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.

Posts under App Review tag

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Re-released product marked as 'spam'
I recently decided to re-upload a game I've created a while back since I have the spare time to refine it to adhere to today's requirements. The old version has been deleted from the store and I needed to renew my App Store Connect paid agreement. I updated my product, paid for App Store Connect, uploaded and was horrified to receive a review of '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. Learn more about our requirements to prevent spam in App Review Guideline 4.3(a)."_ Being confused by this response, I initially thought this must be because they're comparing it to the old upload which has been deleted from the store. I went ahead and expained this but also asked for more info just in case someone has repacked my product. I received this response: "Thank you for your reply. Just as we would not share information from your Apple Developer Program account with another developer, we do not share the details of apps submitted under other Apple Developer Program accounts. During our review, we found that this app duplicates the content and functionality of other apps submitted to the App Store, which is considered a form of spam and is not appropriate for the App Store. Since apps submitted to the App Store should be unique and should not duplicate other apps, we encourage you to create a unique app before resubmitting for review." I'm shocked because I have no idea how my app can be considered spam. If anything, it's fairly unique. I am only able to provide a YouTube link but would appreciate some feedback on how this is considered 'spam'. It looks like I have no way to make this go live. Can anyone help me understand this further? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnQrG1I5-PI
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Nov ’24
Apps page is not visible in App Store Connect
Hi Everyone, I've been having a lot of issues with AppStore connect for the past three days. The official status website states everything is fine: But when I tried to log in to the app store connect, it directly redirected to the Users and Access page. I can't go to the apps page (https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/apps) I tried changing the size of the screen to very narrow, and then I found a hamburger menu in the upper left corner. Even in the hamburger menu, it is showing only Users and Access I can't go to the apps page or anyother page. Anyone else have the same problems? Thanks!
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Nov ’24
Urgent Review Request – Critical Launch
Hello Apple Developer Community, My app update was rejected due to a minor issue with user login credentials. I’ve fixed the issue and resubmitted the app, but the review is taking longer than expected. This update is tied to an important launch today, and any delay would significantly impact our users. I’ve requested an Expedited Review through App Store Connect, but I’m looking for any suggestions on how to speed up the process. Has anyone experienced something similar and how did you manage to get your update reviewed on time?
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342
Nov ’24
Server error on AppStoreConnect
Hi Everyone, I'm experiencing a lot of problems with AppStore Connect in the past three days. Official status page says all is well. But when I tried to log in to the app store connect, it directly redirected to the Users and Access page. I can't go to the apps page (https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/apps) I tried changing the size of the screen to very narrow, and then I found a hamburger menu in the upper left corner. Even in the hamburger menu, it is showing only Users and Access I can't go to the apps page or anyother page. Anyone else have the same problems? Thanks!
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279
Nov ’24
Review not approved even after prove
Hi, I'm struggling really hard to have my app approved on App Store and the reviewer don't provide any useful information to help us understand what's missing and how we can work it out, just some automatic messages like that: Thank you for providing this information. However, the documentation you have provided does not sufficiently demonstrate permission to represent the products or services included in your app, or the parties identified in the documentation are not correct. You can attach documentary evidence in the App Review Information section in App Store Connect. Once you have submitted the necessary authorization, we can continue with your app’s review. This is really frustrating because my app is already up and running on Google and Apple is this BS. Actually we think the reviewer is referring to our own app on Google because on a different comment they talked about Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats, so I tried to prove ownership of the Google app but apparently they find it insufficient even thought I posted prints of EVERY thing I own about the Google project (godaddy, website, github, Figma, Google console, everything). Any tips on how to address that?
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308
Nov ’24
App Stuck in Review After Spam Policy Rejection - Seeking Suggestions for Resolution
Hi everyone, I’m facing an issue with my app submission, and I’m hoping to get some advice or suggestions on how to move forward. Here’s the situation: App Description: I created an app that provides mods for the game Gorilla Tag. It was initially rejected due to a violation of the Spam Policy. Resubmission: After making improvements to address the issues, I resubmitted a new version for review. Current Status: The app has now been stuck in the "In Review" status for a long time with no feedback or updates from Apple. I’m not sure how to proceed, so I would greatly appreciate some guidance on the following: Should I remove the app from my App Store Connect account entirely and start fresh? Would this help get the review process moving again? Should I consider a complete redesign of the app’s UI or any other significant changes to improve its chances of being approved? What specific changes or fixes should I implement to ensure my app meets the App Store guidelines and gets approved? Also, I’m wondering if there are any other potential solutions or steps I can take to expedite the review process. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice!
