Apple next App Store move could spell trouble for independent developers, according to a new report from Bloomberg.
If Bloomberg’s sources are to be believed, Apple has about 100 employees working on new methods to help App Store discovery. Among them is paid advertising for businesses which want to be featured.
The paid ads may only pop up when you do a dedicated search. If you were looking for ‘productivty apps,’ for instance, you may see an app like Evernote appear in the list ahead of Google Drive.
Apple’s team is reportedly being helmed by former iAd chief Todd Teresi. Earlier this year, Apple almost completely stepped away from its iAd business, perhaps specifically to task Teresi with this new App Store model.
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The App Store is overseen by Phil Schiller.
Bloomberg says it’s not clear when changes may be introduced, if they ever are. But if this rumor holds up, expect a vitriolic backlash from the developer-heavy audience at WWDC — regardless of when the change occurs. This effectively prices small companies and independent developers out of App Store search.
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