Will Apple’s Decision Spell the End of Real Estate Agent (Template) Apps?
It appears Apple is starting stricter enforcement of its 4.2.6 and 4.3 guidelines in 2018.
What are the two guidelines?
- 4.2.6 Apps created from a commercialized template or app generation service will be rejected.
- 4.3 Spam Don’t create multiple Bundle IDs of the same app. If your app has different versions for specific locations, sports teams, universities, etc., consider submitting a single app and provide the variations using in-app purchase. Also avoid piling on to a category that is already saturated; the App Store has enough fart, burp, flashlight, and Kama Sutra apps already. Spamming the store may lead to your removal from the Developer Program.
In layman’s terms, it means all “template” apps are at risk from being removed from the App Store. Real estate agent “template” apps certainly fall into that categorization, if you ask me. I’ve personally never been much of a fan of template apps for agents for two primary reasons:
- User acquisition costs are too high.
- Zero unique functionality meaning zero reason for a buyer to download / use them.
With that said, I’d say I’m in favor of Apple’s efforts to clean up the App Store. I’ll wager a guess part of the decision was made because their data proves engagement / use of “template” app is significantly lower than custom apps which provide unique functionality.
Does this decision spell the end for the likes of SmarterAgent, SnApp, and others?
Noelle Hartt
Posted at 16:03h, 11 DecemberI agree, these apps probably don’t see much engagement. Not only that, but there are much more effective (and cost efficient) ways for realtors to engage potential clients.
Everybody and their mother wants to create an app today. Hopefully, this new change in Apple’s policy will steer people in a different direction that works out better for everyone.