Apple Removes Dating Review Apps and Adjusts iPhone Production
Apple has removed two dating review apps, Tea and TeaOnHer, from its App Store due to privacy issues and user complaints. Simultaneously, the company has significantly reduced production of one iPhone model due to weak demand. Despite this, Apple has increased overall iPhone production by 5 million units, with standard and Pro/Pro Max versions showing higher demand compared to previous generations. The affected iPhone model, marketed as Apple's thinnest smartphone, has faced criticism for poor battery performance.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Apple has made significant moves in both its App Store and product strategy, addressing privacy concerns and responding to market demands.
App Store Removals: Tea and TeaOnHer
On October 21, Apple removed two dating review apps, Tea and TeaOnHer, from its App Store due to privacy issues and user complaints. The apps failed to meet content moderation and user privacy requirements, despite Apple's prior communication with the developers.
Key Points:
- Tea, launched in 2023, allowed women to post reviews and ratings about men
- Tea generated $5 million in revenue from 6.1 million downloads
- TeaOnHer, which let men review women, recorded 2.2 million downloads
- Both apps experienced data breaches, exposing user information
- The apps remain available on Google Play, with substitute apps emerging following the removal
iPhone Production Adjustments
In a separate development, Apple has significantly reduced the production of one of its iPhone models due to weak demand and sales.
Key Points:
- Production cut to near-zero levels for one iPhone model
- This model accounted for only 10-15% of projected lineup production orders
- Performance similar to the replaced previous model
iPhone Series Performance
The current iPhone series has shown mixed results across its lineup:
| Model | Performance Compared to Previous Generation |
|---|---|
| Standard iPhone | 31% higher demand |
| Pro/Pro Max versions | 12% increased sales |
| Affected model | Poor performance, production cut |
Despite the challenges with one model, Apple has increased overall production by 5 million units and expanded capacity for the Pro models.
Specifications and Criticisms of the Affected Model
The affected iPhone model, marketed as Apple's thinnest smartphone, has faced several criticisms:
- Poor battery performance
- Smaller battery capacity (similar to an older Pro model)
- Significantly poor performance in multiple battery tests compared to other smartphone models
Market Implications
These developments demonstrate Apple's agility in responding to both privacy concerns and market demands. The App Store removals highlight the company's commitment to user privacy and content moderation. Meanwhile, the rapid production cut for one iPhone model raises questions about the company's product strategy and the future of ultra-thin smartphone designs in the market.
The contrasting performance between the affected model and other models in the current iPhone lineup indicates a clear consumer preference for features over form factor in this instance. This could potentially influence Apple's future product development and marketing strategies.
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Apple adapts its product line to meet consumer expectations, especially in balancing design aesthetics with practical functionality and addressing privacy concerns across its ecosystem.



























