10 Controversial, Rejected and Removed iPhone Apps

There’s no mistake Apple is in hot water with their App Store inclusion/rejection process but some of the rejected were just plain bizarre. The most recent one that’s got the FCC investigating Apple, is the Google Voice app but before then, Apple had faced criticism from the public on various other apps that were included and/or rejected. We’ve got 10 of them here for you

Baby Shaker
Why?: “Deeply Offensive”

Of course someone was going to jump on Apple for this. Although it’s a virtual baby, this type of behavior is not tolerated in our society and to allow users to virtually shake a baby, to make it stop crying, just goes to show how little, if any, Apple screens their Apps.

Booty Call
Why?: Sexual content

Apple doesn’t allow any sexual content on their app, but Booty Call didn’t have any sexual content, unless you count tips on hooking up.

Drive Train
Why?: 3rd party copyright infringement

Apple didn’t want this remote control for a BitTorrent client to infringe on 3rd party copyright. The problem with that is, the app doesn’t download any torrent files and that BitTorrent clients are not illegal.

Eucalyptus
Why?: Sexual content

Apple rejected this app because it allowed users to download copies of the classic text on sexuality, Kama Sutra. Apple allowed the app to enter the store after some controversy, that Apple was influenced by the public when it comes to apps being rejected or included.

Freedom Time
Why?: Making fun of public figures.

As you can tell by the picture in the app, it was probably targeting guys like Bush and politicians. I don’t see why this was a problem. Apparently Steve Jobs sent the app developer a personal email saying it’ll offend half of their customers.

Google Latitude
Why?: Confusion with Google Maps

Although this is an app many were looking forward to, Apple rejected it and we were left with the web version. While the web version is fine, a dedicated app would have been much easier to use. Of course, Apple had asked Google not to include this app and of course this was back when Eric Schmidt was still on Apple’s Board of Directors.

Google Voice
Why?: AT&T told Apple to? (rumors)

This has caused the most controversy among all the rejected apps by Apple. It has led to government inquiries as well as the resignation of an Apple Board Member.

I am Rich
Why?: No reason other than stupidity

This was a dumb app to begin with. It’s just a red gem that glows but cost a whopping $999. Yup, that’s nine hundred and ninety nine dollars. Apple removed it in August 2008, but not before 8 people bought it. I wonder which idiot would buy such an app. I don’t know why Apple yanked the app. They could have left the app and laughed at the idiots who buy it, they still get 30% of the cut.

Netshare
Why?: Tethering wasn’t allowed on the iPhone.

This was a wonderful app that allowed tethering, something many iPhone users were clamoring for. Unfortunately, AT&T pressure Apple to remove the app because it was taxing their network. Tethering is coming soon to the iPhone some time this year.

Slasher
Why?: Offensive

Looks like a virtual app can increase crime. At least that’s what folks in UK were worried about when the slasher app released. The app had a picture of a knife and when shaken it plays the Psycho theme.

(Via Businessweek)