So, apple rejected the app because 1) "it includes content from gutenberg.org" 2) it allows you only to search and read books 3) it has books and books should be on Apple Book Store..
How is that even possible? I just want people to be able to read and search books (including gutenberg project's notice of course) without having to see ads.
How did we build such world? Who are google and apple to decide goes on people's phones? When can we own our computers? How did we go from users being able to peek and poke in memory (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9WnHuGjZ38) to "This app looks like a book and people should not be able to get it".
Few friends use this app from https://expo.dev/@jackdoez/punkjazz and they really like it, and use it often.
I wanted to share it with more friends but they are not tech savvy enough to get expo and etc, so I decided to pay the 100$ and submit it to the app store.
Fuck...
From Apple
4. 1 Design: Copycats
4. 2 Design: Minimum Functionality
5. 2.3 Legal: Intellectual Property - Audio/Video Downloading
Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats
Your app or its metadata appears to contain misleading content.
Specifically, your app includes content that resembles gutenberg.org.
Next Steps
You may attach documentary evidence in the App Review Information section in App Store Connect. In accordance with section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, you acknowledge that submitting falsified or fraudulent documentation can result in the termination of your Apple Developer Program account and the removal of your apps from the App Store. Once Legal has reviewed your documentation and confirms its validity, we will proceed with the review of your app.
Alternatively, please remove the third-party content from your app and its metadata.
Guideline 4.2 - Design - Minimum Functionality
Your app is primarily a book and is therefore not appropriate for the App Store.
Next Steps
Books should be submitted to the Apple Book Store. To work with Apple on Book Store distribution, you should first verify that your content meets the following requirements:
- ISBNs are required for all paid titles you intend to distribute
- Is in either:
- EPUB format, passing EpubCheck 1.0.5
- Multi-Touch format, created by iBooks Author
Resources
To obtain an ISBN for your content and learn more about ISBNs, please see US ISBN Agency. Then complete the iTunes Connect Online Application.
Note: An ISBN is not required if you have a free book agreement and choose to offer your book free on the Book Store.
Visit Apple Books Partner Search for information on working with a content partner.
Guideline 5.2.3 - Legal - Intellectual Property
Your app allows users to save or download music, video, or other media content without authorization from the relevant third-party sources.
Specifically, users can download content from gutenberg.org
The next submission of this app may require a longer review time, and this app will not be eligible for an expedited review until this issue is resolved.
Next Steps
- Review the Intellectual Property section of the App Store Review Guidelines.
- Ensure your app is compliant with all sections of the App Store Review Guidelines and the Terms & Conditions of the Apple Developer Program.
- Once your app is fully compliant, resubmit your app for review.
Please see attached screenshots for details.
my reply:
Is this a joke?
https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/permission.html
this is the whole point of the gutenberg project.
So, apple rejected the app because 1) "it includes content from gutenberg.org" 2) it allows you only to search and read books 3) it has books and books should be on Apple Book Store..
How is that even possible? I just want people to be able to read and search books (including gutenberg project's notice of course) without having to see ads.
How did we build such world? Who are google and apple to decide goes on people's phones? When can we own our computers? How did we go from users being able to peek and poke in memory (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9WnHuGjZ38) to "This app looks like a book and people should not be able to get it".
Few friends use this app from https://expo.dev/@jackdoez/punkjazz and they really like it, and use it often.
I wanted to share it with more friends but they are not tech savvy enough to get expo and etc, so I decided to pay the 100$ and submit it to the app store.
Fuck...
my reply: