PDF Reader 'GoodReader' Removes iCloud Drive Functions to Comply with 'Mandatory' Apple Policy [Updated] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

PDF Reader 'GoodReader' Removes iCloud Drive Functions to Comply with 'Mandatory' Apple Policy [Updated]

PDF reader app GoodReader has removed a number of operations related to iCloud Drive to comply with Apple's guidelines. Specifically, developer Good.iWare has disabled GoodReader's ability to create and delete new folders inside iCloud along with the ability to move iCloud files. The developer called the iCloud usage policy "mandatory" and also included VoiceOver compatibility along with a big fix for opening iCloud containers.

goodreader

Important iCloud functionality change:
- to ensure the compliance to Apple's iCloud usage policy, the following operations have been disabled: creation of new folders inside iCloud, deletion of folders inside iCloud, moving of files and folders inside iCloud.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but the iCloud usage policy is mandatory.

The changes to GoodReader come a week after Panic's file management app Transmit was forced to disable its send to iCloud Drive feature which also led to the removal of all Share Sheet file transfers to other third-party services. However, Apple later reversed its course on Transmit as the app reinstated its sending feature in an update shortly after.

While Apple introduced a number of new features with iOS 8, a number of developers have been forced to remove key features from their apps for reasons that are unclear. For instance, Notification Center widget Launcher was removed after the launch of iOS 8 in September, and Apple has also asked apps like Drafts and Neato to remove widget functionality. Apple also asked calculator app PCalc to remove the calculator functionality from its Notification Center widget, but later reversed its decision.

GoodReader is a $4.99 download for the iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]

Update: Apple has quickly reconsidered its decision and allowed GoodReader to restore iCloud Drive functionality with version 4.8.1.

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple's Next Era Begins September 1

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:36 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after 15 years of leading the company. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company,...
General Apps Reddit Feature

Reddit Starts Blocking Mobile Website, Pushing Users to App Instead

Monday May 11, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
Social network Reddit recently began blocking mobile visitors to its website while pushing them to download the official Reddit app, and it's fair to say that the move is not going down well with users. If you visit reddit.com on your iPhone today, you may see a new popup that can't be dismissed, asking you to "get the app to keep using Reddit." A Reddit spokesperson told Ars Technica...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in September With These 10 New Features

Saturday May 9, 2026 6:03 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...

Top Rated Comments

stuarty2003 Avatar
148 months ago
It's good to see this developer complying with requirements that ensure the security of all iOS users valuable data stored in iCloud.

I understand some people do value functionality over security, but for the vast majority of people iOS is the number one choice because Apple emphasises protection of security and privacy.

Is that you, Phil Schiller?
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
148 months ago
Not this again

Apple, forget it. You're just hell-bent on making iCloud as unusable as possible for no apparent reason. As much as I don't want to, I'm sticking with Dropbox.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maflynn Avatar
148 months ago
Unbelievable, I think Apple goes out their way to annoy consumers and developers.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
148 months ago
1. Publish App
2. Apple rejects
3. Pull App, remove said functionally.
4. Go to press
5. Apple reverse
6. Restore said functionality.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
148 months ago
Doesn't matter, they will reverse that decision in one week. ;)



It's good to see this developer complying with requirements that ensure the security of all iOS users valuable data stored in iCloud.

Please tell us how GoodReader's features endanger the security of user data.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GlenK Avatar
148 months ago
Still use DropBox. Kept trying iCloud drive but DB is still far superior for my needs.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)