Telegram founder complains about Apple’s app review process

In June, Mr. Durov accused Apple of restricting developers from providing a full experience through browsers.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has criticized Apple’s app review process, which is delaying the release of an important app update to users.

Mr. Durov said the update “was stuck in Apple’s review for two weeks, without an explanation or any feedback from Apple.” Such delays are not only demoralizing, but cause direct financial losses to several mobile apps around the world, he added.

This is not the first time that Telegram has had to deal with the review process. We are often unable to distribute new versions of Telegram because of the obscure “review process” imposed on all mobile apps by tech monopolies, Mr. Durov complained.

Mr. Durov took aim at the 30% commission that Apple and Google take from app developers. Tech titans say the commission is meant to pay for the resources needed to review apps.

Although regulators in the EU and elsewhere are investigating the duo’s market practices, the economic damage Apple has done to the tech industry will not be undone, he said.

In June, Mr. Durov accused Apple of restricting developers from providing a full experience through browsers. Apple’s Safari browser restricted users from using even basic features like video stickers.

That way, Apple wanted users to download the app from the App Store, which would result in Apple getting a commission from developers, Mr. Durov said.

Other app developers have also blamed Apple’s app review process in the past.