NewImageDeveloper David Barnard tweeted today that Apple is requiring that he remove direct links from his app Launch Center Pro because the app uses "undocumented APIs" to launch built-in Apple apps.

According to Barnard's tweets:

Apple called to let me know that we are using “undocumented APIs” in @launchcenterpro and that we need to remove certain Apple app URLs. [1]

The URLs will still work, but we have to remove Calendar, FaceTime, FaceTime Audio, GameCenter, Music, Passbook, Videos, Reminders, and iTMS. [2]

To be clear, these URLs will work just fine unless Apple actually removes them from their respective apps. [3]

All of those URLs have one thing in common, they are apps that ship with iOS. Apple apps in the App Store seem to still be fair game. [4]

And to be fair, those URLs *are* technically undocumented. I’m not even sure how they were discovered by people who shared them with us. [5]

Launch Center Pro is a speed dial-esque alternative launcher that uses hidden URLs to quickly open apps. Because the URLs to Apple's built-in apps are undocumented (with the exception of FaceTime), app developers are forbidden from using them on the App Store.

Launch Center Pro received a significant update to version 2.0 last week. It's available for $4.99 on the App Store. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

6836838 Avatar
136 months ago
I wish Apple would just allow custom apps to be selected in the Control Centre. Perhaps in iOS7.1 (or 8)?

I'm still waiting for weekend settings to DND settings, so I won't hold my breath...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
6836838 Avatar
136 months ago
Aah I miss the weekend settings from my BB and Android. But there are DND settings. Not robust at all but curious - what would make them better for you? Maybe I dont know I am missing something! :)

Well of course there are DND settings, but it only allows the setting of a global DND time window.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Quercus Alba Avatar
136 months ago
But you can just add the URLs back in manually once the app has been updated to remove them, yeah?

Rules are rules, but this is just being finicky!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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