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Apple Updates App Store Guidelines to Ban 'Nudify' AI Apps

9:23 AM ETConfirmed

Technology Desk

In Short: Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to ban apps that generate nonconsensual intimate images using AI, known as 'nudify' apps.

Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to ban apps that generate nonconsensual intimate images using AI, known as 'nudify' apps. The update, dated October 16, 2026, includes new rules to prevent apps from misrepresenting their purpose during review and adding harmful capabilities after approval.

The new guidelines specifically address apps that use bait-and-switch tactics, where apps show one purpose during review but add harmful features, such as the ability to create sexually explicit images, after approval.

Apple’s new terms state that developers who fail to implement appropriate safeguards or fail to remediate identified violations after notice may be considered in violation of the Developer Code of Conduct.

The update also strengthens rules against apps that facilitate human trafficking or the exploitation of children, explicitly stating that such apps will be removed from the App Store and blocked from alternative distribution.

Apple’s App Review Guidelines now require apps that host user-generated content to filter objectionable material, provide users a way to report offensive content, and allow users to block abusive accounts.

The Cupertino-based tech company also clarified that apps with hidden, dormant, or undocumented features will be removed and their developers’ accounts terminated.

Apple’s new guidelines come after the Tech Transparency Project identified dozens of AI-powered 'nudify' apps on the App Store in January.

A follow-up in April found App Store search suggestions and ads directing users to such apps.

The update is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to address the growing issue of apps that generate nonconsensual intimate images using AI.

Apple’s new rules also address the issue of apps that add features not present in the version submitted for App Store review.

Apple’s new guidelines are a response to the Grok deepfake scandal, where users complained about the app being used for nude and sexualized deepfakes.

Apple told xAI it would remove Grok from the App Store if it continued to permit nude deepfakes, but xAI put safeguards in place and Apple approved an updated version of the app.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• In January, the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) identified dozens of AI-powered “nudify” apps on the App Store.
• The notice Apple sent to Dorsey reads in part: We are writing to notify you that your application, per demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), will be removed from the India App Store because it includes content that is illegal in India, which is not in compliance with the App Review Guidelines.
• “Government of India officially removes bitchat from the App Store,” Dorsey wrote in his post on X, formerly Twitter.
• Apple said MeitY’s demand was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Apple said Bitchat contained content that was “illegal in India” and therefore did not comply with its App Review Guidelines.
• Apple directed the developer to contact MeitY for further information about the removal and the legal requirements applicable in India.

What's still developing

• He began covering Apple news in Brazilian media in 2012 and later broadened his focus to the wider tech industry, hosting a daily podcast for seven years.
• Rule 2.5.19 clarifies Apple's stance on banning apps with bait-and-switch tactics affecting the App Store Review process.
• Apple links the rule to "nudification" apps that create sexually explicit images of real individuals without their consent, suggesting some of the apps have concealed their true purpose during review and added the nudify feature after approval.
• Last day to save up to $200 to TechCrunch Founder Summit on Oct.
• 11: attempting to hide undocumented features in an app binary, "such as through code obfuscation or other methods," is now named as grounds for removal and termination of the developer account.
• A San Francisco city attorney issued an order demanding Apple remove 13 specific nudify apps from its store.
• Imran Hussain is the founder and editor of iThinkDifferent, which he launched in 2008 to cover Apple news, reviews, and how-to guides.
• According to a representative with Apple, however, the problem isn’t necessarily with the act of vibe coding itself.
• App Store Guideline 2.5.2 currently reads, in part: “Apps should be self-contained in their bundles, and may not read or write data outside the designated container area, nor may they download, install, or execute code which introduces or changes features or functionality of the app, including other apps.” Currently rated 4.7 with over 3,000 user ratings, Vibecode is an AI-driven website builder.
• "The Blocking Rules, 2009 constitute a self-contained code incorporating procedural safeguards," the court held.
• READ THIS: Beyond chatbots: Tavus's Griffin model passes video Turing test with 48% human success rate According to the notice shared by Dorsey, Apple said the application would be removed from the India App Store following a demand from MeitY.

Sources

• 9to5Maclink
• AndroidPurelink
• AppleInsiderlink
• Cybernewslink
• MacRumorslink
• TechCrunchlink
• Techilink
• The Tech Buzzlink
• iThinkDifferentlink
• Techrepubliclink
• Glitchwirelink
• Businessworldlink
• Urbanacreslink
• Businesstodaylink
• WarpBeat — background on Apple Tightens App Store Rules to Ban 'Nudify' AI Apps link
• Wikipedia — background on Apple link
• nNewsTech — video link