A popular queer cruising platform has hit a major speed bump in the App Store. Sniffies, the real-time, location-based cruising app known for its explicit content and interactive map, has been temporarily removed from Apple’s App Store. The removal comes just two months after the app launched its iOS version on March 3.
In a statement to Out, Sniffies explained, “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 began as a browser-only experience in 2018, allows users to connect through a live map that highlights other users and known cruising locations nearby. Unlike apps like Grindr and Scruff, which use a photo grid with content limits, Sniffies offers a more uncensored experience. To comply with Apple’s guidelines, the team introduced a “Safer Work Mode” that blurs explicit images and texts unless toggled off through a browser login.
Still, it wasn’t enough to meet Apple’s standards. Eli Martin, Sniffies’ chief marketing officer, told Out, “We had to figure out how to make it work without watering it down.” Martin also emphasized the importance of visibility. For now, users who already have the app can continue using it. For everyone else, the website’s still open — and still unfiltered.
