IOS – App Store Blank and Gray

Yes, it's true Apple can remotely delete apps. This is a failsafe in case a nefarious app accidentally makes it past the review process. Not sure about Mac App store, I doubt the ability exists there. It's a different installation/update process.

I don't think it's been done before, and I wouldn't worry about it. It's a good thing. I would want an app that say sniffs my credit card numbers or is actually a trojan horse of some kind to be removed from my iPhone post haste.

I would try disabling your cell phone connection (Settings > enable Airplane Mode), then enabling Wi-Fi, and connecting to another Wi-Fi hotspot (you could even try a public one such as a local coffee shop or an Apple store). Perhaps there is some kind of filtering going on with your Internet connection.

If you have a 3G plan, you could (and probably should) do the opposite too:

1. Set Airplane Mode to off (so that it uses your 3G connection)
2. Turn Wi-Fi off
3. Try accessing the App Store.