UPDATE — 13/07/2021
Social Dummy has now been removed from the App Store by Apple. Thank you for all your support over the years.
UPDATE — 01/07/2021
It would seem Social Dummy was able to stay in the store, but unfortunately, no further updates will be released. Our efforts will move to plan a new service for all creators in the future. Stay tuned for more at news.ashleyrichards.co.uk.
Since the rebrand to Social Dummy back in 2014, I have strived to continue adding more exciting and useful features over the years to build up the app to what it is today. However, due to the recent updates to Apple’s App Review Guidelines, Social Dummy will no longer be able to continue to provide the functionality to create ‘fake’ social media posts. This was raised by the Apple Review team upon trying to release a new update, but it was rejected. Because I appealed to the rejected update, Apple phoned me to explain why they had rejected it and that I had until 30th December 2020 to completely re-concept the entire app to comply with the latest guidelines.
1.1.6 False information and features, including inaccurate device data or trick/joke functionality, such as fake location trackers. Stating that the app is “for entertainment purposes” won’t overcome this guideline. Apps that enable anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS/MMS messaging will be rejected.
Source: App Review Guidelines
Because Social Dummy revolves around creating content that could be taken ‘falsely’ or as a ‘trick/joke’, it will be removed from the App Store on 30th December 2020.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every person for their support, commitment and love for Social Dummy over the years. I am sad that it had to end like this, and too soon, as there were loads more in the pipeline.
What will happen after 30th December 2020?
When the store version is removed from the App Store users who have already downloaded the app will still be able to continue to use, access and re-download the app from your ‘Purchased Apps’ on your iCloud account. You can still access the beta version, which will be the next update, on TestFlight for the next couple of months, but no further builds will be uploaded. You will still be able to log in as normal as the server is still currently going, however, possibly at some point in the future the server may close. Don’t worry, you’ll be given plenty of advance notice in the event the server does shut down and all data would be deleted. Support enquires will no longer be replied to from 30th December 2020. But if you need critical help with your account please contact support@ashleyrichards.co.uk instead. Suggestions are always welcome, but improving the app or a new fake account etc will not be replied to.
The Future?
After it is removed from the App Store, I can still attempt to resubmit a new update to the App Store providing that the app complies with the latest guidelines. So you never know. Social Dummy could come back in a brand new way at some point in the future, but there are no promises.
Is there still an Android version coming?
I doubt it now — Google’s guidelines impersonation
In the meantime, do check out my Google Play developer profile. — Google’s guidelines impersonation
Want More?
If you like my work and want to continue to support me, I have several other apps available on the App Store. Please download, share and give feedback to further improve all my other apps.