Apple (AAPL) has become the envy of the wireless industry by creating a sprawling bazaar of software programs that can be loaded onto its iPhone. Apple has reportedly revamped its apps approval policy in a bid to make Apple marketplace safer and more productive. In light of these new changes, we’ve taken a look at the most outrageous App Store rejects from years past. Whether too sexy, too profane, too offensive, or too partisan, these apps just couldn’t make the cut.
Check out these banned apps below, and vote on which ones you think should (and shouldn’t) have been allowed.
The Dope Wars
App Maker: Catamount Software
Reason: Objectionable content
This gaming app is a remake of the 1980s game DrugWars (for DOS and Ti calculators). ”Dope Wars,” according to its creators, allows users to play a drug dealer who has to make as much money as possible in 30 days by peddling narcotics. It was too explicit for the App Store, so the creators tweaked the premise and released a G-rated version called ”Candy Wars”
Baby Shaker
App Maker: Sikalosoft
Reason for Rejection: “Deeply offensive”
Obama Trampoline
App Maker: Swamiware
Reason: No reason given
This app lets you choose one of 18 famous politicians, from Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin, to bounce off a trampoline–in the Oval Office, no less. The goal is to control the tilt of the phone and bouncing pol to pop balloons floating on the top of the Oval Office with their heads. (The app even includes a pantsless Bill Clinton caricature.) Apple plays it safe when it comes to ‘defemation’ and the App Store didn’t want to take chances.
Slasher
Reason: Offensive
Booty Call
App Maker: Bearded Pony
Reason: Sexual content
This suggestive app included a book of tips for hooking up and unique interface for dialing numbers. Apple rejected the app initially (due to sexual content, says the developer), but after the name was changed to “Black Book Dialer,” and some of the content was tweaked, they gave it the OK.
Freedom Time
App Maker: Juggleware
I Am Rich
App Maker: Armin Heinrich
Reason: None given
This app, nothing more than a ‘glorified screensaver,’ cost $999.99. Once downloaded, a glowing red gem would appear on the screen, followed by the words, “I Am Rich.” Its iTunes description read: “The red icon on your iPhone or iPod Touch always reminds you (and others when you show it to them) that you were able to afford this. It’s a work of art with no hidden function at all.” Eight people actually purchased this functionless app before Apple removed it.
Knife Music by David Carnoy
App Maker: Alexandru Brie
Reason: Objectional content
MyShoe
App Maker: GenieApps
Reason: Defamatory to public figure
This app allowed the user to play the role of the Iraqi shoe-tossing journalist and hurl footwear at former President George W. Bush. The app was rejected for defaming a public figure. The app was retooled however, and accepted by Apple. Now, the user can toss a shoe at anyone they like by uploading a photo of that person—whether it’s a former spouse or the former President.
Shaker
App Maker: Phunkware
Reason: Copyright infringement
This Tetris-like game was pulled from the app store for being, well, Tetris-like. The game was stripped from iTunes in September 2008 after Tetris complained that the resemblance was too close.
