r/iOS10 • u/DustiiWolf • Jun 22 '16
Oh, there's an NDA! 😥
So i just recently learned that there is a non-disclosure agreement regarding beta testers as part of the Apple Beta Software Program and Apple Developer Program. Specifically, in regards to iOS 10:
Pre-Release Software and any information concerning the Pre-Release Software (including its nature and existence, features, functionality, and screen shots), the Seeding Tools, and any other information disclosed by Apple to you in connection with the Beta Program will be considered and referred to ... as “Confidential Information.”
This effectively means that by sharing screenshots or taking about features of the beta is effectively illegal... Almost. There's exceptions:
Information that otherwise would be deemed Confidential Information but (a) is generally and legitimately available to the public through no fault or breach of yours, (b) is generally made available to the public by Apple, (c) is independently developed by you without the use of any Confidential Information, (d) was rightfully obtained from a third party who had the right to transfer or disclose it to you without limitation, or (e) any third party software and/or documentation provided to you by Apple and accompanied by licensing terms that do not impose confidentiality obligations on the use or disclosure of such software and/or documentation will not be considered Confidential Information...
Meaning, if Apple disclosed a feature to the public (I.E WWDC keynote and sessions), if a third-party Apple gave permission to disclosed information to the public, if someone else already spilled the beans, or if it's not actually part of iOS 10 but something else related that is not covered by the NDA, you can still talk about it. I.E you can share screenshots of the new Music, but someone jumped the gun talking about disabling stock apps.
TL;DR: if you find some cool new feature no one knows about yet, DON'T TALK ABOUT IT. Not only is it breaking the NDA (meaning Apple could do anything from modify your Apple ID or device in a way you might find unpleasant, to full on legal action), but it likely lessens the chance of cool new features making their way into future builds. (Because, why throw a surprise party if "that one guy" {we all know one} spoils it in advance? You know who you are.)
