App Review

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App review is the process of evaluating apps and app updates submitted to the App Store to ensure they are reliable, perform as expected, and follow Apple guidelines.

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Seeking Developer Insights Regarding 4.3(b) Review Response
We recently received feedback under Guideline 4.3(b) suggesting our app duplicates functionality found in other apps in this category. However, our app is fundamentally not a dating app. It is a conversation facilitator designed to foster meaningful connections for friendships, networking, and shared interests. While romantic connections may occur naturally, they are not the primary focus. Thus, we are seeking insights on this key question: How do developers effectively demonstrate feature differentiation to reviewers? We want to clearly show how our app’s functionality uniquely addresses user needs and provides value beyond existing solutions. Our Core Features: Our app introduces distinct features that differentiate it from traditional apps in this space: Paths: Psychology-based prompts embedded in chats encourage users to explore meaningful topics like values and aspirations. These prompts are dynamically triggered to keep conversations engaging and productive. Aura: A rewards system that incentivizes thoughtful, high-quality engagement by awarding points for meaningful conversations, which can unlock additional features. Spark Matches: Real-time, themed events pair users for structured, 15-minute conversations on topics like technology or travel. Curated prompts ensure the focus is on shared interests, not romance. Flame Matches: AI-personalized matches adapt to user conversations, connecting individuals based on compatibility. Chats begin anonymously, focusing on personalities rather than appearances, and are designed for platonic, professional, or friendship connections. Market Analysis: Our app addresses key gaps in the connection space: No apps embed conversation prompts directly into chats; nor do they trigger them regularly or dynamically, to foster deeper discussions over a sustained period. No apps have rewards systems designed to specifically incentivize meaningful engagement. No apps have matchmaking systems that adapt dynamically based on users’ past conversations. No apps support the combination of real-time, one-on-one themed conversations with curated prompts. Traction: As an incorporated business with over a year of experience, we have helped thousands of users build platonic, professional, and interest-based connections. For example, users in relationships join our events to find new friends, and professionals use Spark Matches to discuss shared interests like technology. Consistent feedback highlights our prompts and structured events as refreshing alternatives to superficial, appearance-driven platforms. Our rapidly growing user base has validated the demand for these features, and we would like to bring this experience natively to them via a mobile app on the App Store. Additional Context: While some basic chat functionality may overlap with existing platforms, our focus is on facilitating meaningful conversations and incentivizing a thoughtful conversation culture that represents a novel approach validated by user research and feedback. We welcome advice from developers who have successfully highlighted their app’s uniqueness when facing similar review challenges. Thank you in advance! :)
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498
Jan ’25
App Store Review always got 4.3 for my apps
I created an app and submitted to app store for review and got a rejection with "4.3(a) - Design - Spam". This one was created for brand new, and I didn't find any similar apps in App store. I searched in this forum but am not sure if it is because I used flutter to build my app? How could I get a bit more specific detail why it got rejected? Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by other developers, with only minor differences. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps. Next Steps Since we do not accept spam apps on the App Store, we encourage you to review your app concept and submit a unique app with distinct content and functionality.
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291
Dec ’24
App Automatically Logging Out for Some Users
Hello, We’re experiencing an issue in our app where a subset of users are being logged out automatically without any apparent reason. This is impacting both iOS 16 and iOS 17 users (though it’s hard to confirm if it’s platform-specific). Here’s a breakdown of the situation: Symptoms Some users report being logged out of the app randomly, even after remaining active. The issue doesn’t seem to affect all users—just a specific subset. Users are prompted to log in again, and once they do, the app behaves as expected until the issue recurs.
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488
Dec ’24
Retrieve all ratings (with or without a review) for an app on iTunes without max record limit for all countries
Having known and tried iTunes app store's customer reviews API (sample URL below), there are three problems that I need to solve: The customer review rss feed URL returns only the records with customer reviews. How do we get the records with ratings alone which don't have any reviews in them? The URL returns list of reviews for a given country. What should be done to retrieve the latest reviews across all countries? CustomerReviews RSS page depth is limited to 10. So total of 500 latest records can be retrieved. How do we retrieve the history records? Sample URL: https://itunes.apple.com/{country-code}/rss/customerreviews/page=1/id={app-id}/sortby=mostrecent/json?urlDesc=/customerreviews/id={app-id}/sortby=mostrecent/json Any hint or solution is much appreciated.
