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How did Google get Apple to approve this app for the App Store? It has fallback to SMS functionality[1], but SMS apps are rejected from the Apple App store [2]

How did Google get Apple to approve this app for the App Store? It has fallback to SMS functionality[1], but SMS apps are rejected from the Apple App store [2]. [1] https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/google-allo-smarter-messaging-app.html https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/google-allo-smarter-... [2] https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/ https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/

gelatocar 10y ago
Are you referring to this bit? > Apps that enable anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS/MMS messaging will be rejected. I read that as anonymous or prank SMS/MMS, not just any SMS/MMS.
itafroma 10y ago
> It has fallback to SMS functionality, but SMS apps are rejected from the Apple App store. Which guideline are you thinking of? My search for "SMS" only found two unrelated guidelines: > 1.1.6 False information and features, including inaccurate device data or trick/joke functionality, such as fake location trackers. Stating that the app is “for entertainment purposes” won’t overcome this guideline. Apps that enable anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS/MMS messaging will be rejected. > 3.2.2 (iv) Collecting funds within the app for charities and fundraisers. Apps that seek to raise money for such causes must be free on the App Store and may only collect funds outside of the app, such as via Safari or SMS.
lathiat 10y ago
Sounds like Google are SMSing you from their own number, on behalf of Allo users -- at least for iPhone. If you click on the iPhone tab of that page, you see the following: Respond to a message without downloading Allo When you receive a message from an Allo user, you have a few options: Reply with a text message to continue chatting with the Allo user. To stop receiving messages from Allo users, text "STOP."

5 ms·

How did Google get Apple to approve this app for the App Store? It has fallback to SMS functionality[1], but SMS apps are rejected from the Apple App store [2]

by tiffanyh 10y ago

gelatocar 10y ago
Are you referring to this bit? > Apps that enable anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS/MMS messaging will be rejected. I read that as anonymous or prank SMS/MMS, not just any SMS/MMS.
itafroma 10y ago
> It has fallback to SMS functionality, but SMS apps are rejected from the Apple App store. Which guideline are you thinking of? My search for "SMS" only found two unrelated guidelines: > 1.1.6 False information and features, including inaccurate device data or trick/joke functionality, such as fake location trackers. Stating that the app is “for entertainment purposes” won’t overcome this guideline. Apps that enable anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS/MMS messaging will be rejected. > 3.2.2 (iv) Collecting funds within the app for charities and fundraisers. Apps that seek to raise money for such causes must be free on the App Store and may only collect funds outside of the app, such as via Safari or SMS.
lathiat 10y ago
Sounds like Google are SMSing you from their own number, on behalf of Allo users -- at least for iPhone. If you click on the iPhone tab of that page, you see the following: Respond to a message without downloading Allo When you receive a message from an Allo user, you have a few options: Reply with a text message to continue chatting with the Allo user. To stop receiving messages from Allo users, text "STOP."