Apple to reportedly stop supporting Emoji apps in the App Store

Emoji apps could face extinction in iOS 6. Apple is reportedly informing some developers that their emoji-based apps were removed from the App Store because they are no longer needed to unlock emoji. Apple previously allowed the expanded native support for emoji apps in iOS 6. But with iOS 6, emoji characters, also known as emoticons, are now being fully supported in the platform. This could explain the reason behind Apple’s plan of action. It’s important to note that emoji icons were previously made available on Japanese iPhones. Currently, there are over a thousand emoji-themed apps, both paid and free in the App Store. If the reports are true, it could indeed prove to be a big blow to the developers.

Hello [redacted],

We are writing to let you know your app, [redacted], has been removed from the App Store because it is no longer needed to unlock Emoji.

Since iOS 6 now provides Emoji support to all users, your app is no longer in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines

2.12 Apps that are not very useful, are simply web sites bundled as apps, or do not provide any lasting entertainment value may be rejected

If you have questions about the removal of your application, please contact App Review at appreview@apple.com. Please include the App ID and the name of your application in your email.

Thank you and best regards,

App Review