I concede the point that it is apples reputation potentially at stake when allowing software from 3rd party exclusively on their branded products.. and I can well see the need for app reviews within the context of ensuring consistency of user interface elements (icons do what is expected etc)
But there is a balance to be struck. It seems to me they are absolutely terrified of causing offence to anyone regarding anything. Being offended doesn't actually harm anyone, and different people are offended by different things. If the app is not for you, don't buy it. There is a real danger of the app store consisting of nothing but cuddly, fluffy, vanilla durge.
The vocal 'offended by anything' minority should not be able to snub out the creative efforts of the majority.
Why not some middle ground where apps that apple consider borderline have a disclaimer attached which shows on install? something of that nature. Banning 'just in case' someone unreasonable gets 'offended' is stifling the app store, which in turn stifles effort put into the platform.
It's a problem that needs addressing. Where are the political satire apps? I forsee iphone like technology becoming massive, and right now apple are at the forefront of that. They are setting a precedent that disallows free speech. How are they going to handle publishing newspapers that have columnists criticising the politicians of the day on the ipad? Is a political cartoon allowed in a publication but not an app? What sense does it make?
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