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4.4k
Dec ’24
Guidance Needed on Addressing App Store Review Issue (4.2.2) for GTA 5 Cheat Codes App
Hi everyone, I recently submitted the first version of my app to the App Store. The app provides a categorized list of GTA 5 cheat codes, allows users to save their favorites, works completely offline, and has plans for future feature enhancements. You can check out a quick demo here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6nSV-YmGzlw Unfortunately, my app was rejected under guideline 4.2.2. Apple stated: We noticed that your app only includes links, images, or content aggregated from the Internet with limited or no native functionality. Although this content may be curated from the web specifically for your users, since it does not sufficiently differ from a web browsing experience, it is not appropriate for the App Store. When I asked for clarification, they responded with: Regarding 4.2.2, we recommend evaluating your suggestions against the App Review Guidelines, as well as the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, and the Human Interface Guidelines. Additionally, if you are considering implementing any of the following functionality, we recommend reviewing all associated reference material and other resources available on Apple Developer for any additional requirements. I’m struggling to understand what specific changes Apple is expecting here. Does this mean my app needs more interactive or unique native features? I’m already considering adding features like custom search, user notes, and dynamic filtering, but I’m unsure if that’s enough to satisfy their requirements. Should I continue investing time in improving the app for the Apple ecosystem, or is this project inherently unsuitable for the App Store? Any advice or insights on how to move forward would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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313
Dec ’24
App store reviewers rejecting my random video chat app because it is random :)
I have a random video chat app is on other stores and the web already live. I am trying to publish my app on app store too. They are rejecting my builds on by another without considering my notes on app review text chat section. Now they are saying 2 reason to reject my app . 1 - App is not suitable on app store (which is a new reject reason ). They are saying chat roulette kind of apps not suitable for app store while they are tons of app live on app store like azar, monkey even there are apps named with random video chat app. They want me to remove randomness from the app :) 2- They are saying app is not completed. Because there is a circular spinning saying " looking for a new match " . I said too many times that they are the only users on the app right now and if they want a match they should be use 2 devices, if dont want to do that than let me know on the chat section of the app review when you gonna do the test about it and i can join for you to match. Otherwise i cannot wait on my phone all day for a reviewer gonna test my app. Also review times are absouletly insane my app was waiting for review like 2 days . Than they are doing the same thing over and over again. Please help me about this issue.
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331
Dec ’24
App review takes too long
Hi there, I sent my review to Apple on December 11th, and it’s been almost two weeks since then. I understand that the holiday season can cause delays, but I’m wondering if this is an unusually long wait. Is it possible that my ticket got stuck in the system? If so, how can I expedite the process and get a response as soon as possible? Thanks for your attention to this matter.
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347
Dec ’24
Seeking Guidance: Location Services Requirements for Religious Apps - App Review Implementation
We're seeking guidance regarding our latest app review (ID: fa69f469-2043-4069-a8be-249916c564ed) which raises concerns about our location services implementation. While we have submitted an appeal to the App Review Board, we'd greatly appreciate any community insights while we await their response. Key Issues: Our app calculates Islamic prayer times and Qibla direction - both requiring location services for religious accuracy Review suggests making the app work without location, which would prevent: Calculating accurate prayer times based on location Determining Qibla direction (mandatory prayer direction towards Mecca) Current Implementation: Two-step location permission process with proper iOS system prompts ATT framework properly implemented (screenshots provided) Non-location features (Quran, etc.) accessible without location/login Clear user communication about location requirements Previous Steps Taken: Provided screenshots showing ATT implementation Demonstrated proper location permission flows Explained religious requirements for location services Made non-location features accessible without permissions Question: How have other religious/prayer apps handled similar requirements where core functionality (prayer times, direction) inherently requires location services? I've attached a screen recording demonstrating: Two-step location permission process [Video Demo] Any guidance would be greatly appreciated, especially regarding best practices for implementing essential location services while meeting App Store guidelines.
