Apple says it may remove some apps from the App Store if they don’t attract users, signaling a major shift in how the platform manages its vast ecosystem. With over 2 million apps currently available, Apple is preparing to take a more selective approach, aiming to ensure the App Store remains a hub for high-quality, engaging content. This move aligns with the company’s updated App Review Guidelines, which were revealed during WWDC 2026.

A New Era of App Store Curation

The revised guidelines mark a more aggressive stance from Apple, moving beyond rejecting apps that are blatant copies or fall into oversaturated categories. Now, apps in certain well-established categories may be removed if they fail to attract users, improve regularly, or update consistently. This change reflects Apple’s broader strategy to enhance the user experience by reducing noise and making it easier for users to discover truly valuable apps. To support this, the company has introduced new tools for personalized recommendations and better merchandising, aiming to elevate the visibility of high-quality, innovative apps.

The List of "Low-Quality" Apps

Apple has explicitly identified several categories that it considers low-quality or low-effort. These include:

  • Fart and burp apps
  • Kama Sutra apps
  • Dating apps
  • Flashlight apps
  • Fortune-telling apps
  • Wallpaper apps
  • Simple timers
  • Sound effects apps

Developers who repeatedly submit apps in these categories may face consequences, including the potential loss of their Apple Developer Program access. This is not a suggestion—it’s a clear directive for developers to innovate or risk removal from the App Store.

The Impact on Developers and the Market

For independent developers, this change could be both a challenge and an opportunity. The App Store has long been a goldmine for apps that can tap into broad user bases, but with Apple’s new stance, the landscape is shifting. Developers who relied on low-effort apps to generate revenue may find their business models unsustainable. Innovation is now a requirement, not an option. User engagement metrics will likely become more critical in app approval and retention, while niche apps that provide unique value may be more protected from removal.

This move also affects the broader app economy. Apple’s decision could lead to a more competitive and curated App Store, potentially raising the bar for new app submissions and fostering a more sustainable development environment. Developers may need to rethink their strategies, focusing on creating apps that offer real value and maintain user interest over time.

A Forward-Looking Verdict

Apple’s changes to the App Store reflect a larger trend in the tech industry: the push toward quality over quantity. As the app market matures, users are demanding more from their digital experiences, and platforms are responding by cleaning up their catalogs. The coming months will test whether developers can pivot their strategies or if the App Store will indeed become a more exclusive space. For Apple, the goal is clear: to create a more discoverable, engaging, and meaningful experience for its users. Whether this strategy will succeed or push developers to other platforms remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—this is the beginning of a new chapter for app development on iOS.