Parler is back on iPhones: Social media app returns to Apple's App Store

Brett Molina, USA TODAY
·2 min read
A version of social network Parler updated to curb incitements to violence has been cleared to return to Apple's App Store. A team at Apple devoted to reviewing whether apps submitted to its App Store conform to its policies has approved a modified version of Parler, which had become popular with conservatives before it was booted off online marketplaces.

Parler, the social media app removed from iPhones and Android devices in the wake of the attack Jan. 6 on the Capitol, is back on Apple's App Store.

In a statement Monday, Parler announced its app has relaunched on Apple devices after "months of productive dialogue" with the tech giant.

A separate search of Apple's App Store conducted by USA TODAY confirmed the Parler app is available to download.

As part of the deal to return to the App Store, Parler's iOS app will exclude some content normally allowed on the social media company's platform. The content will remain visible through Android and web-based versions of the site.

In its statement, Parler said it "plans to continue its discussions with Apple as to the optimal way to handle this content."

"Parler has and will always be a place where people can engage in the free exchange of ideas in the full spirit of the First Amendment," Parler interim CEO Mark Meckler said in a statement. "The entire Parler team has worked hard to address Apple's concerns without compromising our core mission."

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Parler said it added algorithms that will automatically detect violent or inciting content.

Parler was yanked from the App Store and Google Play, for Android users, in January, days after the attack on the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump upset by his election loss. Amazon then shut down Parler's web hosting service.

"We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity," Apple said in a statement in January.

Last month, Apple confirmed in a letter sent to Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., the app had been reinstated after Parler pledged to make significant changes to how it moderates content.

Parler is available on Android but not distributed by Google Play. The Android app is also available on Parler’s website.

Contributing: Jessica Guynn

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Parler returns to iPhones, Apple's App Store after removal in January