How to get removed apps from the app store

Apple's app approval process is far from perfect, as they often let in apps that their policies seem to prohibit and remove apps that are hardly in violation of anything with often no warning at all. But you know this, and you know it sucks, because when Apple screws up their approval process their users get screwed. Here's what you can do about it.

If You Want to Keep the App...

Full size

Back it up! Although Apple does have the power to remotely disable apps on your iDevice, it's not a power they've been known to exercise. If you have a copy of an app they've killed, you should be able to continue to use it. The problem arises, however, when you delete that app. Once it's gone, it's gone—they're not giving you another copy to download. You have to be responsible for backing up that app.

IMPORTANT: We're assuming a copy of this app exists on your computer. If you purchased the app on your iDevice, make sure you sync with your computer and transfer your purchases so you have an actual app file available to you.

You probably understand how backing up works, as you're just making a duplicate of a file in this case, but this is a circumstance where incremental backups are very important. If you don't backup regularly and on a schedule, you may lose your app and find yourself unable to go back and get it. Fortunately, incremental backups are very easy to set up. In Mac OS X, you have Time Machine built into the operating system and can just turn it on. So long as you have a big external hard drive that it can use to store these backups, and Time Machine isn't instructed to ignore your iTunes folder (you have to do this manually so don't worry about it if you're not sure), you'll be in good shape. Windows users can use Windows Backup and Restore Center to set up a similar incremental backup situation. Alternatively, either platform can use Time Drive or backup iTunes with Dropbox and subscribe to Dropbox's pack rat feature ($39/year) to keep unlimited copies file versions and deleted files.

If you'd prefer to manually backup the app, or need to find it when it's time to restore, you're going to need to know where iTunes keeps all the apps you download. This is pretty easy.

Windows 7: C: -> Users -> Username -> My Music -> iTunes -> iTunes Media -> Mobile Applications

Mac OS X: Macintosh HD -> Users -> yourusername -> Music -> iTunes -> Mobile Applications

Just locate that folder and you'll be able to find a copy of the app. If you're looking to back it up manually, just copy to another drive or burn it to a disc. If you're restoring this app from your backup you'll want to drag it onto iTunes instead so iTunes is aware it exists. Just dropping into the folder where iTunes stores apps won't actually tell iTunes it's there.

That's it! Now your app is about as secure as it's going to be. Some apps make it back into the iTunes App Store later on, once they've resolved whatever was troubling Apple, so if you hold tight you may end up with a sanctioned copy after all.

If You Want a Refund...

Apple doesn't give refunds for App Store purchases, which is frustrating when you buy an app and don't like it after using it for a few minutes. It's even more frustrating when you buy an app and Apple tells you that you can't have it, and you can't have your money either. While there's no miracle cure for this problem, you can actually get a refund if you employ some good old-fashioned arguing and persistance.

I've purchased a few apps there were removed from the iTunes App Store at some point in their lifespans and I somehow managed to lose one of them. Since I couldn't retrieve another copy of the app I contacted iTunes support and asked for a copy of the app. I believe this is a good place to start because then they have to tell you they can't provide you with the thing you paid for. That's when you can ask for a refund, which they'll deny, you'll argue, and eventually get what you want. The refund will come in the form of iTunes store credit, but that's better than nothing. If you still have an iDevice, chances are you'll find a way to use the few dollars credited back to you.

When Apple removes an app, it's really not a good situation for anybody. It's generally PR trouble for them, wasted effort on the part of the developer, and—as we've just detailed—a crappy experience for the users. You're not going to be able to magically turn a removed app into a regular, Apple-sanctioned one, but with a little diligence you can at least keep the copy you purchased or obtain a refund.

Love,
Lifehacker

[Via Lifehacker]

Read More

New study finds Apple Ecosystem helps iPhone lead industry in user retention

A new study finds that iPhone owners are the most loyal smartphone users, and names customers’ personal investments in Apple’s ecosystem as driving an over 80% maintenance rate for the device.

A report released on Friday by research firm GfK on Thursday shows that 84% of existing iPhone owner’s idea to purchase a new apple handset while they replace their handset, as per said thing by many of smartphone users ecosystem of a mobile OS is a defining factor when upgrading, according to Reuters.

As per the study conducted by GfK over 4,500 interviews of smartphone owners in France, Britain, Germany, Spain, China, Italy, Brazil, Japan and U.S outcome that the iPhone had the utmost retention of customers, followed by device running Google's Android OS and RIM's BlackBerry, with 60% and 48% respectively.

Ryan Garner, GfK analyst summaries that an average 63% of defendants plan to replace their current device with one running the same OS, let down the possibility of quick market swing. He goes on to say that the more features and services used by customer in a particular mobile OS environment, the more imbedded the user becomes. Nearly one out of five owners of both an iPad and iPhone believe that switching to another OS is more difficult than changing bank accounts, or gas or electricity providers.

According to 70% of consumer’s reports features and seamless access to content are major factors in staying with their current mobile OS; the push for a value-added ecosystem is becoming a greater priority for the industry.

Apple's iCloud and iTunes are examples of creating an experience that customers not only enjoy, but cite as a reason to stay with the iOS platform due to financial and personal investments. 

As per the study respondents cited three main arguments concerning user experience as difficulties to switching devices; 33% being too invested in app and current phone setup to change, 29% requesting for gridlines on how to operate a new device is a detriment and 28% perceives moving digital content from one smartphone to another as too much of a hassle.

However, device simplicity and integration with a digital world of content are not the only factors in choosing to stay with a device. Cross-platform access to already purchased media or apps is also seen as a driving force for some users.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of smartphone owners feel that it is important to access to their digital libraries across multiple platforms, with the figure jumping to 80% for users who also own tablets and PCs. In this case, Apple's walled-in iTunes system becomes a negative aspect to the overall Apple environment as all apps and much of the media purchased through the service can only be used on iOS devices.

China, seen by many as the most important developing mobile market for Apple, places the greatest importance on cross-platform access with 92% of respondents emphasizing the need for media to be compatible across all devices.

A  report suggests there is high demand for the iPhone in China, with the newest iPhone 4S reportedly set to go on sale within two weeks after recently being approved for sale.

Garner notes the sum of the findings, from user experience to cross-platform media access, points to success for the manufacturer or OS developer that can most quickly attract users with a new and easy to use mobile platform.

Read More