The queer cruising app Sniffies has been removed from Apple’s App Store, with the platform citing “ongoing content restrictions” as the cause — though the removal appears to be temporary.
In a statement, Sniffies addressed the situation:
“We launched our first native iOS app in March, bringing Sniffies’ real-time, location-based experience to a wider audience,” the company said. “Due to ongoing content restrictions, the app has been temporarily removed from the App Store. For users who already have the app installed, it will continue to function normally. Our core web app remains fully operational and continues to offer the unfiltered Sniffies experience. We’re committed to providing the best experience possible for our community and will share updates as we explore next steps.”
Sniffies, which started as a browser-based platform in 2018, launched its iOS version on 3 March. The app functions as a blend of a chat room and a live cruising map, allowing users to view nearby members in real time, along with known public cruising locations. Unlike other queer dating platforms like Grindr or Scruff — which use a profile grid and prohibit explicit imagery — Sniffies centres around an interactive, map-based experience and had included blurred explicit content by default to comply with Apple’s policies.
To address App Store restrictions, Sniffies initially implemented a “Safer Work Mode,” where images and text were blurred by default. Users could disable the filter by logging into their account through a browser. However, this workaround seemingly did not satisfy Apple’s content guidelines.
In an earlier interview with Out, Sniffies’ Chief Marketing Officer Eli Martin expressed the importance of maintaining the platform’s original appeal:
“We wouldn’t have launched an iOS app if we couldn’t keep the magic of Sniffies intact. We had to figure out how to make it work without watering it down.”
“There’s this idea that if something is in the App Store, it’s more legitimate,” Martin added. “We knew we needed to meet users where they are without alienating the people who love Sniffies for being different.”
The app remains usable for those who have already downloaded it, while new downloads are currently unavailable.
The app’s removal arrives amid increased political and regulatory scrutiny of sex-positive and LGBTQ+ platforms — especially in more conservative U.S. states. In response, Sniffies has recently rolled out enhanced safety protocols. In January, the platform introduced stricter ID-based age verification, including a government-issued ID check and real-time facial recognition as part of broader trust and safety reforms.
Despite the setback on iOS, Sniffies’ web app remains available and unrestricted, continuing to provide its full functionality to users around the globe.
