Apple pauses App Store gambling ads after developer outcry

Apple announced Tuesday that Companies could promote their apps on the store pages for other apps, putting their icon in the “you might also like” section. Developers started to display examples of gambling apps that were recommended under their apps almost immediately.

As MacRumorsJoe Rossignol, reporter points out, Apple hasn’t clarified how long the pause would last, or if it’ll be making any policy changes based on how the initial rollout has gone down. It’s also unclear which other ad categories have been paused.

Apple’s Advertising rules on the App Store do list apps related to gambling, alcohol, dating, and the pharmaceutical and medical industry as “restricted,” meaning that there are special rules about where they can be shown. The limitations are mainly about laws instead of what’s tasteful or potentially harmful though; the site says gambling apps are “prohibited or limited in some countries and regions,” but doesn’t say anything about the audience they can be served to.

It could have a significant impact on the future of iPhone. According to reports, that it’s planning on expanding ads outside the App Store, to apps like Maps, Podcasts, and Books. Imagine seeing a casino pop up when you search for addiction recovery centers, or erotic novels when you’re looking for books on dealing with a porn addiction.

The good news for Apple is that there are other companies that have been working on this problem that it can borrow ideas from, if it’s not too proud to do so. Google lets you, for instance, access the Google Developers Network. Limit the amount of ads that you seeConcerning potentially sensitive topics, such as gambling, dating and weight loss. Apple Talks are a big dealThe App Store is a secure place to download software for your smartphone. the many ways it’s historically failed to prove thatIt needs to keep this appearance. However, it must be able to do all that while showing us ads every time we open its apps.