In response to mounting health risks associated with vaping, Apple has removed all e-cigarette-related apps from the App Store.
For years, electronic cigarettes have been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. While they may help users quit tobacco, emerging evidence highlights serious health risks.
Studies link vaping to increased risks of heart disease, bacterial toxins in some devices, damaged blood vessels, and potential fertility issues in women.
In the U.S., over 2,000 people have been hospitalized in recent months due to vaping-related lung injuries. As of November 13, 2019, 42 deaths were reported.
Governments worldwide are responding decisively. India banned sales and use for its 1.3 billion citizens, while China halted online sales. Apple has now followed suit.
According to Axios, Apple removed 181 apps promoting or facilitating vaping from the App Store. Though it never allowed e-cigarette cartridge sales, these apps encouraged use.
"We ensure the App Store is a trusted place for customers, especially young people, to download apps," an Apple spokesperson told the publication. "We constantly review the latest health data. Recently, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the American Heart Association have linked e-cigarettes to lung diseases and deaths. We've updated our guidelines accordingly—apps encouraging or facilitating these products are no longer allowed."
Matthew L. Myers, President of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, praised the move: "Removing these apps will reduce youth exposure to e-cigarette marketing and discourage use. Apple sets a strong example."
Users who downloaded these apps prior to removal can continue using them.
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