Just ahead of WWDC, Apple has approved a new version of Basecamp's email app "Hey" for release on the App Store, as noted by The Verge.
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In response to Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller saying that "you download the app and it doesn't work," Basecamp says that version 1.0.3 of the app introduces a free account option, allowing users to sign up directly in the app to receive a temporary randomized @hey.com email address that works for 14 days.
Basecamp is still not adopting Apple's in-app purchase system, which was at the center of the back-and-forth controversy, so users will have to visit the "Hey" website to sign up for a paid account after the free two-week period.
"Hey" has also gained multi-user support for enterprise customers, after Apple initially took issue with the app's consumer focus.
Apple has faced renewed scrutiny over its App Store practices in the weeks leading up to WWDC, including the European Commission's announcement that it will be investigating Apple's in-app purchase system. In particular, Basecamp and some other developers have taken issue with Apple's long-standing 30 percent commission from in-app purchases.
Basecamp founder David Heinemeier Hansson recently described the commission as a "ransom," calling it "profoundly, perversely abusive, and unfair." However, he called the newly approved version of "Hey" a "good compromise."
Update - June 25: Apple has approved version 1.0.3 of "Hey" with the 14-day free account option.
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I’m going to guess Cook had words with Schiller to the effect of get this sorted out before WWDC starts.This has been a brilliant marketing campaign. Well done to chaps at Basecamp.
it’s their platform. They built it. That’s my opinion on the legal matter.
Morally, I think it’s good that developers speak up. 30% is a huge cut. Would be fair to take a little bit less. But that should be done voluntarily not forced.
No. Hey did what apple told them to do - add functionality that works when the app is launched.So, on June 18th when Phil Shiller said that Apple would not change it’s decision on “Hey” - was that just “chin music”?