Flatulence application for iPhone rejected by Apple

 

You paid $500 last year, or $200-$300 this year for an iPod that was also a phone that was also a way to surf the web and utilize email... but can it fart?

Of course not. The iPhone can figure out the traffic for you, be your alarm clock, it can even help you schedule your day while syncing to your Outlook calendar. But no, it cannot rip one - virtually - for you if you want to get a cheap and easy laugh.

But alas, thanks to the visionary miracle of "apps", third-party software that iPhone users can download directly on their phones, if a farting phone is what you want, a farting phone is what you can have thanks to an app called Pull My Finger.

Unfortunately, the good people of Apple rejected the hilarious honking. Sam, the developer who doesn't like to reveal his last name, told Ars Technica that he was disappointed when he got the note from the iPhone team that said, "We have determined that this application is of limited utility to the broad iPhone and iPod touch user community, and will not be published to the App Store."

Sam said he had spent "tens of minutes developing this application" and thinks there's more behind the methane-simulation muzzling:

"The fact that it was rejected is a curiosity. As many people have pointed out on YouTube and other deeply philosophical forums, there seems to be a disconnect between Apple's message of allowing vulgarity in the iTunes store but not in the App Store," Sam continued. "Also, the message of 'limited appeal' to the iPhone community doesn't seem true. Our personal opinion is that some app reviewer at Apple is scared that Steve will be sitting at dinner, and will hear some awful sounds coming out of an iPhone at a nearby table. And that he will have the reviewer's head on a skewer for allowing it to happen". - Ars Technica

Apple recently removed their most expensive app last month when consumers complained that it lived up to its promise of not doing anything. The I AM Rich application cost $999 and simply installed a graphic on the iPhone to prove the purchase. Six people bought that app after it was approved for the App Store. Pull My Finger never made it into the store.

-- Tony Pierce

 

Comments

[David Smith]

Really funny and would love it for my iphone!!! Boo apple!

[hwh]

It's hard to understand why Apple will not put this on iTunes?
It will definitely have a market and should be allowed.
IMHO from a first day iPhone purchaser!

[Neil]

It needs a little time-delay option so you could subtly drop it in someone's back pocket or purse and stroll several feet away.

[Doug]

I was hoping that after spending $200 on my iPhone that I'd be able to blame something other than the dog for those sounds. Now that first date moment is just going to be downright awkward.

[R.J.]

I would love to have this on my iphone. I'm a 32 yr. old professional with a juvenile sense of humor. C'mon Apple!

[Cameron Taylor]

Dude, That is a great app. I want it....I can only imagine the comic relief (pun intended) while in a stale board meeting

[Darren]

"Doesn't appeal to a broad range of users?"... So what? There are plenty of extremely specialized, niche apps in the App Store that Apple did accept. If the app doesn't fit their sensibilities, then they should just say so.

As a developer, this leaves me scratching my head. And, honestly, I'm more reluctant than ever to waste hours developing an app without knowing if it will be arbitrarily rejected. I can think of a lot of niche apps that "don't appeal to a broad range of users" but I guess Apple just wants more mainstream, broadly-appealing stuff. Oh well.

I want your app on my phone ON PRINCIPLE.

[JOSH]

I want it

[Dennis]

One would think the choice is up to the person(s) that purchased the phone. Give me a
breake.

[J Stein]

WANT RIGHT NOW!!!!

[Pfffffttttt]

I'd put it on my phone. My brother,his wife, his two kids, and even my wife would also put it on theirs, too --- assuming the price was right (read: free).

[Kevin]

I love it!