So the App Store is basically Yelp now
Apple just made a major change to its App Store policies.
The company will soon let developers respond directly to app reviews in the App Store, according to details released with latest iOS beta.
The feature isn't yet live, but Apple notes in the developer preview of the iOS 10.3 beta, released Tuesday, that the final version of the update will allow developers to "respond to customer reviews on the App Store in a way that is available for all customers to see," according to Apple's release notes.
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The feature will also come to the Mac App Store, and it marks the first time Apple has allowed developers to interact directly with customers on app storefronts. This has long been a point of contention for many developers who have had limited options to respond to complaints and other issues raised in user reviews. (Google Play has allowed developers to respond to reviews since 2013.)
The update will roll out when iOS 10.3 officially rolls out, though the exact timing of the release is unclear (Apple typically makes early versions of iOS available first to developers, followed by a public beta and, later, the final release.)
iOS 10.3 also adds a new way for users to review apps -- you'll be able to leave a star rating without leaving the app.
Also included in the update: Apple's new "Find My AirPods" feature for tracking down misplaced AirPods and updates to Siri that let you ask for cricket scores. Well bowled!
Karissa was Mashable's Senior Tech Reporter, and is based in San Francisco. She covers social media platforms, Silicon Valley, and the many ways technology is changing our lives. Her work has also appeared in Wired, Macworld, Popular Mechanics, and The Wirecutter. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding and watching too many cat videos on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter @karissabe.
