Apple Thoughts - News & Reviews on all things Apple

"Recently, we reported that developers were not able to request promo codes for their iPhone apps if the app had received a 17+ rating due to having an embedded web browser, unfiltered 3rd party content, or contained excessive violence or sexual content. This restriction severely limited the ability of the developers to distribute promotional copies of their software to generate publicity and awareness of the app."

The pulling of the codes certainly didn't make the developers happy, and put them on uneven footing when they were compared to the developers that didn't have these types of applications. But now Apple has relented and they are once again able to distribute the codes as promotional tools or for reviewers. Can't really understand why the codes were pulled in the first place but I guess that is a moot point now. Or at least the developers hope so!

"Apple has finally started allowing developers to issue free promotional copies of their iPhone applications. Once an application has been accepted to the App Store by Apple, developers can issue up to 50 promotional codes. The codes allow the recipient to download a full copy of the application for free. Presently, these codes can only be used in the U.S. iTunes Stores by using the "Redeem" link in the App Store."

When we started Apple Thoughts, I didn't realize that we couldn't get "review copies" of apps because iTunes was the only way to get an application. In fact, one developer sent me a gift card to review three of their apps because the minimum was $10 for a gift card. Imagine if their apps were $0.99? Anyway, this is a welcome change and I hope all our developer friends that read regularly are taking this one in!