Apple has announced that it will remove games and applications from the App Store that have not been updated recently updated. The company will remove the apps if developers do not submit an update for approval within 30 days.
“This app has not been updated in a significant amount of time and is scheduled to be removed from sale in 30 days. No action is required for the app to remain available to users who have already downloaded the app. You can keep this app available for new users to discover and download from the App Store by submitting an update for review within 30 days. If no update is submitted within 30 days, the app will be removed from sale,” Apple’s notice to developers states.
Apple’s developer support document titled “App Store Improvements” explained that the move would help “to make it easier for customers to find great apps that fit their needs.”
The document states that if developers submit an update after the 30-day window, their app could ultimately be relisted.
Apps “will remain fully functional for current users” and users will continue to make in-app purchases and access online services within the apps.