Basecamp Founder at Odds with Apple Again Over Rejected Calendar App
Basecamp founder and co-founder of Hey, David Heinemeier Hansson, is engaged in another confrontation with Apple over the rejection of their calendar app, Hey Calendar, from the App Store. This is not the first time Hey has clashed with Apple, as back in 2020, Apple rejected Hey’s email app for the same reason. The conflict arises from the fact that non-paying users cannot access any features in the app, and new users cannot sign up through the app.
Apple Claims Hey Calendar App “Doesn’t Do Anything”
Apple’s reason for rejecting Hey Calendar is that the app “doesn’t do anything,” according to the company. This is a similar justification to the one given in 2020 when Hey’s email app was rejected. Apple’s App Store rules state that paid services must offer users the option to pay and sign up through the app, which Apple receives a commission of up to 30% from. While there are exceptions for certain apps like Spotify and Kindle, Hey’s calendar app did not fall under these exceptions.
Hey’s David Heinemeier Hansson Accuses Apple of Bullying Tactics
Expressing his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), David Heinemeier Hansson accused Apple of employing “bullying tactics” in their rejection of Hey Calendar. He claimed that Apple uses delicate rejections, often delivered by a first-name-only representative, to inform developers that their options are limited to either paying Apple a commission or not being featured in the App Store. These actions, according to Hansson, demonstrate Apple’s disregard for the wellbeing of developers.
Apple’s App Store Rules Clash with Hey’s Free Companion App Model
Hey’s apps, whether it be the email or calendar app, provide users with access to a paid service through a free, standalone app. This approach is similar to how streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify function, where the app serves as a reader app that accesses off-device content. However, Apple’s rules mandate that most paid services allow users to sign up and pay through the app, enabling Apple to earn a commission. Hey requires users to sign up via a browser, which violates Apple’s guidelines.
Hey Plans to Take on Apple in Battle over App Store Rejection
Despite Apple’s rejection, Hey and its co-founder David Heinemeier Hansson remain resolute in their fight against the tech giant. In a blog post, Hansson declared that they are not giving up and not rolling over. He believes that Apple needs to be challenged for monopolistic practices in order to bring about necessary change. Hey plans to continue their battle against Apple’s rejection of their calendar app, as they firmly believe that Apple should not receive a 30% commission on their revenues.
Apple and Hey find themselves locked in a familiar conflict, as the rejection of Hey Calendar echoes their previous clash over Hey’s email app. The outcome of this ongoing dispute will not only impact both companies but also shed light on the broader issue of App Store regulations and the power of tech giants like Apple in controlling and influencing the app market.
Analyst comment
Positive News:
– Basecamp and Hey are standing up against Apple’s rejection and fighting for change in the App Store regulations.
– This conflict brings attention to the broader issue of App Store regulations and the power of tech giants like Apple.
Market Impact:
– The outcome of this dispute could lead to changes in App Store regulations and potentially reduce Apple’s commission fees for developers.
