In another seemingly controversial App Store approval decision, Apple has forced iPhone developers to remove functionality that allows users to "free memory" on demand.
While third parties are limited from developing background applications for the iPhone, Apple allows their applications such as the iPod, Safari, and Mail applications to continue to run. After prolonged use, these background applications may take up most of the memory (RAM) on the iPhone that can create interface sluggishness and prevent some memory-intensive applications from loading. Applications such as iStat for iPhone (App Store link) have until now enabled users to free this memory with the click of a button.
When asked for comment, Bjango gave the following account of Apple's request:
Bjango explains that the "free memory" feature accomplishes its task by allocating memory until the iPhone OS detects critically low memory levels and terminates the other background processes.
Free Memory's developer suggests that users wishing to avoid a complete device restart force quit Mail, Safari, and iPod if necessary by holding down the sleep-wake button until the red slider appears and then holding the home button until the application quits.
Apple's App Store approval process has recently come under scrutiny from the press and even the FCC. Apple has not returned our request for comment.
While third parties are limited from developing background applications for the iPhone, Apple allows their applications such as the iPod, Safari, and Mail applications to continue to run. After prolonged use, these background applications may take up most of the memory (RAM) on the iPhone that can create interface sluggishness and prevent some memory-intensive applications from loading. Applications such as iStat for iPhone (App Store link) have until now enabled users to free this memory with the click of a button.
When asked for comment, Bjango gave the following account of Apple's request:
Apple simply called us and demanded we remove the "free memory" feature. They wouldn't give a reason as to why it had to be removed. We basically had a choice between removing it or having the app deleted by apple if we didn't. Neither were great solutions but we talked with as many of our users as we could and more of them wanted updates then the free memory feature so thats the route we took.
Bjango explains that the "free memory" feature accomplishes its task by allocating memory until the iPhone OS detects critically low memory levels and terminates the other background processes.
Free Memory's developer suggests that users wishing to avoid a complete device restart force quit Mail, Safari, and iPod if necessary by holding down the sleep-wake button until the red slider appears and then holding the home button until the application quits.
Apple's App Store approval process has recently come under scrutiny from the press and even the FCC. Apple has not returned our request for comment.
130 comments
With Christmas under two weeks away, we're now entering last-minute holiday shopping season. Although some of the best deals may have already come and gone this year, many brands and retailers...
Repair site iFixit managed to get a Mac Pro on Friday, and has kicked off its traditional teardown with an uncasing and first impressions video.
The video shows the process of removing the Mac...
Through Apple's AC Wellness services that offer health benefits to Cupertino employees, Apple has begun providing its staff with free genetic testing, reports CNBC.
AC Wellness operates...
A year to the day after Apple announced plans to spend $1 billion on a new corporate campus in Austin, Texas, to initially support 5,000 employees with the potential to grow to 15,000, television...
Shortly after the Pro Display XDR became available to order this week, Stephen Hackett of Relay FM noted that the iMac Pro was not included in the list of Mac models compatible with the display on...
AT&T today announced that it has launched its 5G network in its first ten markets: Birmingham, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Providence, Rochester, San Diego, San Francisco,...
Tim Cook continued his tour of Asia this week with a trip to Bangkok, Thailand. The Apple CEO has been documenting the journey on his Twitter account.
Cook kicked things off with a visit to...
Apple today announced the addition of "Ultimate Rivals" from Bit Fry Game Studios to its Apple Arcade gaming service.
Ultimate Rivals is a sports game franchise that brings athletes from...