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279
Nov ’24
Stuck in an Endless Loop: In-App Purchases Rejected on Apple Store Connect
I'm having some trouble with in-app purchases on Apple Store Connect, and I'm hoping someone here has dealt with a similar issue. Initially, I was able to add the purchases using the "Select In-App Purchases" button. However, after my app was refused, the in-app purchases were also rejected, and now I'm stuck in a frustrating loop: Developer Action Needed -> Waiting for Review -> Rejected. I’ve tried submitting the in-app purchases for review at the same time as the app, but that also ended in rejection. The reviewers can’t locate the in-app purchases, even though I list them in the comment box. I suspect this is because I can’t re-add them using the "Select In-App Purchases" button anymore. The instructions on "add the in-app purchases in the binary" are vague and non-specific. To make matters worse, the reviewers are commenting on issues from an older build, like a placeholder I left in the settings window. That placeholder has been removed in the latest build, but their feedback doesn’t reflect that. Has anyone encountered this loop or know how to get out of it? Any advice would be much appreciated!
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Nov ’24
App Encryption Documentation Support
I have an application that can be used completely offline. It doesn't require an internet connection. In the application, I encrypt only certain parameters of the data created by the users with AES. It is an individual, non-commercial project. Should I tick Yes in the App Encryption Documentation section. Do I need to add a document here? Is it a problem if I tick no?
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225
Dec ’24
App Encryption Documentation Support
I have an application that can be used completely offline. It doesn't require an internet connection. In the application, I encrypt only certain parameters of the data created by the users with AES. It is an individual, non-commercial project. Should I tick Yes in the App Encryption Documentation section. Do I need to add a document here? Is it a problem if I tick no?
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224
Dec ’24
Not understading how to get link for a private app
I have make an app for company's employee and released the application in app store in private by providing organisation ID and the application is showing ready for distribution in my developer account. But after this I can't understand how to get the application or the link to have the application for use. And also I already contact to the apple team via mail but from them there is no response. How to procced further?
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365
Dec ’24
3 months has passed and our app is still under review
Has anyone been in the same situation? Can someone let me know where I should go to look for support? I'm desperate :( This has put us into a very harsh situation. We don't know whether we should continue waiting for it or we should just give up. We were eager to launch the service, then all of a sudden, our enrollment was revoked. The app was there in App Store, but no bugs could be fixed as the update was no longer an option. 3 months, 1 project we truly put our heart into, and multiple people worried about their job positions. We have sent dozens of emails, tried to connect probably 100 hundred times (they never worked but for some reason, if I call from my own account, it always works).
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263
Nov ’24
Guideline 2.1 - Information Needed
Hello, I'm trying to submit my app to the App Store, but I keep getting rejected because of this: Guideline 2.1 - Information Needed We’re looking forward to completing our review, but we need additional information about your app's cryptocurrency exchange services. This information is required to review the app for compliance with App Review Guideline 3.1.5(iii), which requires exchange services only be offered in countries or regions where the app has appropriate licensing and permissions to provide a cryptocurrency exchange. Next Steps Please provide the following information and/or documentation: - Provide documentary evidence of the licensing and permissions for the cryptocurrency exchange services in your app for all of the countries or regions where your app is available. The documentation you provide should indicate where you intend to distribute your app. - Provide links to government websites that display the licenses you've secured to provide exchange services in all the countries or regions where your app is available. - Provide information on the third-party exchange APIs that your app connects with, including links to public APIs and documentation of partnership with specific third-party exchanges. Resources For more information on our policies for apps with cryptocurrency exchange services, see App Review Guideline 3.1.5. My app is not a cryptocurrency exchange and is not affiliated with any crypto exchange. This app is a dashboard for my clients to access their subscriptions and receive insights to support their cryptocurrency investment decisions. The app serves as an information tool, providing market trends, analytical data, and trading insights—useful tools for clients as they consider their independent investments outside the app. Specifically, my app does not provide, facilitate, or simulate any form of crypto trading, buying, selling, or custody services. There is no mechanism within the app for clients to transact, hold, or manage cryptocurrency assets, nor does it link to any external exchange for this purpose. It is not structured as a transaction tool but rather as a financial advisory aid that helps clients analyze the cryptocurrency market independently. For example, the app includes features such as: Cryptocurrency market analysis and trends Tools to help interpret market movements An automated alert system that clients can configure to receive customized notifications on market data My app operates purely within the realm of financial advisement without any transactional or custodial functions. The app does not handle assets nor facilitate exchange services. I have responded with this to the App Review, but I keep getting declined with the same guideline. No matter what I say or do - whoever reviews my app just keeps saying it's a cryptocurrency exchange... Which is simply not true... I tried appealing the review as well, but I haven't gotten any confirmation my appeal has been received so far, not to mention a response to the appeal, and it's been days... Any help with fighting this review is much appreciated, thank you!
