Apple allows developers to restrict old versions of their apps
App makers can now decide what versions of their apps they'd like to make available to users. The policy changes come as iOS 7 is released.
Earlier this week, a user on Reddit discovered that Apple had adjusted a policy that would let people download older versions of apps that were compatible with previous versions of iOS. Yesterday, Apple walked back the policy a bit, and announced on its developers Web site that it's giving app makers the option of whether to make those older versions available.
Previous versions of your apps are now available for re-download by users who have already purchased them, allowing customers to use your apps with older devices which may no longer be supported by the current version of your app. If you do not wish to make these versions available, you can manage the availability of your apps' previous versions in the Rights and Pricing section of the Manage Your Apps module in iTunes Connect.The policy changes come as Apple has released iOS 7, the biggest overhaul of the platform since it was introduced in 2007 with the original iPhone. The thinking goes: If users have older iPhone models, or are just running older iOS versions, they'd still be able to download the latest compatible versions of apps that have since been redesigned for newer versions of iOS.
The problem, though, is users getting potentially buggy, neglected versions of apps, with developers having less of a hand in the quality control of their products. Letting developers choose whether they'd like to restrict old versions puts that decision in the individual app maker's hands.
(Via TechCrunch)