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Apple Tightens App Store Rules on Copycats and AI Data Sharing

The policy update sets stricter boundaries to curb knockoffs, requiring transparent consent for AI data sharing.

Overview

  • Apple published nine App Review Guideline revisions that now apply to new and updated App Store submissions.
  • Rule 5.1.2(i) now mandates clear disclosure when personal data will be shared with third-party AI and requires explicit user permission.
  • A new anti-copycat clause, 4.1(c), prohibits using another developer’s icon, brand, or product name in an app’s name or icon without approval.
  • Other updates include age gating for creator content and HTML5/JavaScript mini apps, a 36% APR cap with no full repayment within 60 days for loan apps, crypto exchanges designated as highly regulated, and restrictions on exposing native APIs from non-binary software; Apple also removed language about test ad banners.
  • Coverage notes uncertainty over enforcement, with the AI-specific wording arriving as reports point to a 2026 Siri upgrade that may use Google’s Gemini.