"Under the U.S. sanctions regulations, the App Store cannot host, distribute, or do business with apps or developers connected to certain U.S. embargoed countries," Apple said in its email to developers.
"This area of law is complex and constantly changing. If the existing restrictions shift, we encourage you to resubmit your app for inclusion on the App Store." An Apple spokesman confirmed the authenticity of the email, but had no further comment on the matter.
A follow-up email from Apple to Nayebi stated that the iPhone maker would re-consider his app if he obtains a letter from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control confirming the release of the app from the US's restrictions. Digikala, Bamilo and Snapp didn't respond to requests for comment. The US Office of Foreign Assets Control, a part of the Treasury Department that enforces economic and trade sanctions, didn't respond to a request for comment.
This is the latest example of new challenges Apple faces as it becomes more of a digital services and content provider, rather than just a designer of high-end consumer gadgets. The company's services business, which includes its App Store and iTunes music and video offerings, has increased about 22 percent in the past year and is its second-largest unit behind the iPhone. That's attractive to investors, but distributing more information online means more clashes with governments.
In July, the App Store faced another government-forced app removal situation. Virtual private networks applications, programs designed to circumvent internet restrictions, were removed from Apple's China App Store at the request of the Chinese government. "We have been required to remove some VPN apps in China that do not meet the new regulations," Apple said at the time.
Iran's nuclear-related sanctions were lifted last year following its 2015 agreement with world powers, however some U.S. trade and banking sanctions remain, hindering business. While the deal reached under the Obama administration was seen as a milestone for Iran to join international markets and open its doors to foreign investment and technology, the U.S. under President Donald Trump has pushed for more sanctions against Iran.
"Companies incur costs to research, design and develop apps for Android and Apple phones," said Mohammadreza Azali, chief executive officer of TechRasa, a Tehran-based startup and tech news website. "If their app is removed from Apple devices it means that half of the cost they have incurred is gone with the wind."
"It's also a hit in terms of business," he added.
"There is an estimated 7 million iPhone holders in the country and their purchasing power is considered as being higher than those of Android users and they have readiness to buy. It's a problem if you can't access that clientele."
Iran has a history of blocking access to websites and networks it deems politically sensitive, such as Twitter and Facebook. However, the approach has been softening, with President Hassan Rouhani and top members of his Cabinet, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, using the platforms to make statements. Iran's new minister of communications has recently announced his intention to end the restrictions.
"We're trying to raise our voice in international media," Taghizadeh said. "We don't have such issues with Android ecosystem," referring to Google's App Store. Taghizadeh, along with at least four others, have started a petition online. They are asking Apple's Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook to help lift the ban.
