Apple Threatens to Pull ‘Phoneys’ Prank App over Trademark and Ethical Issues

Phoneys is a 99 cent sticker pack that is currently the number one top paid item in the Messages App Store, and for good reason — the prank app uses a very simple device to hilarious effect. It allows users to place fake message stickers that bear a striking resemblance to the blue iMessage text bubbles, over others’ texts and basically put words in their mouths.

You can use the app to make it look like your friend has said things like, “You are so smart”, “I’ve been wrong this whole time,” and “I have terrible taste in music”.

According to the developer of the application, Adam Howell, Apple has threatened to pull the app from its store unless fundamental changes are made to the aesthetic of the stickers so they look nothing like iMessage text bubbles by next Thursday. Specifically, Apple lawyers are unhappy with Howell’s use of the company’s trademark San Francisco typeface and iMessage bubble format.

Howell, in a Medium blog post, summarized his encounter with Apple: “Apple’s lawyers weren’t happy that Phoneys got through the review process. The stickers couldn’t be blue or green, they couldn’t use San Francisco as the typeface, and the app could no longer be marketed as a ‘prank’ app, because Apple doesn’t approve prank apps”. Apple has instructed Howell to make the stickers look more cartoonish and fake, which would defeat the purpose of the app.

While users have complained of minor issues, such as the text being slightly larger than the size of an actual iMessage and the sticker not aligning perfectly, if this app sounds like your cup of tea, you should grab it while it’s still available.