Apple rejects Macworld iPhone Superguide from App Store... for using the word 'iPhone'

The iPhone App Store's arbitrary and inconsistent approval process continues to baffle and annoy on every level, as Macworld Editor-in-Chief Jason Snell just had his iPhone book rejected... for using the word "iPhone" in the title. Apparently Apple doesn't like app names or icons to include the word iPhone or images of the iPhone -- which arguably makes sense on some level -- but you'd think a freaking iPhone reference manual would warrant an exception, wouldn't you? Making matters worse, it appears that one Mr. David Pogue didn't have this problem, as his iPhone: The Missing Manual was approved with title and icon intact. Sigh. Phil Schiller -- deploy!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2009 3:01PM]

a freaking iPhone reference manual that cant have the word iphone in the title? lolz

[Accidental Posted Nov 3rd 2009 3:13PM]

Hitting on one of the main reasons I decided AGAINST purchasing the iPhone for my AT&T service: Apple's chokehold on what I can put on my phone. You don't have to worry about audited material for Symbian, Windows Mobile, or Android. What a big joke, and I can't believe iPhone users are willing to be suppressed with such restrictions. I will not support a company with this philosophy.

Note: Jailbreaking is in violation of the warranty and Apple continues to enforce strict anti-jailbreaking tactics. Does anyone else feel my anguish towards Apple?

[MJ Posted Nov 3rd 2009 3:31PM]

I just realized this, not sure why it wasn't clear until now, perhaps this phone/company can be compared with the forbidden fruit, anyone remember that from Genesis?

Someone took A bite out of the apple, hmmmm...

Maybe they should name the iPhone (oops) Fruit manual or 1 fruit byte manual... fruity manual
mostly of a fruit phone manual.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2009 8:44PM]

And this from the company that broke us all away from the shackles of corporatedom in 1984. What do they say? Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Funny how times change.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2009 3:47PM]

That's why I don't use Apple, they are a bunch of idiots.

[Po Posted Nov 3rd 2009 3:50PM]

My co-workers and family all love the iPhone. It drives me nuts. They are impressed with the phones I get, but they will never stray from Apple. I will just stick to my Nokia 5730 for now. Until I get the latest and greatest two years or so from now (probably Android phone)...

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2009 4:25PM]

Mr. Enigma: how about iFruit?

and this is why Android rules.....

[MJ Posted Nov 3rd 2009 5:52PM]

yep iFruit, but the i might set them off... iMac iMoron iDiot... LOL :)
very good!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2009 6:11PM]

No shocker that David Pogue got to use "iPhone" in the title of his book. If you are familiar with his NY Times column, it is overwhelmingly apparent that he is under the employ of Apple, Inc. It is so odd, the NY Times is so careful to provide a neutral stance in it's reporting (though its editorial contributors are certainly liberal), but the Paper then goes a head and employs the greatest Apple zealot that ever lived as its chief technology editor.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2009 8:28PM]

U.S. English speakers: "Apple is ridiculous."

International English speakers: "Apple are ridiculous."

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2009 8:31PM]

U.S. English speakers: "Apple is ridiculous."

International English speakers: "Apple are ridiculous."

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2009 11:54PM]

Currently rated #2 in paid book apps: Tips & Tricks - The Ultimate Guide to iPhone Secrets

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 4th 2009 7:23AM]

I'm the author of Tips & Tricks - The Ultimate Guide to iPhone Secrets... and we had the same issue.

Originally the app was called iPhone Tips, which was rejected, then Tips & Tricks - iPhone Secrets, which was fine for a few releases before being rejected and so now it's called Tips & Tricks - The Ultimate Guide to iPhone Secrets. Apple's guidelines say it's ok to have iPhone in a 'tagline' but not in the main name. There does appear to be some inconsistency in the interpretation of this rule - the lite edition of our guide is still - Tips & Tricks - iPhone Secrets Lite, which is (apparently) fine.

We recently had the App rejected because one a reviewer was unhappy with one of the Tips in the Lite version... but it was passed in the full version...

The App and Lite version can be found in iTunes as http://bit.ly/iphonesecrets and http://bit.ly/iphonesecretslite

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 4th 2009 11:29AM]

You know, Apple doing things like this seriously makes me consider giving up my iPhone. I think a BlackBerry is definitely in my future.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 4th 2009 8:51PM]

WOW! Shakes head in amazement and wonders what will apple ban next