If the latest reports are true, it has been said that Apple is removing apps created by developers and startups that are based in Iran from the App Store. The company hasn't made their official stand on the matter and hasn't also issued any statements regarding these reports as well.
Apple has previously opened up the App Store to Iranians in September 2016, though in a limited manner.
Apple Removes Iranian Apps
Ubergizmo points out that the Digikala app was recently removed from the App Store, which was a few days ago. Digikala is one of Iran's leading e-commerce services and its iOS app is constantly being downloaded and used by millions of users.
Apple would have to have a legitimately good reason for doing this move when you considered that the company has been gradually lifting limitations imposed on apps from startups and developers in Iran right after giving them access in September 2016. Right now, Apple isn't offering any official version of the App Store for Iran but many companies based in the country have already registered their apps outside of Iran in order to tap into the limitless potential of the App Store.
Apple To Issue A Statement
A report from 9to5Mac also mentioned that Apple will be sending the following statement to Iranian startups that are attempting to upload any apps to the App Store:
"Unfortunately, there is no App Store available for the territory of Iran. Additionally, apps facilitating transactions for businesses that are based in Iran may not comply the requirements with the Iranian Transactions Sanctions Regulations (31CFR Part 560) when hosted on the App Store. For these reasons, we are unable to accept your application at this time. We encourage you to resubmit your application once international trade laws are revised to allow this functionality."
As previously mentioned, Apple is yet to issue an official statement on the situation.
