Canadian Developer Sues Apple Over App Store Removal
A Canadian app developer named Rave has launched a legal battle against Apple, claiming the tech giant unlawfully removed its app from the App Store. According to reports, Rave argues that Apple’s actions were intended to stifle competition and promote its own SharePlay feature instead.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in New Jersey, where Rave is asking for the app to be reinstated along with damages amounting to “hundreds of millions of dollars.” Rave asserts that Apple removed it in 2025, citing concerns over “dishonest or fraudulent activity.” However, Rave maintains that the decision was actually driven by competitive pressures after Apple introduced SharePlay in 2021.
The removal has reportedly hindered users’ ability to view and engage with content across various platforms, according to Rave’s allegations.
Statements from Rave and Apple
Michael Pazaratz, Rave’s CEO, expressed serious concerns in a statement, stating, “Apple’s removal of Rave from the App Store has significantly harmed consumers by limiting their choices.” He emphasized that Apple’s move disrupted the communities built around Rave and hindered the company’s ability to compete fairly.
On the other hand, Apple has dismissed Rave’s claims as unfounded. The company claims the app was removed due to repeated violations of its guidelines, such as hosting inappropriate content and other user complaints.
In response to Apple’s allegations, a Rave representative characterized them as “baseless,” adding that the company has a strict policy against unlawful content. Rave accused Apple of trying to eliminate competition to boost its profits without a transparent process.
The lawsuit is just one of many legal challenges Apple faces regarding its App Store policies. The tech company has previously fought a prominent case with Epic Games over in-app purchase fees, a case that has recently been sent back to court.
In addition to the lawsuit in the U.S., Rave has filed similar antitrust actions against Apple in several countries, including Canada, Russia, the Netherlands, and Brazil. While the legal battles unfold, Rave’s app remains available on Android and Windows platforms.
