Apple removes HMV rival music store from iOS App Store

Apple has pulled British music retailer HMV's app from the iOS App Store because of functionality that allowed users to buy songs for download.

The HMV app removed from the App Store | Source: The Guardian

The app, whose removal was first reported by The Guardian, was released last week. Paul McGowan, HMV's chairman, said that Apple "politely" asked the retailer to remove the app on Monday and that HMV "politely declined" the request.

McGowan says Apple then demanded HMV alter the app to remove the digital music store within a matter of hours, then pulled the app from the App Store after HMV was unable to make the deadline. McGowan called the deadline "unrealistic" and said it was "disapointing that Apple has chosen to suspend an app that has proven to be very successful in only a few short days."

HMV said in a statement that the app had been downloaded more than 10,000 times since it hit the iOS and Google Play stores on Oct. 17, and that the company was working diligently to make changes that would allow it to be replaced in the App Store.

"HMV's developers are working around the clock to deliver an updated version of the iOS app for Apple's approval which will retain the innovative Image Search and Sound Search functionality to discover music and listen to 30 second previews," the statement said. HMV also noted that the app-based music store would be replaced with functionality allowing users to manage their music purchased via the company's HTML5 shop, similar to services offered by Amazon and Google.

The app was reportedly removed for violating clause 11.13 of Apple's iOS developer guidelines — Â "Apps using IAP to purchase physical goods or goods and services used outside of the application will be rejected."

52 Comments

charlituna 7217 comments · 16 Years

About 11 years ago

The guidelines are there for developers from the start. If they don't follow them, that is on them. If they are unsure if what they want to do is okay they should ask for clarification.

daveinpublic 633 comments · 12 Years

Don't know why there's a guideline that prohibits music stores.

herbapou 2219 comments · 14 Years

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveinpublic

Don't know why there's a guideline that prohibits music stores.

Because Apple takes a cut out of everything sold in-app. If HMV wants to sell something without paying Apple it needs to do it outside the app.

HMV knew that, maybe they want to start a debate or lawsuits over Apple policies. The way around it is to make an HTML5 app with a shortcut icon. Once the user have that icon installed, it looks like a normal app and behave like one and the dev dont have to pay Apple anymore.

Someone may ask why dev just dont make HTLM5 apps in the first place. Its because they want to be in the App store for the marketing power it brings. If you only make an HTML5 app, then users will need to find youre app on the net, it will not be visible in the app store. Most dev's thinks the marketing power of the app store is worth paying Apple a cut for there in-app purchased.

Of course if you are a reseller of content like HMV, you can't pay Apple a 30% cut because it would eat up all of you're margins. If I was Apple, I would simply make another rate for resellers like google, amazon or HMV... its better for Apple to get a 5% cut then get nothing.

diz_geek 57 comments · 12 Years

Hasn't something like this always been part of the App Store guidelines? Why on earth, several years into the App Store, did HMV suddenly think, "Ya know, I bet Apple will be okay if we go ahead and do this.... Forget every other music retailer that's wanted to and forget the rules for the store, gosh darn it, we're gonna do it!"

ecats 274 comments · 11 Years

It always seems harsh when Apple cuts out these sorts of apps, but at the same time I'm sure HMV wouldn't be too willing for Apple to set up a store-in-a-store at their retail locations without paying rent. It's also pretty inane to for HMV to suggest that they have the technology to offer instant downloads and check-out transactions, but not have any internal facility for managing that.