Apple briefly pulls hit iOS game 'Monster Strike' for bypassing in-app purchase system

For a short time over the weekend, Apple pulled the Japanese-developed Monster Strike game from its App Store after they found out Mixi, the game's developer, was trying to get around Apple's in-app purchase system. The game was down from 5:30 pm on the Saturday of August 29 and went back up around 1 am on Sunday. It's said the app may have lost around US$600,000 in revenue. 

It was said Apple found a "serial code input form" inside the game that gamers can input into the app to get currency or special items. These can be bought on websites or through referrals. But this bypasses Apple's requirement that you can't sell anything outside of its in-app system, because basically you're cutting them out of profit and the 30 percent revenue they get from all activity within the App Store. The move can be seen as a stern warning from Apple to not bypass its rules. 

Source: Cult of Mac 

Apple now shows editorially-curated lists on App Store

Moving away from algorithmically-generated lists, the Apple App Store now shows editorially-curated content. There is no longer a “New,” “What’s Hot,” and “All iPhone (Free & Paid)” categories for games. What takes its place are curated lists like “Best New Games” and “More Games You Might Like,” which is based on your download/purchase history. This shift seems like a good idea particularly to help app developers that need exposure for apps that truly deserve the attention.

Source: MacRumors

Apple bumps up iOS app size limit to 4GB

Here’s something for the developers out there. Apple is making it easier for you to create high-quality games and apps. The Apple App Store now supports app sizes of up to 4GB. The limit used to be 2GB. Apple hopes the boost will help create a “complete, rich user experience.” However, the one thing that hasn’t changed is cellular download limit is at 100MB per app.

Source: Apple | Via: iMore

Apple adds Beats Music app to ‘Made by Apple’ list on App Store

Just in case you forgot that Apple now owns Beats. The Cupertino-based tech giant has added the Beats Music streaming app has been added to the App Store’s “Made by Apple” list. The free app’s developer is still listed as Beats Music, LLC, though because this keeps in line with Apple’s promise that they are treating the brand as a separate entity.

Source: AppleInsider