We are relaxing all restrictions on the development tools used to create iOS apps, as long as the resulting apps do not download any code. This should give developers the flexibility they want, while preserving the security we need.
In addition, for the first time we are publishing the App Store Review Guidelines to help developers understand how we review submitted apps. We hope it will make us more transparent and help our developers create even more successful apps for the App Store.
It’s weird for Apple to reverse its thinking on what was such a hot topic just a few months ago. Nevertheless, I think these are steps in the right direction — especially the bit about the company publishing App Store Review Guidelines.
Update: Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines have been published. Here is a PDF of the document, via Engadget. This bit made me chuckle:
We have over 250,000 apps in the App Store. We don’t need any more Fart apps. If your app doesn’t do something useful or provide some form of lasting entertainment, it may not be accepted.