Recent changes to the iPhone’s contact-sharing permissions have app makers concerned about the potential impact on their growth and competitiveness. The change, introduced in iOS 14, requires users to opt-in to allow apps to access their contact lists, rather than automatically granting permission.
App makers are worried that this subtle change could make it harder for them to achieve the fast growth they need to succeed in the increasingly competitive app market. By making it less convenient for users to share their contacts, app makers fear that they will see a decrease in user engagement and acquisition.
The concerns are especially pressing for small app developers who rely on word-of-mouth referrals and leveraging users’ contacts to expand their user base rapidly. Without easy access to contacts, these developers may struggle to achieve the exponential growth needed to compete with larger, more established apps.
Developers also worry that the new permission prompt could lead to user confusion and hesitation, resulting in fewer users opting in to share their contacts. This could further hinder app growth and adoption rates, ultimately impacting the success of the app.
While the change is aimed at improving user privacy and data security, app makers are concerned about the unintended consequences it may have on their businesses. As they navigate these new challenges, developers are looking for ways to adapt their strategies and find alternative methods for growing their user base in the changing landscape of app permissions.
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