As some developers are reporting, Apple has started limiting some developer apps created by Iranians. As reported by Techrasa, Apple removed the Digikala app, Iran's largest e-commerce platform, a few days ago. Unsurprisingly, especially when it comes to withdrawing apps, the Cupertino guys say they've been forced to violate international trade laws.
Must take into account Apple offered access to the App Store to Iran 4 months ago, since September 2016. With almost half of the population using a smartphone, a population of close to 80 million, the iPhone has become one of the most desired devices by the country's youth, since today the only way to get hold of it is through smuggling.
Today Iran does not have its own application store, which forces developers to post their applications in stores in other countries. The electronic commerce application Digikala uses a payment system called Shaparak, which is not contemplated in international laws but does not contradict the conditions and terms of service for developers. However, the application has been withdrawn to avoid problems with the government of the country.
From this moment, every time some developer from Iran wants to upload a new app to the App Store, the website will show you the following message:
Unfortunately, we do not have an App Store available in Iranian territory. In addition, applications that allow business transactions or banking entities located in Iranian territory may not comply with the Iranian Transactions Regulatory Law when they are hosted in the App store. For these reasons, we are currently unable to accept applications of this type. Please request the approval of your application again, once international laws allow this functionality.
