Rate on Delete option in the iPhone OS 4.0 has just been confirmed for removal. It is in response to the number of developers complaining that the system promotes low scores for apps. So now, Apple will not compel users to leave ratings prior to deleting apps.
The system was reported to have promoted low app ratings due to its nature. People who kept the app for use were not obliged to leave a rating while the customers who were likely bored or unhappy with the app were asked to leave one.
Developers complain because this has the tendency to discourage a good rating of an app because no one really wants to be forced to leave a feedback. Also, there are cases wherein those who are deleting an old app would tend to just leave haphazard ratings or make guesswork of the system if they do not remember what the app is for. This does not really do anything other than make the ratings inaccurate.
Some users argue though that the system had its merits. While the mandatory rating of one to five stars is hardly an asset, some say that the fact that an app is being deleted is enough to warrant a low score. Also, those who have really enjoyed using the app would not forget what it is or give just any rating. This seems to get the minority vote though because the number of people who do not like the feature was enough to convince Apple.
Although there was actually no official announcement regarding the revision, those who were able to see the beta version of the OS 4.0 were able to confirm that this is indeed removed from the system. At the very least, this gives users more of a freedom to leave ratings as they please.
Read more about the removed feature at iPhone Freak.
Tags: Apple, Apple-iPhone-OS-4, AppleiPhone