![Screen shot 2009-10-05 at [ October 5 ] 11.40.54 AM](http://www.mobilecrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Screen-shot-2009-10-05-at-October-5-11.40.54-AM-200x300.png "Screen shot 2009-10-05 at [ October 5 ] 11.40.54 AM")
Looking for nudity in the App Store? Well, it exists. Contrary to what hundreds of application denials might have implied, it seems that Apple’s perfectly okay with showin’ the goods within an application – so long as said goods are shown in itty-bitty (though zoomable) thumbnails.
Before we dive too deep, we should make it clear: We’re very much in the “This shouldn’t be an issue” boat. We don’t mind at all that a collection of pixelated chests have found their way into the app store. To be completely honest, we think there’s a damned absurd amount of money to be made if Apple embraced a “Well, as long as it’s legal!” mindset and opened up an age-restricted section for those who’s interests swung that way.
That said, we’re also very much in the “Apple needs to figure out their damn rules” boat. Apple has previously dropped the banhammer on apps for offenses as minor as showing someone with a hole in the crotch of their jeans (Warning: that link is very much NSFW), and now they’re letting bare boobs right on through.
The boobie-bootleggin’ app in question here is “Boundless – Emotional Photography” (iTunes Link), a 99c photo gallery app. Essentially a “Bikini Babe” app sans the bikinis, Boundless contains around 50 artistic photographs of the female form by photographer John Covington. More accurately, it contains 50 thumbnails of said photographs, with each thumbnail layered above a tightly cropped, higher quality copy of the photo. While the higher-quality lower layer always keeps the naughty-bits just off screen, the goods are on full display for anyone who zooms into the thumbnail. The breasts may be pixelated, but they’re breasts none the less.
It’s also worth noting that some of the thumbnails have been manually blurred – whether this was done pre-emptively or at Apple’s request, we’re not sure. Either way, it shows that someone recognized that these pictures tip-toe a line that has never been defined.
It’s time to define that line, Apple.
[Thanks Greg!]
I see a boob.
welcome to the internet.
so do I! :D
A naked breast is not porn. This is recognized in many states, such as Hawaii, Maine, Ohio, Texas, New York, and in some parts of California; where it is legal to go topless regardless of gender.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topfreedom
P.s. To clarify my point- there is no good reason for Apple to ban apps which display breasts. They do have some justification for more “graphic” applications, but I do agree that they should just add an age restriction on them and enable the 18+ to have some fun.
Nobody from Ohio should ever go topless….ever.
Mmmm…
Why doesn’t ESPN’s Erin Andrews give shoutouts to her peeps
I don’t own an iPhone but an app of this nature that starts with a “Tap anywhere to start” sounds intriguing haha.
This wouldn’t even be an issue in Europe. Silly arsed prigs should really figure it out. Apple could even charge a premium for an ‘ Adult Content’ App Store
I’m certainly not adverse to the concept.
But, as a parent, this surely weights into my decision as to when to purchase an iPhone (or similar product) for my kids.
Do we need another ratings system like the movies?
iPhone has a full Safari browser. You could find far worse porn in Safari in seconds, even if Apple was incredibly lenient in what they approved for the 18+ section. Does that matter more or less in your decision?
Of course, you’re correct that access to Internet porn is readily available. But that doesn’t make it any easier for parents as to when to give access to the kids.
I have no issue with Apple making porn gateway apps available to those old enough to make such a decision.
But just because the porn Internet firehose is on full blast anyway, it doesn’t mean parents shouldn’t be discrete as to when to allow underage children to be exposed to it.
The primary use of the iPhone is telephony, something people of all ages makes use of.
The iPhone and apps already implement a ratings system which can be enforced by parents via parental controls and passwords. And if the kid can circumvent these, trust me that the existance of boobies or not in the app store will not stop them from seeing boobies.
The real issue here is more about Apples inconsistentcy with applying and enforcing it’s own rules. A system exists, it is simply broken.
The browser on the iPhone (and every phone with a web browser for that matter) is perfectly capable of accessing adult content. I’m not sure why the app store allowing “adult” content oriented apps would be a sticking point for anyone other than Apple.
The sight of a bare breast will traumatise your kids? Were they breastfed? That must have been really horrific for them.
Apple will rather have porn than google apps hilarious.. :)
To Steve, Google is scarier than naughty bits.
nothing more controversial than what i saw all summer long on the beaches of the mediterranean.
Continued legacy of an ass backwards hypocritical country when it comes to sex and violence. Porn is bad but executions are good?
It’s a billion dollar industry so someone is buying it, let’s cut the crap already and get with the damn program here.
It’s not the size that counts, it’s how you use it.
I like those boats that you’re on. Any more room?
Yeah, Apple tends to be quite vague with some of their guidelines, would be nice if they offered more clarification.
Jesus…I had an app rejected because it contained a discernable outline of a nipple in a t-shirt. I’ve been trying to get the app approved for 3 months and have talked to apple on the phone at length about nipples.
2 dev
Really? What is the guideline you learned?
I’ve taken my bows
And my curtain calls
You’ve bought me fame and fortune
And everything that goes with it
I thank you all
浜松ステーションホテル
浜松市 ホテル
浜松市 ビジネスホテル
I come across the link. Apple store good deals. Click on item to get details. http://www.justcompareit.com/s~q-apple-store.aspx?ag=3
I love this artist/photographer and what he has done with the female body. It’s time for Apple to open itself to all areas and trust us as customers to know what is best for us. This is a start and a very artistic one to start with!
i love this artist’s work. I bought the box set of boundless and it is magnificent. this man is talented and i don’t see why art can’t be an i phone app…..
buy the box set (if you can) and you will see the “full monty”.
I think this artist is very talented. I bought the box set of “Boundless” and it is magnificent. I don’t see why “art”, which this clearly is can’t be an app on and i phone. Buy the box set if you want the full monty…you won’t be disappointed.
Glad to hear that Apple is moving towards the right direction.
The most profitable area of the net is still nakedness, it will end up being highly profitable on the new mini netbook—the phone with the biggest screen.
Yeah that true. This artist have done a great job.
Apple’s App. Click on the product to get details.
http://www.justcompareit.com/s~q-apple-application.aspx?ag=3