Search results for

“copycat”

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Reply to Can I make apps that iOS has that option already?
If you mean an app that is similar to an app Apple already offers, such as a reminder app, then sure. But please keep in mind that you cannot simply copy Apple's Reminders (or any of their apps) or other apps on the App Store, and tweak it a bit, then publish that. Per the App Store Submission Guideline: 4.1 Copycats Come up with your own ideas. We know you have them, so make yours come to life. Don’t simply copy the latest popular app on the App Store, or make some minor changes to another app’s name or UI and pass it off as your own. In addition to risking an intellectual property infringement claim, it makes the App Store harder to navigate and just isn’t fair to your fellow developers. So simply put, do not copy an existing app with minimal changes, have one or two exclusive features that really make it appealing to users of other reminder apps, for example. Hope this helps. Best of luck!
Mar ’23
Reply to 4.3 Design Guidelines - Apple please reconsider how this is enforced.
Completely agree with you. We have an online ordering system for restaurants. We won 2 innovation startup awards. We have 100% native Obj-C and Java code. We use each OSs native components to make the apps look and feel native for each device. We customize ieach app for each restaurant to have it's own feeling and connect it to several 3rd party systems they are using like fleet management systems, POS etc. and we are now releasing apps only for google play. Our newest clients have a crippled product, even though we try to make bigger and bigger changes to each app in order to make it even more clear that they are not copycats, but apps that only share a minimum, logical amount of UX. Since we were always trying to be in par with HIGs and ASRGs we perfected our apps to have the best flow and usability for our users and we try to keep that in all our apps but Apple has different opinion on that, so it rejects every change we make. Good job Apple, thank you.
Oct ’17
Reply to “Backrooms: Escape” Removed for Alleged Copycat Months After Release (Guideline 4.1) – Advice Needed
Hello everyone, The original post here helped us understand Apple’s position on the Guideline 4.1 (Copycats) violation. It was explained that Apple sees similarities between our app and the Steam project called “Backrooms: Escape Together.” This was extremely surprising to us, as they are fundamentally different games. Here are the main points for comparison: Game Genre & Mechanics Backrooms: Escape Together is a cooperative survival-horror with AI-driven enemies, puzzles, and stealth elements. Our project is a single-player parkour runner focused on fast-paced obstacle avoidance and high-speed gameplay, without puzzle-solving or AI-controlled monsters. Visual Style & Atmosphere Backrooms: Escape Together employs a realistic, horror-centric aesthetic. Our project features a stylized, action-oriented look, aimed at quick and dynamic play sessions. Platforms & Audience Backrooms: Escape Together is oriented toward PC gamers who enjoy cooperative horror experiences. Our project targets mobil
Feb ’25
Does the Apple App Store Review Guildelines permit one company to produce multiples apps with similar UI
If you are a company with multiple brands that offer the same app product, can they all have similar UI? so the colours and font styles may differ but the layout and content are the same. for example, if you are a restaurant company and you own multiple different brands of pizza restaurants, and they all offer the same app for pizza delivery, can they all just have same UI? The section on copycats is not clear on this https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#copycats
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1.1k
Jan ’23
Reply to Unfair Rejection – Minglr App Constantly Denied Without Clear Justification (Escalation Request)
I completely understand your frustration—our app, Minglr, has also been facing unjustified rejections despite being previously approved multiple times. It’s incredibly discouraging to see copycat apps moving forward while original apps like ours are being blocked. Here’s what we’ve tried so far: ✔ Filed a formal appeal – We made sure to clearly present our case and request escalation to a senior reviewer. ✔ Contacted Apple Developer Support directly – You can try calling them at Apple Developer Support and asking for an escalation to a higher-level reviewer. ✔ Used Twitter/X (@AppleSupport) – Sometimes, posting publicly can attract more attention. ✔ Requested a call with the App Review Team – They finally agreed to discuss our case over the phone. Maybe you could push for the same? Regarding Legal Action: Apple’s review process is notoriously opaque, and legal action is rarely successful unless it involves major financial damages or antitrust concerns. However, some developers have managed to escalat
Feb ’25
Reply to problema publicando mi primera app
We are not able to provide feedback on app concepts or features, but we recommend evaluating your app against the App Store Review Guidelines, as well as the iOS Developer Program License Agreement (PLA), and the Human Interface Guidelines. ¿Es el único comentario que hacen los revisores de la Appstore? ¿No dice nada sobre la aplicación, qué hace? Las directrices de la Appstore no son tan largas de leer. Y podrías centrarte en unas pocas: 4.1 Copias: ¿es tu aplicación similar a una ya existente? 4.2 funcionalidad mínima: ¿hace tu aplicación un buen uso de las capacidades de iOS? 4.3 Spam: ¿responde a una necesidad ya cubierta por muchas aplicaciones? 5.6.4 Calidad de la aplicación En tu próximo envío a Appstore, explica al revisor en los comentarios lo que has hecho para solucionar los problemas planteados en las revisiones anteriores. Eso suele ayudar. Is it the only comment made by Appstore reviewers ? You do not tell anything about the app, what it is doing ? Appstore guidelines are not that long to read.
