[NewsPoster]

Apple has forced the developer of PCalc, James Thomson, to remove an iOS 8 Notification Center widget that let people do calculations without opening the app. The decision is an apparently sudden reversal, given that the app was previously approved with the widget intact. PCalc has been featured in several sections of the App Store, such as "Great Apps and Games for iOS 8," and even "Extend Your Apps," which focuses on software with unusual widgets.

The App Store's widget restrictions appear to be narrowing. In September Apple pulled a titled called Launcher, which installed a widget capable of triggering custom functions like calling specific people or navigating to a particular destination. It and PCalc may have run afoul of an Apple guideline preventing "mini versions" of apps, but if so that would imply that official screeners have repeatedly made mistakes.

There is also an OS X Yosemite version of PCalc with a similar widget. That software has so far been untouched, and it's not clear if Apple will demand any modifications.

Image via MacRumors

[slboett]

Such a pity. James is an awesome Apple-supporting programmer and PCalc is one of the best apps for years. Why Apple?

[azrich]

I wonder if they found some kind of security hole or other problem with current set up and once it's fixed they'll un-do this decision.

Wish they were a little more forthcoming with why they do what they do sometimes. I can understand if its a security thing, but it generally isn't.