Facebook Clarifies App Developer's Decision Does Not Mirror Official Position

If there were any speculations regarding Facebook's stand on Apple's app review procedures after its lead iPhone app developer quit citing Apple's approval policies, they were cleared today when the company clarified that Joe Hewitt's decision did not in any way mirror the company's official position.

In a message sent to the folks at TechCrunch, Elliot Schrage, VP of Communications at Facebook has explained that Hewitt's decision was a personal choice and does not in any way portray the company's views. Schrage writes

"Facebook’s relationship with Apple and our commitment to the iPhone platform remain strong. IIn (sic) fact, though Joe himself will be moving to new projects, Facebook has a great team of engineers taking over iPhone related development"

Schrage further explains that the company has always been committed to bringing newer features and services on the iPhone platform. You might remember that Facebook had released their app for iPhone OS 3.0 just a few months back and we had also recently reported rumors about an upcoming Facebook 3.1 app with push notifications.

TechCrunch speculates if Facebook's communication was a desperate attempt to stay in Apple's good books. With Facebook's iPhone app being downloaded over 17 million times to date, we do not think there is any particular need to do that. As a matter of fact, Apple needs companies like Facebook's to develop iPhone apps. However, going by Apple's recent history with Google, Facebook just might not want to take any chances that could irk Apple.

Having said that, this episode has brought the issue of iPhone App review hypocracies once again into the limelight. With influential iPhone app developers coming out in the open to protest Apple's App review process, do you think it is high time Apple addressed the issue? Please tell your opinion in the comments.

[via TechCrunch]

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