We live in an age of smartphones and an increasingly connected world, where we can upgrade our devices by simply downloading and installing software. The number of apps available today is incredible: the two app marketplaces - Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store - have about 2 million apps covering just about everything you can do with a smartphone. Some of them are completely legal, some are shady... and there are some that are a bit much for the people who check apps for compliance. Here are some of the most controversial apps ever banned from the Apple App Store.
The mining calendar
One day, it may be common for mobile apps to use some of the processing power of phones by mining crypto-currencies to unlock various features - today, however, it's against the rules, even though it would make having a full-fledged app much easier than paying. This was the case with Calendar 2, a desktop application for Mac that allowed its users to unlock its premium features by allowing it to mine in the background. This apparently didn't sit well with Apple, which not only banned the offending app from its Mac App Store, but also all crypto-currency mining apps from all its platforms, iPhone and iPad included.
Weed converter
Cannabis is legal in two countries and several U.S. states (others allow its medical use worldwide). The "Herb Converter" app was probably built for use in these countries and territories, allowing its users to convert ounces to grams, among other things. Its users, it seems, were not very happy with it - they complained about its lack of accurate measurements and tutorials on how to roll. Apple was apparently not impressed with the app's shortcomings - it was put off by the fact that it promoted cannabis, which is illegal in most countries around the world, and so permanently removed it from the App Store.
My shoe
Freedom of speech is protected by basic laws around the world - unless it causes harm to others, of course. So if you express your opinion by throwing a shoe at a politician, you will probably be frowned upon. Even if you do it in a mobile app.
In 2008, Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi expressed his displeasure with US President Bush by throwing his shoes at him. This incident led to the creation of an app (because, of course, that's what happened), but his way of expressing himself was frowned upon by Apple: the company banned the app from its App Store shortly after its release.
I'm Rich
This legendary app was clearly ridiculous: it did nothing but display its title message - and it cost $999.99. It was apparently a joke, which Apple's team didn't take too well, as they banned it after only one day... but not before eight people bought it.
Relapse
Finally, let's mention "Relapse", the iPhone application that was rumored to have been launched at the same time as Eminem's self-titled album in 2009. Based on his "3 A.M." video, the game features Eminem walking through the streets with several weapons, indiscriminately killing anyone who passes by. The app, of course, didn't make it to an official release - it was banned before anyone could say "Slim Shady".