Apple removes all vaping and e-cigs apps, citing health risks

Apple said Friday that it is removing all apps related to electronic cigarettes and vaping from the company’s app store, citing concerns about the rash of deaths and lung injuries linked to the products.

“As of today, these apps are no longer available to download,” the company said in statement. 

Apple withdrew a total of 181 vaping apps, which the technology company said included store apps, hardware for controlling vaping devices’ temperature and lighting, news, and games. Customers who have already downloaded the software can continue using the apps and transfer them to any new devices they buy.

Behind Apple’s decision is mounting evidence that vaping is responsible for at least 42 deaths and more than 2,000 lung illnesses around the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC finds link in vaping illnesses

“Recently, experts ranging from the CDC to the American Heart Association have attributed a variety of lung injuries and fatalities to e-cigarette and vaping products, going so far as to call the spread of these devices a public health crisis and a youth epidemic,” Apple said.

Data show that more than 5 million young people in the U.S. use e-cigarettes, including roughly a quarter of all high school students. 

Anti-smoking groups lauded Apple’s move.

“By taking e-cigarette related apps off the App Store, Apple will help reduce youth exposure to e-cigarette marketing and discourage youth use of these products,” said Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, in a statement.