Apple's next crackdown: "cookie-cutter" apps

Though not quite on par with the great iPhone sex app purge, Apple is now taking a hard look at so-called "cookie-cutter" apps, which are created from templates instead of from scratch.

According to TechCrunch, Apple is starting to reject iPhone apps that are created from templates and offer little more functionality than a basic Web app. That means apps for blogs that are merely RSS feeds, or a restaurant app that's basically an iPhone-optimized Web site, won't fly. It doesn't seem like Apple is culling these cookie-cutter apps from its marketplace, but new ones are getting extra scrutiny.

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In response, app template makers, such as Appmakr, are adding new features that will help template-based apps distinguish themselves from the Web. For example, in-app purchases, instant notifications, offline access, and landscape viewing will all be added upon Apple's request. Apps based on more basic templates are having trouble getting anything into the store.

I generally don't like the way Apple meddles with its App Store policy, because its decisions can seem blunt and arbitrary. The removal of some adult-themed apps -- but not those from established publishers such as Playboy and Sports Illustrated -- is the perfect example. So is the ouster of Google Voice under the rationale that it duplicates features that come with the iPhone, even though there are plenty of music players and alarm clock apps that are just enhanced versions of Apple's native apps.

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The change in policy towards template apps is at least geared towards improving the quality of apps in the App Store, and if anything, that's really what Apple should be focusing on.

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