Apple has always been a company that stresses the details. Everything down to the tiniest pixel is highly scrutinized to perfection. That’s why it doesn’t come as a total surprise that Apple is going after developers for using the wrong type of iPhone mockup to promote third-party apps on the web.
Cupertino doesn’t like the idea of developers using white iPhones to show off their work in marketing materials. It’s a black iPhone or the highway.
TechCrunch founder Mike Arrington reports for Pando Daily:
The private written communications I’ve seen from Apple, though, are quite clear on the restriction. In verbal communications they’ve said that they’re reserving use of the white iPhone for their own marketing materials.
Apple clearly outlines the type of iOS promotional materials third-party developers can use, and the mockup examples show black iPhones only. Does that mean white iPhones are off limits?
While this type of restriction is not at all against Apple’s personality, it seems that many other developers have not run into this issue yet. Apps that have been featured in the App Store, like Path and Flipboard, still use white iPhone promotional materials on the web. It’s unclear as to whether Pando Daily’s interaction with an unnamed startup is an isolated incident. Apple reportedly approached said startup and requested that its white iPhone promotional materials be taken down from the web.
Developers, have you run into this issue with Apple?
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
24 responses to “Is Apple Going To War Against Devs Who Use White iPhones To Advertise Their Apps?”
“going to war” may be stronger than necessary language considering the content of the post.
i dunno man…Apple’s got some big ass legal cannons that they’re not afraid to throw in developers faces if they don’t toe the line.
Would you expect anything less from CoM? Sad…
Since you’re an impartial source to objectively determine that.
CoM: Masters of the clickbait headline.
completely and utterly impartial ;)
Lol I just read this scrolled down by accident and I see your Face! – Made My Day Craig!
– Silvia
If this is true, I’m starting to really really dislike this company and the people behind it. There’s a fine line between being perfectionistic and being petty.
All I needed to do was see that the source was Arrington.
Considering the black iPhone looks REALLY old right now (coming up on 2 years, people!), that’s just pathetic.
The Draconian Era of Computing continues…
yeah its pretty bad being that tight on details…but have you seen apple’s stock lately? something they’re doing is working..
Alex: This article is all hearsay and rumor and seeks to create a conflict where there may or may not be one. Has any developer been told by Apple specifically NOT to use a white iPhone in their ads? You don’t mention anyone. Has Apple published any specific written guidelines to developers that white iPhones are taboo in their ads? You give nothing. Where does Apple clearly outline its guidelines? Just because examples show only black iPhones doesn’t mean white ones are prohibited! The materials may have been created before the white iPhones were released, so they wouldn’t have been around to photograph. This is all noise and supposition unless you cite specifics. Please give us real news and not just some he-said information Apple haters can run with for years.
What’s pathetic is that your age is showing. If two years is REALLY old to you, you must be very young and unappreciative of classic design and styling. No company HAS to come out with a new exterior design every year. Design should be all about elegance, functionality and usability, not just superficial styling like cars or women’s fashions. The difference between the iPhone 4 and the 4S is HUGE, but on the technology inside the thing. You sound like one of the fashion fanboys that Android users are always accusing Apple users of being.
If I was a dev, I’d be using white too. There’s so many phones out there that have been modeled to look like the iPhone, that you have to do something to make it clear. I haven’t seen too many white wanna-be iPhone knockoffs out there.
That’s racist, man!
hmm … I think he meant that the external design hasn’t changed much over the past two years, of which he is correct, plus he is also allowed an opinion.
Maybe not yearly… But there are companies (HTC, Nokia & Samsung to name a few) that refresh or add to their range every 18 months.
“The difference between the iPhone 4 and the 4S is HUGE” No its not ! .. My wife and I have both.
I also didn’t see him criticise you personally either Len…
All this ranting from a mature man who should know better… I hate to say it but your acting like a complete cock!
I dont understand, if i am a dev and bought an iPhone white i cant use is image on my product…! This means…. that u only buy the right to use the iphone…but part of the iPhone still belongs to Apple……! U cannot display something that u buy.????
The iPhone 4 and 4S have a look that is classic, simple, and elegant. I love the glass front and back, and the stainless steel rim. I’m honestly worried that the 5 and 5S will be a step backward with plastic that gets scratched up, or maybe a silly and unstable curved back.
Maybe Apple will come up with something better, but my own preference would be for the same overall look and feel.
Apple has become the boogeyman. People just make stuff up because the more terrible it is the more people are likely to believe it. Look out, Apple’s coming for your kids! Hide your kids!
Yes, we know what he meant, and it’s still ridiculous.
OMG, really what is the big deal about Apple having a rule about only using black phones. If the rule even exists. Yeah maybe they want to keep it for themselves. Fine. Devs are supposed to have read the rules before they agreed to follow them. If only being allowed to use a black phone is that big of a deal then don’t develop for iOS.
Must really irk you that that really old looking black phone is still selling like hot cakes.
The point of app advertising is to showcase the app NOT the phone. So what difference does it make if there are knock offs etc.