Sep ’22
Why is Apple rejecting my app?
Hi developer's community. So i got my app on playstore already on trying to come on Appstore and it got flagged for copycat / Design Voilation. I reached out to the review team and i got this screenshot added below , any help ? We have our app running on playstore
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176
Aug ’25
The App Store Connect team refused to communicate and Termination my account.
I submitted a puzzle app called “Anime Jigsaw” to App Store Connect. The App Store Connect team initially rejected the app due to minor errors. I then fixed the errors and resubmitted it, but this time they said it violated “Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats” and that I didn't write the code. I responded that I wrote the code and could prove it. They rejected it again, citing Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats,“ and I explained that my app was different from other puzzle apps because you solve puzzles while listening to Lo-Fi music. But this time, they issued a ”Pending Termination Notice“ and started saying ”Evidence of Dishonest or Fraudulent Activity. I am definitely not a scammer. I am trying to communicate with the App Store Connect team, but they are trying to close my account and label it as “Fraudulent Activity.” Why are you doing this? How can I resolve this? My account will be closed in 30 days, and I can't communicate with anyone. Team ID: 93LGGK4LG4 Apple ID: 6751961511 Please App
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371
Oct ’25
How to prove app for famous client is "official"
My app for a somewhat famous client was rejected under 4. 1 DESIGN: COPYCATS. What kind of materials is Apple expecting as proof that the client has authorized the app? The client has never published an app before. This is also my first time submitting to Apple, hence my asking questions hereI can put up a webpage on the client's official website identifying myself as the developer. I can also submit a signed and dated note from the client identifying myself as the authorized developer. Would these measures suffice?
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1.3k
Jan ’17
Breach of clause 4.1 App store review guideline
According to App Store Review Guidelines 4.1 copycat, developer cannot breach this clause. Buy unfortunately there are hundreds of developer that breach the clause including the big publisher like ketchapp and apple never took an action against it. one example is Ballz copy of swipe break breaker, not only that they even plagerized the phrase the champion of time killer. But it seems there are few clause that indie developer can breach it too if big publishers are breaching it.
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523
Sep ’17
App Review Rejection Under Guideline 4.1
Hey, I submitted my game for review several times over the last two weeks, and I keep getting rejeted under the 4.1 Design Copycat guidelines. Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats This app or its metadata appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app or game already available on the App Store, from a developer's website or distribution source, or from a third-party platform. Apps should be unique and should not attempt to deceive users into thinking they are downloading something they are not. I have tried contacting and writing to the support team several times but I get absolutely no response. The game is completely built from scratch and I own all rights to it which is clearly mentioned as well. There hasn't been a single thing that I have used in the game that is not owned by me and the game in general is completely original and novel with its design, and not trying to compete or derive its design from any other game in the app store. All I just is more clarity and information
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792
Nov ’24
If the standards are different every time you review, is there such a thing as a standard?
Every time Apple reviews it, they don't properly tell me what's wrong with my app, and they tell me to ask if I have any questions, but when I ask, they don't answer. For example, something like this. Apple rejected it as a copycat with screenshots. So, if I mark the part corresponding to the screenshot with a red square and there is no problem in all parts, if you ask me where is the problem. The return reply is as follows. Hello, The issues we previously identified still need your attention. If you have any questions, we are here to help. Reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know. Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats Your app or its metadata appears to contain misleading content. Specifically, your app still includes content that resembles VPET. Next Steps You may attach documentary evidence in the App Review Information section in App Store Connect. In accordance with section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, you acknowledge that submitting falsified o
8
0
931
Dec ’22
Reply to Can I make apps that iOS has that option already?
If you mean an app that is similar to an app Apple already offers, such as a reminder app, then sure. But please keep in mind that you cannot simply copy Apple's Reminders (or any of their apps) or other apps on the App Store, and tweak it a bit, then publish that. Per the App Store Submission Guideline: 4.1 Copycats Come up with your own ideas. We know you have them, so make yours come to life. Don’t simply copy the latest popular app on the App Store, or make some minor changes to another app’s name or UI and pass it off as your own. In addition to risking an intellectual property infringement claim, it makes the App Store harder to navigate and just isn’t fair to your fellow developers. So simply put, do not copy an existing app with minimal changes, have one or two exclusive features that really make it appealing to users of other reminder apps, for example. Hope this helps. Best of luck!
