Two weeks ago we released Reflect on Apple's App Store - it’s been a disaster.
Initially, we used TestFlight to distribute our iOS app, which worked well and allowed us to quickly iterate and ship updates. However, there was a cap on the number of users we could have.
Eventually, we decided to move to the App Store. Anyone familiar with this process knows it involves some back-and-forth before getting approval, but finally, the Apple reviewers gave us their blessing.
We announced our new iOS app and transitioned our customers off TestFlight. Job done! Or so we thought...
A week later, we prepared an update to the app with some editor fixes. The update was denied. Apple stated that our sign-in process violated their Terms of Service.
We use end-to-end encryption to protect our customers' notes so that nobody else, not even us, can read them. Our encryption process works in two stages: first, Apple or Google Auth is used to log into your Reflect account, and then you provide an encryption password which is used to end-to-end encrypt your notes. This password never leaves your device, ensuring your notes remain secure.
Apple's issue was with displaying a password field after the "Sign in with Apple" button, which they claimed was against their terms of service. It's important to note that this functionality had not changed since the initial approval of the app. They had approved the app, we announced it, moved everyone to it, and now they were blocking our update. We've tried appealing several times but have never received a response.
We are now in limbo. I don't know what to do.
This story is not unique. Every day developers are running into these app-store issues, but many are afraid to speak up in case of reprisals. Apple, if you're wondering why there are no apps for the Apple Vision, maybe take a good look in the mirror and think about how you treat us.
English
