Ch 18 "Apple changes App Store policy on 'overtly sexual content"

Summary
Apple is changing their App Store policies about sexually explicit software app's being uploaded on their App Store. A myriad of complaints has left the Apple company to remove any kind of software that is distinctly sexual. An application called “ Wobble iBoobs” was given a letter from Apple saying that they are “constantly refining” their regulations to what is allowed on the App Store. However according to TechCrunch, the application was originally suitable for downloading and met the store policies, numerous customer complaints inspired the company to change their policies. Due to these changes, an abundance of applications containing sexual content have been removed while others still remain. Wobble iBoobs had been downloaded 970,000 times and the software was not changed for 8 months. The current status on application according to the developer is “Removed From Sale”.

Connections
The article is relatively similar to the textbook as it does talk about certain topics that are referred to in the book. I believe Apple decided to redo their store policies not just because of customer complaints but to also make a better overall store image. The textbook talks about how careful to how well all of their advertisements are displayed and to make sure they give an honest desired image of the store. The article also shows how the customer service was working with the customers. The textbook mentions that customer service is needed to maintain business relations with existing customers and new customers. I feel Apple may have lost some customers due to the constant changing of policies which would discourage some of the users. On the other hand they also may have gained new customers who disagreed with their policies to offer sexually related applications and now feel the urge to us the App Store.

Reflection
In my opinion i think that Apple should not have changed their policies but instead place certain restrictions on these kinds of software. The customers do have a right to complain about it but if it has been up on the App Store for a while, I don't see the need to take it down or let alone change their policies frequently. If the customers were repeatedly complaining, they should have come up with an alternative. I have a strong feeling that this will not be the last time Apple will be changing their policies and with out coming out with an alternative, this issue will continue to go on.