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In short: As part of their efforts to reduce the time spent watching devices, many people use screen-tracking applications that provide alerts and statistics on phone usage. But since the implementation of their own tools, Apple has begun to take steps to limit or prohibit third-party applications under the guise of privacy.
Whether or not you agree with the fact that smartphone addiction is a reality, it is undeniable that some people spend many hours a day watching their phone. In their efforts to reduce their own consumption, some have turned to on-screen tracking applications that inform users when they have accumulated more hours than they would like.
With iOS 12, Apple has included its own screen-tracking feature. But since then, they have also quietly taken action against third-party application manufacturers, forcing competition to shut down. The New York Times reported yesterday that last year, "Apple has removed or restricted at least 11 of the 17 most-screened parental control and screen control applications" on the App Store.
Apple spokeswoman Tammy Levine told The Times, "We treat all applications the same, including those that compete with our own services."
Considering Apple's role as an owner of the App Store, they will have verified and approved dozens, if not hundreds, of versions of each offending application before deciding this year that such apps violated their terms. General.
One of those apps was Freedom, a screen-tracking app with nearly a million downloads. Freedom executive Fred Stutzman said, "The incentives offered by Apple are not really about helping people solve their problem. Can you really believe that Apple wants people to spend less time on their phones? "
According to the Times, at least two of the affected app makers, Kidslox and Qustodio, have lodged a complaint with the European Union's Competition Bureau. Do not be too surprised if others do the same.
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