Apple threatens developers who manipulate rankings

Apple has said it will not stand for any manipulation of App Store rankings, even if it is discovered a third-party is at fault.

Apple has said in a statement it is aware some developers pay third-party providers to push their apps into the top rankings, thereby ensuring higher sales as users browse the “top apps” categories.

“Once you build a great app, you want everyone to know about it. However, when you promote your app, you should avoid using services that advertise or guarantee top placement in App Store charts,” Apple said on its site.

“Even if you are not personally engaged in manipulating App Store chart rankings or user reviews, employing services that do so on your behalf may result in the loss of your Apple Developer Program membership.”