Apple has removed all apps that relate to e-cigarette use due to concerns about vaping-related illnesses.
Apple polices its App store, which has almost 1 billion users around the world. It has decided to remove more than 180 vaping apps from the store.
“Recently, experts ranging from the CDC to the American Heart Association have attributed a variety of lung injuries and fatalities to e-cigarette and vaping products, going so far as to call the spread of these devices a public health crisis an a youth epidemic,” Apple says.
“We agree, and we’ve updated our App Store Review Guidelines to reflect that apps encouraging or facilitating the use of these products are not permitted.”
While Apple has never allowed tobacco – or cartridges – to ever be available through its shop, many apps involve social networks, games, hardware or store locations.
“We are grateful that Apple is joining with us and others on this historic day to stand against big Vape and their lies by removing all vaping apps in the App Store,” American Heart Association chief executive Nancy Brown said in a released statement.
“Our hope is that others will follow our lead and follow with their own powerful message that nicotine and nicotine addiction caused by e-cigarette use are leaving thousands sick and dying across the globe.”
That said, if you previously downloaded one of these apps, then it will remain functional.