Replies
Boosts
Views
Activity
Mar ’23
Reply to 4.3 Design Guidelines - Apple please reconsider how this is enforced.
Completely agree with you. We have an online ordering system for restaurants. We won 2 innovation startup awards. We have 100% native Obj-C and Java code. We use each OSs native components to make the apps look and feel native for each device. We customize ieach app for each restaurant to have it's own feeling and connect it to several 3rd party systems they are using like fleet management systems, POS etc. and we are now releasing apps only for google play. Our newest clients have a crippled product, even though we try to make bigger and bigger changes to each app in order to make it even more clear that they are not copycats, but apps that only share a minimum, logical amount of UX. Since we were always trying to be in par with HIGs and ASRGs we perfected our apps to have the best flow and usability for our users and we try to keep that in all our apps but Apple has different opinion on that, so it rejects every change we make. Good job Apple, thank you.
Replies
Boosts
Views
Activity
Oct ’17
Reply to “Backrooms: Escape” Removed for Alleged Copycat Months After Release (Guideline 4.1) – Advice Needed
Hello everyone, The original post here helped us understand Apple’s position on the Guideline 4.1 (Copycats) violation. It was explained that Apple sees similarities between our app and the Steam project called “Backrooms: Escape Together.” This was extremely surprising to us, as they are fundamentally different games. Here are the main points for comparison: Game Genre & Mechanics Backrooms: Escape Together is a cooperative survival-horror with AI-driven enemies, puzzles, and stealth elements. Our project is a single-player parkour runner focused on fast-paced obstacle avoidance and high-speed gameplay, without puzzle-solving or AI-controlled monsters. Visual Style & Atmosphere Backrooms: Escape Together employs a realistic, horror-centric aesthetic. Our project features a stylized, action-oriented look, aimed at quick and dynamic play sessions. Platforms & Audience Backrooms: Escape Together is oriented toward PC gamers who enjoy cooperative horror experiences. Our project targets mobil
Replies
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Views
Activity
Feb ’25
Review Process for Search Ads
Hi,Will sponsored apps be more strictly reviewed ?My biggest worry is that copycat or low-quality apps might appear as the first search result.
Replies
9
Boosts
0
Views
2.5k
Activity
Jun ’16
Does the Apple App Store Review Guildelines permit one company to produce multiples apps with similar UI
If you are a company with multiple brands that offer the same app product, can they all have similar UI? so the colours and font styles may differ but the layout and content are the same. for example, if you are a restaurant company and you own multiple different brands of pizza restaurants, and they all offer the same app for pizza delivery, can they all just have same UI? The section on copycats is not clear on this https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#copycats
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
1.1k
Activity
Jan ’23
Reply to Unfair Rejection – Minglr App Constantly Denied Without Clear Justification (Escalation Request)
I completely understand your frustration—our app, Minglr, has also been facing unjustified rejections despite being previously approved multiple times. It’s incredibly discouraging to see copycat apps moving forward while original apps like ours are being blocked. Here’s what we’ve tried so far: ✔ Filed a formal appeal – We made sure to clearly present our case and request escalation to a senior reviewer. ✔ Contacted Apple Developer Support directly – You can try calling them at Apple Developer Support and asking for an escalation to a higher-level reviewer. ✔ Used Twitter/X (@AppleSupport) – Sometimes, posting publicly can attract more attention. ✔ Requested a call with the App Review Team – They finally agreed to discuss our case over the phone. Maybe you could push for the same? Regarding Legal Action: Apple’s review process is notoriously opaque, and legal action is rarely successful unless it involves major financial damages or antitrust concerns. However, some developers have managed to escalat
Replies
Boosts
Views
Activity
Feb ’25
Reply to problema publicando mi primera app
We are not able to provide feedback on app concepts or features, but we recommend evaluating your app against the App Store Review Guidelines, as well as the iOS Developer Program License Agreement (PLA), and the Human Interface Guidelines. ¿Es el único comentario que hacen los revisores de la Appstore? ¿No dice nada sobre la aplicación, qué hace? Las directrices de la Appstore no son tan largas de leer. Y podrías centrarte en unas pocas: 4.1 Copias: ¿es tu aplicación similar a una ya existente? 4.2 funcionalidad mínima: ¿hace tu aplicación un buen uso de las capacidades de iOS? 4.3 Spam: ¿responde a una necesidad ya cubierta por muchas aplicaciones? 5.6.4 Calidad de la aplicación En tu próximo envío a Appstore, explica al revisor en los comentarios lo que has hecho para solucionar los problemas planteados en las revisiones anteriores. Eso suele ayudar. Is it the only comment made by Appstore reviewers ? You do not tell anything about the app, what it is doing ? Appstore guidelines are not that long to read.
