Remember the $999 ‘I am Rich’ App that Ben reported on the other day? Well, it looks like only after one day of availability, the app has been pulled. Too bad for the developer!
All ‘I am Rich’ did was display a glowing gem icon on your iPhone. Armin Heinrich, the developer of the brilliant little app claims that the app does not violate Apple’s terms of service, and that the app should be -reinstated… Apple also hasn’t given him a reason for the removal.
Apple has probably removed the app in fears that people may mistakenly buy it, and in essence, throw $1,000 out the window. Before the app was removed, 8 people actually bought it. That would make $5,600 for Armin, and $2,400 for Apple. Not bad for half-an-hours work for Armin I’d say.
I can see Apple’s point in removing the software, but they should provide an explanation to Armin at the very least. Apple wants the app store to be full of useful apps that actually DO something. This episode may force Apple to adjust their policies and terms for inclusion in the app store for sure.
Even having said this, my had is off to Armin. There is indeed nothing wrong with the app. It meets all requirements… and if there were 8 people out there crazy enough to spend $1,000 on an app that does nothing… then hey… I guess he’s fulfilling a need of a very, very small niche out there 
[via MacNN]
John Sharp // 08/08/2008 at 8:08 pm
I think your viewpoint is one of the more balanced ones I’ve read this evening.
I have to disagree though with the view that the app does nothing. I think Armin’s app does exactly what the developer intended - it creates a means of advertising wealth and status.
This app is no more crass than a premium credit card or a luxury watch - or an iPhone at rest. Removing the app from sale just because some people don’t like what it does is not a free market action - Apple customers deserve to be allowed to choose the apps they want.