In the ever-evolving world of technology, not all apps make it to the top of the charts—and some get pulled down faster than they go up. Whether it's due to political controversy, user deception, or violating platform policies, banned apps reveal a lot about the power dynamics between developers, users, and app store gatekeepers.
Here’s a deep dive into five notable apps that were banned, and the fascinating stories behind their takedowns:
1. I Am Rich
Platform: iOS
Banned By: Apple
Reason: Deceptive content / lack of functionality
Year Banned: 2008
The Story:
“I Am Rich” was perhaps the most audacious app ever released. Created by developer Armin Heinrich, the app cost $999.99—the maximum allowed on the App Store at the time. What did it do? Absolutely nothing, except display a glowing red gem and a mantra claiming the user had proven their wealth.
Eight people actually bought it.
Why It Was Banned:
The app was removed within 24 hours of its release. Apple cited violation of App Store guidelines—specifically offering no meaningful functionality. Critics called it a scam, while defenders saw it as digital art or social commentary. Either way, Apple didn’t want the backlash.
2. HKmap.live
Platform: iOS
Banned By: Apple
Reason: Endangering law enforcement and public safety
Year Banned: 2019
The Story:
HKmap.live was a crowd-sourced mapping tool that helped Hong Kong protesters track police locations during the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations. It aggregated real-time reports and alerts to help users avoid clashes or arrests.
Why It Was Banned:
After initially approving the app, Apple reversed its decision, claiming it was used to “target and ambush police” and “threaten public safety.” The move came under scrutiny, with critics accusing Apple of bowing to pressure from the Chinese government. The app's removal ignited a global debate over free speech, tech neutrality, and corporate responsibility.
3. Tawkon Radiation Detector
Platform: Android
Banned By: Apple (never allowed on iOS)
Reason: Conflict of interest (unofficial)
Year Rejected: 2011
The Story:
Tawkon was a health app that claimed to detect and alert users about radiation levels emitted by their smartphones, based on usage patterns and signal strength. It offered suggestions to reduce exposure, like using speakerphone or switching ears.
Why It Was Banned:
Though it was available on Android and Blackberry, Apple never approved Tawkon for iOS. Reportedly, Steve Jobs personally rejected it, saying: “No interest.”
Critics speculated that Apple didn’t want to alarm users or imply that iPhones might emit unsafe levels of radiation. Tawkon never recovered from the Apple rejection and faded into obscurity.
4. Drones/Metadata
Platform: iOS
Banned By: Apple
Reason: Political content / uncomfortable truths
Year Banned: 2015
The Story:
Developed by artist Josh Begley, Drones+ (later renamed Metadata+) was an app designed to send push notifications every time a U.S. drone strike occurred, based on public data from reputable sources.
Why It Was Banned:
Apple repeatedly rejected the app, calling the content “objectionable” and “not useful or entertaining enough.” After several rejections and renaming attempts, the app was finally removed in 2015.
This sparked a conversation about whether tech companies are suppressing politically sensitive content, especially when the app didn’t promote violence—it simply reported real events.
5. Fortnite (Epic Games)
Platform: iOS and Google Play
Banned By: Apple & Google
Reason: Violation of in-app payment policies
Year Banned: 2020
The Story:
Fortnite, the global gaming phenomenon, was pulled from both the App Store and Google Play when Epic Games introduced direct payments inside the app—bypassing Apple and Google’s 30% commission fee.
Why It Was Banned:
This direct payment option violated the platforms’ rules. Both tech giants removed the game. Epic responded by filing lawsuits and launching the now-famous #FreeFortnite campaign, even parodying Apple’s iconic “1984” commercial.
The legal battle lasted years. While Fortnite remains unavailable on iOS, it became a high-profile symbol in the debate over app store monopolies, developer rights, and digital freedom.
Final Thoughts
App bans are rarely simple. They can reflect concerns over safety, politics, health, money—or sometimes just poor judgment. While some bans are justified, others raise important questions about censorship, corporate power, and the limits of innovation.
These five cases highlight how apps—big and small—can spark global conversations, court battles, and cultural backlash.
Which of these bans surprised you the most?
Leave a comment and share your thoughts on app store censorship and tech regulation.