14 DAY TRIAL // After submitting a minor bug-fix update to his GIF Finder application, Matt Cheetham got an email from Apple saying that his app was breaking the App Store’s guidelines. This, after three years and 90,000 downloads.
Long story short, Apple has suddenly realized as of late that GIF Finder was using copyrighted material to promote itself, such as Disney characters, as well as categories like Doctor Who, Nigel Thornberry, and Star Trek. Basically, the creators of these works feel strongly about copyrighted material.
After a time consuming back-and-forth with the Cupertino giant, Cheetham was forced to call it quits. He even announced his fan base that GIF Finder was going to be removed, never to return to the App Store.
With one last drop of hope, he eventually decided to submit an appeal. To his surprise, Apple not only responded, but also agreed to return his app to its rightful place. The iPhone maker even agreed to schedule a call and discuss the rejection.
Apple has taken developers’ grievances much more seriously lately, offering detailed explanations when necessary, and even agreeing to restore rejected apps. The company’s App Store review team has also been more patient in recent times. GIF Finder is immediately available for download on the App Store.