I hope the following information with regards to iOS App/iBooks submission is helpful to Corona developers.
As mentioned previously, my App Comic was rejected by Apple as an App and it was suggested that I submit it in the Book Store (ie; epub or pdf format).
The App was rejected because the submission requirement states, “2.21: Apps that are simply a song or movie should be submitted to the iTunes store. Apps that are simply a book should be submitted to the iBookstore”.
I can understand Apple’s attempt to categorize App and Books differently, but there is a large muddled area where this is not possible. Looking at the App store, it is easy to find apps that provide the reader with books that have animation, sound and various functions along with the story. Such functions can also be implemented within books created in the epub format, which are sold in the Apple Book Store. There is no real difference in these situations beyond the technology that was used.
Another area is that as a developer, I want to control how my comic is presented. Apple disagrees.
I simply wrapped a Corona program around my comic to give it the presentation and functionality I wish for my readers to experience. Something that cannot be done easily, or at all, with other software.
For example, Apple’s iBooks Author ignores iphone and itouch implementations.
Submitting my comic to the Apple Book store requires me to strip away my Corona App and create either an epub, or pdf file; thus, reducing my program functions.
For example, the epub file is then read by iBooks reader. The reader takes control of the page navigation. The developer can create the epub in either fixed-layout, or Non-fixed-layout (my term).
In fixed-layout mode, the reader allows for size and placement of your images, but the reader controls the way navigation is performed. It has a peculiar movement moving from the right-side of the page to the left. In the other mode, it provides the standard single page swiping, but automatically resizes the image. In both cases, it does not utilize the full screen as does my App.
Another issue is submitting my comic to the Apple Book store is problematic. According to the iBookstore Asset Guide 4.7 rev 3,
Embedding text in images creates issues that cause a large number of customer complaints: customers can’t use the dictionary or search the text, and in addition, the book becomes not accessible for persons with disabilities. Therefore, books with images that contain embedded text will be rejected from sale in the iBookstore.
Happily my app has been accepted by Google, Barnes & Noble and Amazon, I have decided not to offer it in the Apple Stores.
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