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Nov ’24
Design Spam Review
Hello all, I recently submitted my app to the App Store, but it was rejected due to the "design spam" guideline, stating that it duplicates content and functionality in the saturated astrology category. My app primarily focuses on astrology but includes a unique AI-powered feature that I believe differentiates it from others in the category. Specifically, it leverages AI to provide highly personalized insights and interactive features that go beyond typical horoscope apps. Also it has a social media side that let people communicate and discuss about astrology. How can I better communicate my app’s unique value to the App Review team? Are there specific design or content tweaks that could help it stand out more clearly? Has anyone successfully appealed a similar rejection? If so, what approach worked for you?
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Nov ’24
App review rejection due to business model issue
Hi, I have built an app for my company where we are providing users to purchase our food bars via the app and then what they purchase , we will deliver to people in conflict effected or disaster effected areas. The purchase is done via stripe and apple pay. The food bars are made of Spirulina and is full of energy and protein. Currently this is available via our web platform. My app was rejected as my company is not a recognized non profit. I would like to know how I can get my app approved. The only viable option given for me via app review was to take my payment screen to a web platform as donations. However I would like to know if the issue is that the app is making users believe they are donating, by me changing the wordings, images , and structure of the app to ensure users know that they are purchasing the food bars and we are only delivering, will is help is app being approved by app store review.
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294
Nov ’24
Notification of Apple Developer Program License Agreement (PLA) Violation
I just received this email, no changes have been made to any of my apps on my side, nor have any third-party services been contracted for any reviews, does anyone have any idea how to fix this? Section 11.2 (Termination) states: (g) if You engage, or encourage others to engage, in any misleading, fraudulent, improper, unlawful or dishonest act relating to this Agreement, including, but not limited to, misrepresenting the nature of Your Application (e.g., hiding or trying to hide functionality from Apple’s review, falsifying consumer reviews for Your Application, engaging in payment fraud, etc.).
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668
Nov ’24
Notification of Apple Developer Program License Agreement (“DPLA”) violation
I just received this email, no changes have been made to any of my apps on my side, nor have any third-party services been contracted for any reviews, does anyone have any idea how to fix this? Section 11.2 (Termination) states: (g) if You engage, or encourage others to engage, in any misleading, fraudulent, improper, unlawful or dishonest act relating to this Agreement, including, but not limited to, misrepresenting the nature of Your Application (e.g., hiding or trying to hide functionality from Apple’s review, falsifying consumer reviews for Your Application, engaging in payment fraud, etc.).
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Nov ’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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Dec ’24
4.3 A Spam Design
Hi there, I need your help with a specific issue we're facing. We recently submitted our app, but it was rejected for violating Apple's Guideline 4.3 (Spam Design). Our situation is unique: our principal company ceased operations in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the previous app is no longer functional. The Apple Developer account and web services associated with it are also inactive. We're trying to rebuild using the legacy source code from the previous company. We don't have access to the old app or the Apple Developer Account, but we do have the source code, which is built using Xamarin. Our Android app, which uses the same codebase, is already live, and we're attempting to upload the iOS version. The support team has asked us to change the app concept, but this isn't feasible due to the app's purpose: it's designed for monitoring and reporting within our hotel management system and isn't open to the public. Changing the app would require significant alterations to our business flow, re-educating our customers, and impacting our Android app, which shares the same codebase. Could someone experienced with Guideline 4.3(a) assist us with this issue? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Dec ’24