The app for popular queer cruising platform Sniffies has been ‘temporarily’ removed from Apple’s App Store.
A rival ‘networking’ app to Grindr, Sniffies is a location-based site that first launched in 2018 to enable ‘cruising’ – the search of a (typically) one-off, casual sexual partner, often in public spaces.
Sniffies was originally only available to access through an internet browser, but was introduced to the App Store in an iOS app in March this year.
But in a statement to Out, Sniffies has said that “ongoing content restrictions” were cited as a reason for the app’s removal.
“We launched our first native iOS app in March, bringing Sniffies’ real-time, location-based experience to a wider audience,” the statement reads.
“Due to ongoing content restrictions, the app has been temporarily removed from the App Store. For users who already have the app installed, it will continue to function normally.
“Our core web app remains fully operational and continues to offer the unfiltered Sniffies experience. We’re committed to providing the best experience possible for our community and will share updates as we explore next steps.”
Sniffies is different to Grindr due to its map-based interface, which more precisely pinpoints the locations of online users. Explicit photos are also allowed as profile pictures, and popular cruising grounds are highlighted on the map.
Chief marketing officer Eli Martin told Out in March that they launched the iOS app “without watering [Sniffies] down”.
“There’s this idea that if something is in the App Store, it’s more legitimate,” Martin said at the time. “We knew we needed to meet users where they are without alienating the people who love Sniffies for being different.”
The app was only available in the United States and Canada when it was launched.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
The post Queer cruising app Sniffies removed from Apple’s App Store appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.