Late last week, Apple started blocking apps that use the new Dropbox Software Development Kit (SDK) on the grounds that they are sending users to an additional purchase.
Apps based on the updated SDK can navigate users to the website where they can buy storage space directly from the company, rather than through the iOS AppStore. As a result, Apple doesn’t get its 30 percent cut of the profits.
Digital locker service Dropbox is widely used by iOS developers as a way of allowing application users to share files with other devices.
Since the website, among other things, does sell additional storage space, Apple considers this as sending the user to an additional purchase, which is against the App Store rules.
“We found that your app provides access to external mechanisms for purchases or subscriptions to be used in the app,” wrote the Apple Resolution Center to one of the unfortunate developers. “Specifically, this app contains a link that takes the user to Dropbox via Safari.”
“I understand Apple’s need to protect their ecosystem but crap like this just crosses the line,” wrote one of the users on the Dropbox forum.
Dropbox has approached Apple to try and solve the issue. “We’re working with Apple to come up with a solution that still provides an elegant user experience,” read a statement given to Apple Insider.
Meanwhile, Dropbox has released an alternative version of the iOS SDK that removes both the “Desktop Version” link and the “Create Account” link.
Interestingly, the App Store policy states that “on occasion, there may be apps on the App Store that don’t appear to be in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines”. It also says that “another app being out of compliance is not a reason for your app to be.”
Dropbox competes with Apple’s iCloud platform in the cloud storage market.
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Given the size of Apple's marker share then restricting purchases of services to the Apple store is wrong and constitutes a misuse of marketing power. The argument of security doesn't wash with regards to services or data purchases.
Although the whole concept of compulsory stores as the sole supplier of apps flies in the face of fair competition. Hopeful regulators will take action against companies like Apple, who seem to be getting away with monopoly's and non-competitive practices.
Google drive gives 5GB
Megacloud gives 8Gb!
This is the perfect example of why people should stop being idiots and start to purchase products that are not made by a worse monopoly than MS ever was.
Indeed, Apply is up to the same crap that sent their stock to the gutter in the 90's. Create your own "ecosystem" and force people to use it. Closed architecture, enforced group-think, and the torpedoing of "non-Apple", but potentially synergistic applications and hardware. They are great about coming up with ideas, but too much inbreeding eventually creates the beast that slays them.
Poor show! Been using dropbox free service for sometime and it's clean clear and easy to use. Very greedy of Apple.
This sounds remarkably like an antitrust or competition violation. Time for the law or the/regulators to take a bite out of Apple. Personally, it is precisely because of this anti-competitive nonsense and their paranoid drm policies, and that is on top of their equipment, iTunes etc. being grossly overpriced that makes me avoid any Apple product. There is a big difference between protecting your market and predatory removal and destruction of competition paid for by the mug consumer. Consequently, I and most of my acquaintances are Android users, Samsung, HTC, LG etc.