Apple Inc. has decided to remove the complete set of apps that scan for Wi-Fi hotspots, from all of its App Stores.

"We received a very unfortunate e-mail today from Apple stating that WiFi-Where has been removed from sale on the App Store for using private frameworks to access wireless information", WiFi Where-maker Three Jacks Software, quoted on its website.

However, there was no clarity provided on the connotation of "private frameworks".

However, the apps that make use of database hotspots in combination with GPS have not been banned.

The banned apps include WiFiTrack, WiFiFoForum, yFy Network Finder, WiFi Get, eWifi, and WiFi Analyzer.

So far, Apple has removed more than 5,000 apps.