Apple has reversed its decision to bar ebook reader app Eucalyptus from the App Store, following widespread criticism. Eucalyptus was blocked due to concerns over what Apple called ‘objectionable’ content and what everyone else called ‘books’.
Apple has taken the decision to allow Eucalyptus onto the App Store, unaltered. The ebook app had been submitted for approval several times but was rejected because it allowed users to download adult content – in particular the Kama Sutra – from the Project Gutenberg library of public domain texts. The same content was available through several other approved ebook apps, not to mention Safari.
Apple initially suggested to Montgomerie that the app could be approved if it was recoded to filter out adult content – something that the developer was prepared to consider. The outraged reaction of the blogosphere seems to have persuaded Apple that this was not the best approach, however.
An Apple representative contacted Eucalyptus author Jamie Montgomerie. “We talked about the confusion surrounding its App Store rejections,” ssaid Jamie, “which I am happy to say is now fully resolved. He invited me to re-build and submit a version of Eucalyptus with no filters for immediate approval, and that full version is now available on the iPhone App Store”
Available Now | $10 | iTunes
