Once upon a time, developers at Rogue Amoeba created an app that was able to receive audio directly from iOS devices as well as iTunes. Then, seemingly out of the blue, Apple rejected their app and removed it from the App Store with the explanation that these developers had used private APIs.

The developers maintain that they were not (and are not) using any private APIs and have since discovered that this app (which functions as an audio receiver) annoyed Apple simply because they had that established that connection to iOS and iTunes.

Well, they’re back (at least mostly)!

The official statement from Rogue Amoeba reads:

“Rogue Amoeba is pleased to again be able to provide users with our Airfoil Speakers Touch app. However, we’re saddened to have been forced by Apple to remove functionality from the app. The ability to receive AirPlay audio directly from iOS and iTunes was something thousands of users appreciated.

That Apple has chosen to use their gatekeeper powers to stifle competition with their hardware partners is disappointing. Unfortunately, Apple controls the distribution process, and can thus prevent customers from gaining access to desired apps and features.”

Even though the developers insist that the questionable (by Apple) features were developed entirely from scratch and met the requisite publishing guidelines, app store rejection can be somewhat arbitrary (restricting any app they feel is ‘over the line’ with reference to content or behavior).

There are several unanswered questions from both sides of the conflict. Apple hasn’t spoken publically about exactly why they removed the app, but before you get too critical on the tech giant it may be because the developers reverse engineered a private AirPlay key to make their functionality happen (which isn’t allowed of course).

Most users likely don’t care, they just miss the functionality. Fortunately, Rogue Amoeba has a guide you may want to take a look at that gives a few workarounds.

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