Apple Reconsiders Banning Amphetamine App

Apple backtracked on threats to remove the popular app “Amphetamine” from the Mac App Store on Sunday, after Apple had threatened to remove the app over its name, reporting that it violated guideline 1.4.3 related to consumption of tobacco , illegal drugs, or excessive amounts of alcohol.

The guideline at issue is 1.4.3, stating "Apps that encourage consumption of tobacco or vape products, illegal drugs, or excessive amounts of alcohol are not permitted on the App Store. Apps that encourage minors to consume any of these substances will be rejected. Facilitating the sale of marijuana, tobacco, or controlled substances except for licensed pharmacies isn't allowed.

Meanwhile, Apple claims the app appears to promote inappropriate use of controlled substances. Specifically your app name and icon include references to controlled substances and pills.

Moreover, the app has been in the Mac App Store without issue for six years, and has achieved over 432,800 downloads and a 4.8 out of 5 rating in the US Mac App Store from over 1,400 reviews. Apple itself has even promoted the app in a Mac App Store Story. Later, Apple removed an American app that promoted private parties during the Covid-19 pandemic.The app named ”Vybe Together ”calls itself a private community to find, join and host parties.

Vybe Together billed itself on TikTok and its website as a place to organize and attend underground parties, using the tagline “Get your rebel on. Get your party on.” Organizers would have to approve everyone who wanted to attend, and those who got approved would receive the address two hours before the event.