Apple is cracking down on emoji in apps and no one knows why

Bad news, emoji lovers: Apple is making it much harder for developers to put emoji in apps.

Numerous developers are reporting App Store rejections as a result of using Apple's emoji designs in their apps — something which the company until recently allowed.

The company appears to be ramping up enforcement of a rule that prohibits app makers from using Apple's emoji in any part of an app, saying it violates Apple's copyright. 

According to screenshots posted by developers, Apple's rejecting the submissions under rule 5.2.5, which was added to its App Store after last year's WWDC. The rule says that "apps and extensions, including third party keyboards and Sticker packs, may not include Apple emoji." Read more...