Apple Will No Longer Approve Apps Using Unique Device Identifier (UDID) Beginning May 1, Must Also Support iPhone 5 and Retina Display

NewImageApple has informed app developers that it will no longer allow apps to use the unique device identifier or UDID after May 1, according to a post on Apple's developer website.

Instead, Apple requests developers use the new 'Vendor or Advertising identifiers' that were introduced in iOS 6. Developers will also be required to support both the Retina display and the iPhone 5's 4-inch display, beginning on May 1.

Using Identifiers in Your Apps
March 21, 2013

Starting May 1, the App Store will no longer accept new apps or app updates that access UDIDs. Please update your apps and servers to associate users with the Vendor or Advertising identifiers introduced in iOS 6. You can find more details in the UIDevice Class Reference.

Make Your Apps Look Great on the Retina Display and iPhone 5
March 21, 2013

Starting May 1, new apps and app updates submitted to the App Store must be built for iOS devices with Retina display and iPhone apps must also support the 4-inch display on iPhone 5. Learn about preparing your apps by reviewing the iOS Human Interface Guidelines.

Apple announced in 2011 that it would be phasing out developer access to UDID's, and instead create a non-identifying marker for advertisers to use. A year ago, it was reported that Apple began quietly rejecting apps for the use of the UDID, but this public announcement suggests Apple has gotten more serious about shutting down use of the identifier.

Apple had been under increased pressure to change how the UDID works due to the privacy implications of a developer knowing which particular iOS device is being used to access their app. Apple and several app developers were sued over the use of the UDID to track users across different apps. While the UDID doesn't specifically identify a user, the sharing of UDIDs across ad networks and apps can help piece together a valuable picture of activity and interests of the user of a specific device. Apple seems to be requiring apps to generate their own unique identifiers for each installation to avoid this ability to share such information across apps.

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Top Rated Comments

Moonjumper Avatar
164 months ago
Why make it retina required when they still sell products without retina like ohhhhh lets say the iPad mini.......

Because they do sell retina devices. It is not excluding non-retina devices, it is just making sure that all the retina devices are supported in all new apps or updates.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
boshii Avatar
164 months ago
Why make it retina required when they still sell products without retina like ohhhhh lets say the iPad mini.......

Not sure if serious.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
japanime Avatar
164 months ago
Privacy trumps convenience, which is a good thing. Glad to see Apple implement this policy, even if it means a change in how developers approach their apps.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ccmovies Avatar
164 months ago
Why make it retina required when they still sell products without retina like ohhhhh lets say the iPad mini.......

Or even iPad 2.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SoGood Avatar
164 months ago
Good move Apple!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bbeagle Avatar
164 months ago
Oh wow. That's REALLY going to piss off some developers - having to update their app for iPhone 5 even if they're just making a tiny update to the app.

You have this all backwards.

Apple wants to improve the quality of the apps in the app store. Developers should want their apps to be the best they can possibly be as well. As an app purchaser, you should be Happy with better quality.

Lazy developers should go code for Android.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)