Replies
Boosts
Views
Activity
Sep ’22
Why is Apple rejecting my app?
Hi developer's community. So i got my app on playstore already on trying to come on Appstore and it got flagged for copycat / Design Voilation. I reached out to the review team and i got this screenshot added below , any help ? We have our app running on playstore
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
176
Activity
Aug ’25
Whats wrong with this reviewer?
Hi friends,My game was rejected by reviewer:Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats - “Specifically, your app leverage the popularity of Zombie Smasher.”BUT my games name Zombie Smash: Time TravelSmash and Smasher - absolutely different means.Ours arguments did not change his mind...what do you think guys?
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
1.1k
Activity
Aug ’17
why my apps are rejected by same message one month was taken
hello almost one month was taken and my apps are rejected by same message i build my own idea but app rivew send me message copycats sometimes other message i build new apps totally different but error was nt gone
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
414
Activity
May ’17
The App Store Connect team refused to communicate and Termination my account.
I submitted a puzzle app called “Anime Jigsaw” to App Store Connect. The App Store Connect team initially rejected the app due to minor errors. I then fixed the errors and resubmitted it, but this time they said it violated “Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats” and that I didn't write the code. I responded that I wrote the code and could prove it. They rejected it again, citing Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats,“ and I explained that my app was different from other puzzle apps because you solve puzzles while listening to Lo-Fi music. But this time, they issued a ”Pending Termination Notice“ and started saying ”Evidence of Dishonest or Fraudulent Activity. I am definitely not a scammer. I am trying to communicate with the App Store Connect team, but they are trying to close my account and label it as “Fraudulent Activity.” Why are you doing this? How can I resolve this? My account will be closed in 30 days, and I can't communicate with anyone. Team ID: 93LGGK4LG4 Apple ID: 6751961511 Please App
Replies
5
Boosts
0
Views
371
Activity
Oct ’25
How to prove app for famous client is "official"
My app for a somewhat famous client was rejected under 4. 1 DESIGN: COPYCATS. What kind of materials is Apple expecting as proof that the client has authorized the app? The client has never published an app before. This is also my first time submitting to Apple, hence my asking questions hereI can put up a webpage on the client's official website identifying myself as the developer. I can also submit a signed and dated note from the client identifying myself as the authorized developer. Would these measures suffice?
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
1.3k
Activity
Jan ’17
Breach of clause 4.1 App store review guideline
According to App Store Review Guidelines 4.1 copycat, developer cannot breach this clause. Buy unfortunately there are hundreds of developer that breach the clause including the big publisher like ketchapp and apple never took an action against it. one example is Ballz copy of swipe break breaker, not only that they even plagerized the phrase the champion of time killer. But it seems there are few clause that indie developer can breach it too if big publishers are breaching it.
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
523
Activity
Sep ’17
App Review Rejection Under Guideline 4.1
Hey, I submitted my game for review several times over the last two weeks, and I keep getting rejeted under the 4.1 Design Copycat guidelines. Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats This app or its metadata appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app or game already available on the App Store, from a developer's website or distribution source, or from a third-party platform. Apps should be unique and should not attempt to deceive users into thinking they are downloading something they are not. I have tried contacting and writing to the support team several times but I get absolutely no response. The game is completely built from scratch and I own all rights to it which is clearly mentioned as well. There hasn't been a single thing that I have used in the game that is not owned by me and the game in general is completely original and novel with its design, and not trying to compete or derive its design from any other game in the app store. All I just is more clarity and information
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
792
Activity
Nov ’24
If the standards are different every time you review, is there such a thing as a standard?
Every time Apple reviews it, they don't properly tell me what's wrong with my app, and they tell me to ask if I have any questions, but when I ask, they don't answer. For example, something like this. Apple rejected it as a copycat with screenshots. So, if I mark the part corresponding to the screenshot with a red square and there is no problem in all parts, if you ask me where is the problem. The return reply is as follows. Hello, The issues we previously identified still need your attention. If you have any questions, we are here to help. Reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know. Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats Your app or its metadata appears to contain misleading content. Specifically, your app still includes content that resembles VPET. Next Steps You may attach documentary evidence in the App Review Information section in App Store Connect. In accordance with section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, you acknowledge that submitting falsified o
Replies
8
Boosts
0
Views
931
Activity
Dec ’22