Apple has implemented new rules on its App Store to preserve user privacy. Developers will now be required to provide a valid reason for using data-gathering APIs in their apps, especially those that can be misused for fingerprinting and tracking users across their online activity. This change aims to prevent the misuse of these APIs and ensure that developers use them only for legitimate and approved reasons.
Starting this Fall, developers will need to provide a valid reason for using such APIs when submitting a new app or updating an existing one via App Store Connect. By Spring 2024, the reason will need to be included in the app’s privacy manifest.
Apple has also provided a list of valid reasons for using these APIs, and developers can contact the company if their reason is not covered in the pre-approved list but is still beneficial to the user.
These new requirements are part of Apple’s continued efforts to enhance security and privacy features for its users, building upon features introduced in iOS 16, such as Lockdown Mode and Safety Check.