Apple Bans Apps for Sex-Tinged Content

Mega digital manufacturer Apple has began to ban several iPhone applications that feature sexually suggestive content, which includes photos of women in lingerie and bikinis – a move that surprised developers who are reaping profits from such programs.

This decision is a clear indication that Apple is bent to maintain tight control over the software available for its iPhone despite the more hands-off approach of its competitors, like Google. When asked about the abrupt change, Apple said it simply responded to complaints from App Store users. “It came to appoint where we were getting customer complaints from women who found the content getting too degrading and objectionable, as well as parents who were upset with what their kids were able to see,” said Mr. Philip W. Schiller, head of worldwide product marketing at Apple.

Analysts believe Apple is simply trying to ensure its Apple store would not scare off potential customers as they’re trying to make their products more mainstream. The iPod Touch is a popular device among children and teenagers, so the company hopes to make the device more family-oriented and use as an educational tool.