Apple Adds New 'Explicit' Category

Though it is not yet in use, Apple has added a category for developers to label their applications as "explicit" software in the App Store for the iPhone and iPod touch.

A developer revealed to Cult of Mac that the new category is available for selection on the iTunesConnect Web site. However, applications with the "explicit" distinction have not yet appeared in the App Store.

The change could signal that Apple is preparing to launch an adults-only section of the App Store that would segregate potentially offensive content from the remainder of applications.

The move follows Apple's removal of more than 5,000 applications the company said were "overtly sexual." The change in policy came after the company received numerous complaints from users who were concerned children would be able to access inappropriate content from the App Store on their iPhone or iPod touch. Whether those applications removed in the last week would be allowed in to the App Store under the new "explicit" category is unknown.

Apple is also preparing to launch its iPad device, a new form factor the company will pitch as a multimedia accessory that can serve as an e-reader of novels and textbooks. The new hardware will also have access to the App Store and its library of more than 140,000 applications. Its potential adoption in the education market could have played a part in Apple's decision to remove sexual content.

Though Apple purged a number of applications (including some mistakenly), other adult oriented content remained on the App Store, including applications from Playboy and . Phil Schiller, head of worldwide product marketing for Apple, told The New York Times that his company had decided that well-known, established brands would be allowed to remain on the App Store.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles..._software.html

So it looks like all the 'heat' Apple has been getting over adult related content has finally paid off, seems like they will be allowing explicit content on their apps shortly afterall :)

Regards,

Lee

I saw an article on Huff Post about that too.

Wasn't there a post here the other day about some gay themed site app being removed for being too racy even tho it was just shirtless men?

don't remember where I saw it.

"illicit" sells, so I knew it would be just a matter of time before they set-up some sort of "adults only" type section to their store.

one of the forums I also read this topic
Someone wrote:
"Why doesn't Apple want to dabble in pornography?
Many major companies have ties if you look closely enough!
They can easily do it while keeping their hands clean."