Apple will start removing abandoned apps from the App Store this month

A cleansing of sorts is coming to the App Store. Today Apple sent out an email to developers notifying them of a new evaluation process meant to find and remove "problematic" apps that haven't been updated for compatibility with recent versions of iOS and macOS. Apple says it's seeking out apps "that no longer function as intended" and those that fail to meet current review guidelines. The Apple developer website has also been updated with an explainer on the new process.

If problems are found, the company will notify developers who've left these "abandoned" apps to collect dust in the App Store that changes must be made within 30 days. Failing that, those apps will be removed completely. However, apps that instantly crash when opened will be removed immediately once they go through Apple's evaluation process. "Quality is extremely important to us," the email reads. "We know that many of you work hard to build innovative apps and update your apps on the App Store with new content and features." If you've already downloaded an app that gets booted from the App Store, you'll still be able to keep using it.

Full Article: http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/1/12755260/apple-removing-abandoned-iphone-apps