Apple's slow App Store slowness has a silver lining

SAN FRANCISCO—Apple's reshuffling of its senior management included a new head of its App Store, the heart of its app ecosystem and the source of griping from some developers.

The App Store acts as a gatekeeper for whether a new app or update gets in front of users. The complaints focus on the App Store for Mac's review process, which some say is too slow and cumbersome.

But there's a silver lining to that slow review process. Apple might catch bad coding before the release hits consumers, says one long-time developer.

"While a little Draconian, it's helpful to keep a standard of quality across the apps. It's a little frustrating sometimes, but overall it ends up with a much more consistent user experience," said Jeff McConathy, vice president of consumer engineering for real estate service Trulia, which has had an Apple mobile app since 2008 (It doesn't have an app for Macs, instead directing users to its website.)

And yes, he says, it takes a lot longer than the Android review process.

Apple has every reason to keep its developers happy. The company is constantly competing for the the best apps to keep its hardware, from iPhones to Apple Watch, a must-have for consumers.

"The landscape is changing and people expect a certain type of partner when they're working with companies," says McConathy on a USA TODAY podcast recorded here Friday.  "Perhaps some of the pressure from Google, Apple is responding to that, because Google has always been very excellent at reaching out, working with developers, helping us with resourcing and giving us access to early programs," he said.

Listen to complete conversation below.

FACEBOOK MESSENGER AND UBER

FULL PODCAST