Apple has the option to redownload its in-house apps. However, you are not allowed to review them on App Store like you can with third-party titles. Apple now treats its apps as equals. 9to5Mac reports that Apple quietly allows App Store ratings for its own software and has enabled App Store reviews. You can praise improvements in Maps and trash Mail.
Comparable to third-party apps like Google Maps or Gmail, the volume of reviews is much lower than comparable apps that have been around for many years. It won't surprise anyone to learn that the ratings are low. Apple Podcasts client currently has two stars, while Apple News has 2.3 stars. Maps is only partially rehabilitating its reputation by obtaining a three-star rating. Some customers use the reviews and ratings to complain about design issues, just like third-party software.
This change will make it easier for Apple to treat its apps fairly and may even help them respond to criticisms. This could be seen as another way to improve the public's perception of Apple's App Store. Apple could be forced to change App Store policies by Epic. The iPhone maker has also stopped ranking its apps higher in the rankings and cut its share of revenues from small developers. Although ratings and reviews will not dramatically alter Apple's image they are unlikely to make a difference.
