Halide rejected from App Store because it doesn't explain why it takes photos

App Store Rejection Incident

• A popular camera app update was initially rejected because its camera permission text said essentially “used to take photographs,” which review deemed insufficiently explanatory.
• Many commenters find this absurd for a camera app whose sole purpose is taking photos, especially given its long history on the store and prior Apple promotion.
• Later in the thread, it’s reported that Apple called the developers, acknowledged it as reviewer error, and allowed resubmission without changes.

Permission Prompts: How Explicit Should They Be?

• One side argues the text was fine: users downloaded a camera app specifically to take photos, so extra explanation adds no value.
• Others support Apple’s policy in principle: permission prompts should clearly explain purpose and context, not tautological statements.
• Several propose slightly richer wording (e.g., “this is a camera app; it needs access so you can take photos when you choose”) as a reasonable bar.

Privacy, Data Protection, and Policies

• Discussion broadens to Play Store and GDPR-style rules: some apps were forced to add privacy/data protection policies even when processing seems local or minimal.
• There’s disagreement over when a developer is a “data controller” or “processor,” and whether on-device-only processing still requires formal policies.
• Many accept that stores can require a policy regardless of legal thresholds; others see it as overreach or legal misinterpretation.

Monopoly, Regulation, and Sideloading

• Strong sentiment that Apple (and to a lesser degree Google) have too much control over what software can run on mobile devices.
• Proposals include regulation, mandated sideloading, open web installs, or multiple app stores; skeptics warn regulation could add more bureaucracy.
• Some argue the term “sideloading” itself is misleading, implying Apple has legitimate authority over owner-controlled devices.

Developer Experience & Consistency

• Multiple developers recount arbitrary, inconsistent rejections on both App Store and Play Store, sometimes blocking time-sensitive launches.
• Criticism focuses on opaque review processes, low-context reviewers, and lack of meaningful support despite the platform’s revenue share.
• A minority defend strict reviews as beneficial for user security and UX, even if individual cases are frustrating or occasionally farcical.