Apple Bans WiFi Hotspot Detecting Apps from iTunes

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Just last week Chris advised you that Apple had pulled some 5,000 Apps from iTunes on the basis that they contained adult content (such as nudity) and know Apple have wielded their mighty axe once again in acting to pull a number of WiFi hotspot detecting Apps, only then to inform the associated developers.

It’s uncertain at this juncture just how many Apps got the cut this time around and, whilst in the last round of cuts developers really ought to have not been too confused as to why their Apps had been removed, this time Apple have left the associated developers of the pulled Apps pretty confused – with Apple merely stating that they were using a ‘private framework’.

It should be said that so far the only Apps to be pulled are those that actively scan for WiFi hotspots and not those that employ a database paired with the iPhone’s GPS capabilities to hone in on said hotspots, but developers still seem rather taken aback by the move – not least because they were only informed that their Apps had been removed from iTunes after they had been pulled.

“We received a very unfortunate email today from Apple stating that WiFi Where has been removed from sale on the App Store for using private frameworks to access wireless information,” states WiFi Where’s developer.

Apple have seemingly refused to offer an explanation as to what rule such Apps were flouting but, regardless of this, without Apple’s approval these Apps Are now wholly out in the cold (and it’s real cold out there).