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346
Dec ’24
App rejection Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam
Hello My app got rejected with the message "We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by other developers, with only minor differences." In short, my app is a vpn app built entirely by me. In Russia almost all vpn protocols are blocked: wireguard, openvpn etc. And the only protocol they could not block was vless. It was hard to implement it, i spent like 3 weeks on it writing my own package on flutter. The app first was uploaded to android and shared through testflight with some of my friends. And everyone switched to my app, because it works perfect for their needs: accessing instagram, twitter etc. Those apps are blocked here. So on my first attempt publishing i got 2 errors: Vpn should be published on the account that is organization Spam rejection I registered a company and switched from individual account to a company. I also changed the ui of the app (although i agree most vpns share the same concept design). I got rejected again with only "Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam". I appealed with a question why was it it rejected, explaining that the app was built by me, and of course, i use some libraries. I got the same roboting response. After that i added some features: Built in private browser Network connection speed Today submitted the new version hoping it would pass, but yet again got "Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam". I'm really frustrated, because i spent 3 months developing the app. I understand there are dozens of vpns. But vpn is not exactly the simple feature app. Some are bad, some are good, and some doesn't work at all. My app doesn't have any ads and paid subscriptions. I also renamed my app to "Incognito - Browser, VPN". But can't get pass. Would like to get some advices. Please help P.S. Sorry for my bad grammar
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1.7k
Dec ’24
Account Termination Under Guideline 3.2(f) Help!
Subject: Concern Regarding App Removal and Account Termination Under Guideline 3.2(f) Dear Apple Developer Team, I recently received a notification that my application is being removed from the App Store and my developer account is being terminated under Guideline 3.2(f). Despite submitting detailed, clear, and solution-oriented appeals, I have consistently received the same automated response. My application featured unique, high-quality, and professionally crafted content, adhering to Apple’s guidelines. I believe this decision may stem from some misunderstandings. However, I have been unable to connect with anyone for further clarification, and my appeals seem to be overlooked in favor of a standard response. As a developer, I have always prioritized compliance with Apple’s policies. In fact, during previous reviews, I explicitly ensured that my app met all requirements, even consulting Apple before implementing certain features. I am concerned that this decision may not fully reflect the effort and care I’ve put into adhering to Apple’s standards. I understand the high volume of appeals Apple receives and the pressure to make swift decisions. However, I strongly believe that a thorough review of my appeal would reveal that any potential issues have already been addressed. I urge Apple to approach this situation with the professionalism and fairness that the developer community expects. Recognizing and addressing such concerns would reinforce the trust and collaboration between developers and Apple. Thank you for your time and understanding. I sincerely hope for an opportunity to resolve this issue and continue contributing to the App Store ecosystem. Best regards,
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404
Dec ’24
My account got terminated 3.2(f), Help Please!
Subject: Concern Regarding App Removal and Account Termination Under Guideline 3.2(f) Dear Apple Developer Team, I recently received a notification that my application is being removed from the App Store and my developer account is being terminated under Guideline 3.2(f). Despite submitting detailed, clear, and solution-oriented appeals, I have consistently received the same automated response. My application featured unique, high-quality, and professionally crafted content, adhering to Apple’s guidelines. I believe this decision may stem from some misunderstandings. However, I have been unable to connect with anyone for further clarification, and my appeals seem to be overlooked in favor of a standard response. As a developer, I have always prioritized compliance with Apple’s policies. In fact, during previous reviews, I explicitly ensured that my app met all requirements, even consulting Apple before implementing certain features. I am concerned that this decision may not fully reflect the effort and care I’ve put into adhering to Apple’s standards. I understand the high volume of appeals Apple receives and the pressure to make swift decisions. However, I strongly believe that a thorough review of my appeal would reveal that any potential issues have already been addressed. I urge Apple to approach this situation with the professionalism and fairness that the developer community expects. Recognizing and addressing such concerns would reinforce the trust and collaboration between developers and Apple. Thank you for your time and understanding. I sincerely hope for an opportunity to resolve this issue and continue contributing to the App Store ecosystem. Best regards,
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281
Dec ’24
Resolving 2nd Repeated "Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam" Rejection Within Six Months
We are reaching out for guidance after encountering 2nd repeated "Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam" rejections for our WeNote app. Here’s a brief timeline of our journey: 2018: We launched the WeNote Android app on Google Play Store. 2019: We started promoting WeNote on YouTube and began development of the WeNote iOS app. Our progress was publicly visible on our Trello board and discussed on the Apple Developer forum. August 17, 2021: We filed an official complaint with Apple regarding a *** company infringing on our app logo, title, and description. The issue was resolved when *** agreed to update their app’s branding. 2022 Year: *** company is terminated from App Store. June 2022: WeNote for iOS was officially released on the Apple App Store. June 17, 2024: We received a rejection from the Apple Review team citing Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam: “We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps previously submitted by a terminated Apple Developer Program account. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps.” We successfully resolved this issue by providing documentation about the previous incident on August 17, 2021. November 22, 2024: Unfortunately, we received the same rejection message again, despite having already informed Apple of the previous case. Request for Assistance: We are now seeking guidance from the community or anyone with experience in navigating similar issues. We’ve provided Apple with all the necessary evidence and explanations regarding the previous incident, but our appeal was rejected. How can we resolve this issue, and prevent future rejections? Some Background on WeNote: To help provide context, I’d like to highlight what makes WeNote stand out compared to other apps in the same category: WeNote is an all-in-one solution: While most apps in the market focus on one function—whether it’s note-taking, to-do lists, or calendar management—WeNote uniquely combines all three into a single app. This integration offers users a seamless experience to manage tasks, notes, and schedules in one place. Proven user satisfaction: We are proud to have over 7,000 user reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. This high rating reflects our users' satisfaction with the app’s features and functionality, as well as its ability to meet their needs in a way that other apps do not. We believe these features make WeNote a valuable and unique tool for users, and we continue to prioritize quality and user experience in our development.
