February 25th, 2010

App Store Sex Ban Discussed by Apple Executive.  Many were disappointed to find out that sex apps aren’t available on the iPhone any more.  The App Store recently pulled all racy applications from their virtual shelves.  You can read more about the specifics of the ban here.

One thing that many want to know is WHY? After all, wouldn’t it be possible to set up a separate part of their store for those over 18 who want a little skin on their iPod touch or iPhone?

Apple Executive Phil Schiller spoke out about the company’s decision to ban these types of applications. He said “It came to the point where we were getting customer complaints from women who found the content getting too degrading and objectionable, as well as parents who were upset with what their kids were able to see.”

All this is fine and dandy, but what about Playboy and Sports Illustrated apps? Apple feels that since these types of publications are also delivered in other mediums and are widely known throughout our society as showing cleavage and skin they are acceptable for their gadgets.

Developers of apps aren’t happy – and understandably so.  It’s one of the  most widely known facts of life that sex sells, and developing racy mobile apps for people on the go can be quite lucrative.

What will be the outcome? Will other mobile platforms such as Android and BlackBerry pick up where Apple left off and allow the development of certain racier add-ons for their phones? Will some people be less likely to stick with Apple because of this decision?

Alternatively, instead of spending money on racy iPhone apps people will just head to the mobile browser and download nudity for free. 

Source:

Washington Post

Photo Credit: blakeburris (Flickr)/Wikimedia Commons