cannabis, which must now officially be "geographically restricted to the appropriate legal jurisdiction."

Ideally, I'd like to see a clarifying question at the time of removing the app "Do I remove the account at the same time?", but we'll see how the developers respond.

Source: apple

Illustration: James Yarema on Unsplash