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599
Dec ’24
Customer Reviews API
Hi, I am trying to connect and use the App Store Connect API so that I can download app reviews remotely. I have read the documentation and have used the API address as stated in the documentation: GET https://api.appstoreconnect.apple.com/v1/apps/{id}/customerReviews. I keep on receiving a 403 error: "errors" : [ { "id" : "fbe7b837-2023-4f60-8fa0-88b50368f4cc", "status" : "403", "code" : "FORBIDDEN_ERROR", "title" : "This request is forbidden for security reasons", "detail" : "The API key in use does not allow this request" } I am using the same keys and headers that I use to connect to obtain sales reports info, which works absolutely fine, using the below link: https://api.appstoreconnect.apple.com/v1/salesReports Is there anything extra that I need to set up before I can access the reviews or am I missing something. Thanks.
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438
Dec ’24
Giving Me Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam Error Even though my app is unique
My app is completely unique and i dont know why apple is giving me spam error. There is no similar app to mine and i am 100% sure of it. I brainstormed this idea myself for over a week to create such a game. And every code i have done is my own and i have not used any templates. Please help guys i am very confused why my app is getting spam rejection.
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720
Dec ’24
[Questions regarding App Store Review Guidelines 4.8 Login Services]
The app comes with its own login/signup service and several other social login services. Even though our app has its own login/sign-up service, if we provide at least one social login service, should we provide Apple Login or another login service with a privacy policy as an equivalent option? Can you please answer whether I should include the sign in with apple service or the login service with privacy protection in my app?
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390
Dec ’24
App Review - 4.8.0 Design: Login Services
Our e-learning app has been rejected in App Review regarding compliance with guideline 4.8.0: Login Services. The following were Apple Support's feedback: The app uses a third-party login service like Google or Facebook, but does not appear to offer an equivalent login option with Sign in with Apple. Next Steps: Revise the app to offer an equivalent login option that meets all of the above requirements. If the app already includes a login option that meets the above requirements, reply to App Review in App Store Connect, identify which login option meets the requirements, and explain why it meets the requirements. Additionally, it would be appropriate to update the screenshots in the app's metadata to accurately reflect the revised app once another login service has been implemented. Note that Sign in with Apple meets the requirements specified in guideline 4.8. Now, regarding their instructions, the following are our queries: Our mobile app for iOS already has SSO login options for Google and Facebook. Could you clarify what is meant by "an equivalent login option"? Are there any specific third-party login services other than "Sign in with Apple" that already comply with the requirements in Guideline 4.8? We are using “Manual sign up/sign in”, “Continue with Google” and “Continue with Facebook” to let users sign up and sign in to our platform. As per the parameters involved with the third-party login, will using sign in with Apple solve the problem related to Guideline 4.8? So is it mandatory under Apple’s Guidelines to include "Sign in with Apple" now, in addition to other SSO options? If it is mandatory, how is it that many iOS apps do not include the "Sign in with Apple" option? From a technical perspective, what options are available to satisfy Apple’s guidelines in this regard? Could manual sign-in/sign-out features of the app cause any conflicts with compliance in this area? Looking forward to anyone's kind response that can help us resolve this issue. Thanks!
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1.1k
Dec ’24