15 Controversial Apps Pulled from iTunes in 2020 – Part 1 

Chances are, if you’re an iPhone app developer, and your idea is controversial, you’re going to get booted. Apple has developing mobile apps a reputation for staunch conservatism when it comes to what they allow into their App Store, and by conservative, we don’t necessarily mean “right wing.” We mean borderline Fascist.

But don’t take OUR word for it, just take a look at these 15 Controversial Apps Pulled from iTunes in 2020, and you’ll see what we mean.

1. Exodus International

Exodus International made headlines in March 2020 when the company’s iPhone application was given the boot by Apple for representing its “ex-gay” viewpoint to the world. A petition signed by more than 151,000 people, who were upset about the group looking at homosexuality as an escapable lifestyle choice instead of a valid way to live, convinced Steve Jobs and Company to pull down the application by it development company. Exodus International looked at its app as a valuable ministry tool for people of all ages. Instead it was branded as a “Gay-Cure” app, making it seem increasingly bigoted and inflammatory.

2. Third Intifada

The Palestinian-based application was targeted by Israel and a variety of pro-Israel politicians as an inflammatory piece of propaganda since it supposedly encouraged a third “uprising” against the rival nation. Of course, we don’t know “exactly” what it said, since it was made in Dubai and written entirely in Arabic. Apple eventually agreed and pulled it down, citing the same reason for banning as it did for Exodus International-”offensive to large groups of people.”

3. Phone Story

Phone Story created four old Nintendo-style games, which on the surface doesn’t seem like it would offend anyone. But when you look at how each of these games satirizes the production standards of smartphones-and takes a direct shot at Apple in the process-you can’t be too surprised the Jobs clan yanked this one down. One game within Phone Story’s app has factory workers leaping to their deaths. Apple had a number of suicides and attempted suicides at its Chinese Foxconn partner facility. Note to app developer: don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

4. Smuggle Truck: Operation Immigrant

You can still find a variation of this game in the Apple Store, but only now it has been changed to the kid-friendly “Snuggle Truck,” and you’re trying to transport teddy bears. The original game still exists for other devices as “Smuggle Truck,” and instead of transporting stuffed animals, you’re hauling illegal immigrants across the border.

5. Financial Times

The Financial Times app was pulled from iTunes and forced into making some adjustments, but not because of any morally reprehensible activity as some might view the first four on this list. No, FT’s main sin was that it allowed readers to subscribe right out of the iPhone application without Apple getting a cut of the revenue in software company. Of course, at the time, this was legal as Apple had to redefine its subscription terms to tip the odds in its favor. (They do have the right to do that.) Still, the move, this time on the part of the iPhone manufacturer, was not without controversy.

6. Google Books

Not even the Google Giant was immune to Apple’s moral high ground, though the Google Books app was more of a commerce violation than a moral one. In the top left hand corner of Google’s application, there was a “Get Books” button that directed customers to their online store: for shame, for shame! Current subscription guidelines on Apple do not allow any in-app purchases because, again, the iPhoners want their money.

7. iPlayboy

While Apple does allow “Dead Space” and other “M for Mature” video games in its App Store-you can even watch an NC-17 movie on the Netflix streaming app-its “no pornography” gave the Hef’s big plans for his iPlayboy some obstacles. See, he was wanting his app to feature every issue of the 60-year skin mag ever assembled. Just pay the asking price, and you’re in scantily clad starlet heaven. But Apple doesn’t allow nudity. So what did the Hef do? Well, after getting the thumbs down for the original software application development, he struck back with an out-link that takes readers to a web page optimized especially for iPads and iPhones. That way, his app was able to be resubmitted successfully, and guys everywhere could get the voluptuous females of the 20th Century on their tablets or handhelds.