Apple has issued a stark warning to developers, stating that some applications may be removed from the App Store if they fail to engage users. The tech giant’s revised guidelines now threaten the removal of established categories like wallpapers and dating apps unless they are updated, improved or attract customers.

This shift marks a significant departure from previous practices where Apple simply rejected copycat apps in saturated markets. For instance, the old warning against farting and burping apps is no more; instead, developers will face the possibility of their applications being removed entirely if they do not meet new criteria.

The move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to clean up its App Store by enhancing app discovery through personalized recommendations and merchandising tools. This could streamline user experiences while pressurizing developers to innovate or risk obsolescence.

As part of this overhaul, apps like drinking games and Kama Sutra guides are now explicitly labeled as 'low-quality' and 'mediocre', with repeated offenders potentially facing permanent bans from the Apple Developer Program. This underscores a new era where only the most novel and engaging applications will thrive on the App Store.