Apple Blocks iTorrent App From EU Alternative App Marketplace
- Apple has revoked the choice distribution rights for iTorrent,a torrent client app,leaving its developer without clarification.
- While Apple loosened restrictions on distributing apps outside the App Store in recent years, it maintains oversight through a Notarization process.
- Apple states that Notarization checks for known malware, viruses, and security threats.
Apple Revokes iTorrent Distribution Rights,Cites No reason
Table of Contents
Apple has revoked the choice distribution rights for iTorrent,a torrent client app,leaving its developer without clarification. This incident highlights Apple’s control over apps distributed outside the App Store, even with relaxed restrictions, through its Notarization process.
Published: August 28, 2024 at 04:13:06 UTC
Background: Apple’s Alternative Distribution and Notarization
While Apple loosened restrictions on distributing apps outside the App Store in recent years, it maintains oversight through a Notarization process. This process requires developers to submit their apps to Apple for a security scan. Notarization isn’t an approval process, but its required for apps distributed outside the App Store to run on macOS without triggering security warnings.
Apple states that Notarization checks for known malware, viruses, and security threats. It also aims to ensure apps function as advertised and don’t engage in fraudulent practices.
iTorrent’s Distribution Rights revoked
Daniil Vinogradov, the developer of iTorrent, reported that Apple revoked the app’s distribution rights without providing a reason. Vinogradov attempted to obtain clarification from Apple, receiving only a generic response initially. A subsequent interaction indicated that an escalation team was investigating, but Vinogradov remains in the dark. “I still have no idea if it was my fault or Apple’s, and their responses make no sense,” Vinogradov told TorrentFreak on August 27, 2024.
The lack of specific details from Apple makes it unclear whether a security vulnerability, fraudulent activity, or another issue prompted the revocation.
No Apparent Blanket Ban on Torrent apps
AltStore PAL, a platform facilitating alternative app distribution, has also inquired about the situation with Apple. They were informed that Apple is “looking into it.” AltStore PAL has not received any warnings regarding torrent apps or other specific app categories, suggesting that the revocation of iTorrent’s rights isn’t part of a broader crackdown on torrenting applications.
Understanding Apple’s Notarization Process
| Step | Description | Developer Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Submission | Developers submit their app to apple for Notarization. |