UBER has been breaking a lot of Apple’s rules for the app store. Uber Founder Travis Kalanick had fingerprinting code on their phones – which basically kept information on an iPhone AFTER it had been wiped clean. Apple prides itself on privacy and the fact that when a phone is wiped clean – they mean CLEAN.

Uber used geofencing to prevent Apple from noticing. (Basically programming their app to not display the offending code on any phones accessing the app in the region around Apple HQ)

Tim Cook told Uber to remove the code or face being banned from the app store. Uber fought back and said that the pracitce prevented criminals from installing the app on stolen phones, using stolen credit cards to book journeys and then repeat the process after wiping the phone.

Tim Cook ushered Kalanick into his office for a meeting. NY Times reported:

When Mr. Kalanick arrived at the mid-afternoon meeting sporting his favourite pair of bright red sneakers and hot-pink socks, Mr. Cook was prepared.

“So, I’ve heard you’ve been breaking some of our rules,” Mr. Cook said in his calm, Southern tone. Stop the trickery, Mr. Cook then demanded, or Uber’s app would be kicked out of Apple’s App Store.

For Mr. Kalanick, the moment was fraught with tension. If Uber’s app was yanked from the App Store, it would lose access to millions of iPhone customers — essentially destroying the ride-hailing company’s business. So Mr. Kalanick acceded.

…

Mr. Kalanick was shaken by Mr. Cook’s scolding, according to a person who saw him after the meeting.

But only momentarily. After all, Mr. Kalanick had faced off against Apple, and Uber had survived. He had lived to fight another day.

 

To listen to the guys chatting about this please click here!