I am attempting to upload an application to the app store. The selected method was using Transporter through terminal commands. In this sense, I keep receiving a metadata error which is as follows : Command (Assume values are filled in) /usr/local/itms/bin/iTMSTransporter -m upload \ -u "MY_EMAIL" \ -p "YOUR_APP_SPECIFIC_PASSWORD" \ -f "/Users/isseyyohannes/Desktop/ALGORA_Performance.itmsp" \ --asc-provider "GL5BCCW69X" -v detailed I receive the following error Package Summary: 1 package(s) were not uploaded because they had problems: /Users/isseyyohannes/Desktop/ALGORA_Performance.itmsp - Error Messages: ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 9 column 25: element "data_file" incomplete; missing required elements "checksum" and "size" at XPath /package/software_assets/asset/data_file" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 12 column 24: element "software_metadata" not allowed here; expected the element end-tag or element "metadata_token" at XPath /package/software_metadata" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 13 column 19: element "software" not allowed here; expected the element end-tag or element "game_center", "in_app_purchases", "products", "read_only_info" or "versions" at XPath /package/software_metadata/software" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 16 column 28: element "bundle_id" not allowed anywhere; expected element "read_only_value" at XPath /package/software_metadata/software/read_only_info/bundle_id" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 17 column 30: element "app_version" not allowed anywhere; expected element "read_only_value" at XPath /package/software_metadata/software/read_only_info/app_version" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 18 column 33: element "product_family" not allowed anywhere; expected element "read_only_value" at XPath /package/software_metadata/software/read_only_info/product_family" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 19 column 30: element "read_only_info" incomplete; missing required element "read_only_value"" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 20 column 20: element "software" incomplete; expected element "software_assets" or "software_metadata"" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Package "null" failed schema validation." [2025-02-19 15:45:07 EST] <main> DBG-X: Returning 1 Essentially just a bunch of warnings about my metadata file which I edited manually to read the following <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <package version="software5.10" xmlns="http://apple.com/itunes/importer"> <provider>GL5BCCW69X</provider> <team_id>GL5BCCW69X</team_id> <software_assets> <asset type="bundle"> <data_file> <file_name>ALGORA_Performance.pkg</file_name> <checksum type="sha1">7acb9fcb19eb203bdc6038f88d06a67386900b28</checksum> <size>75619323</size> </data_file> </asset> <software_metadata> <software> <vendor_id>93274081</vendor_id> <read_only_info> <read_only_value key="bundle_id">com.algora.ALGORA-Performance</read_only_value> <read_only_value key="app_version">0.0.0</read_only_value> <read_only_value key="product_family">macOS</read_only_value> </read_only_info> </software> </software_metadata> </software_assets> </package> Last note is that I manually created the metadata.xml file and moved it via local terminal for fear of having to use XCode which I am not familiar with. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED

I could use an extra set of eyes on this - I'm totally stuck. Any ideas or thoughts on things to check would be much appreciated. This problem started on 2025-02-06. It's a Unity project under active development, but I don't see where that can create a problem when using Transporter. We have been uploading fine for months. Now we are seeing errors like this: &lt;RLT-005&gt; INFO: Upload Failed: (id: 650d9057-eb69-4d32-a765-e53894c332e3 file: myapp.ipa part: 24) ([1/3] will retry): org.apache.http.NoHttpResponseException: The target server failed to respond &lt;RLT-005&gt; INFO: Starting upload for reservation: (650d9057-eb69-4d32-a765-e53894c332e3) file: (myapp.ipa/24) attempt: 2 size: 5242880 &lt;main&gt; ERROR: myapp.ipa (8) - Bad Status received from server: 400 &lt;main&gt; ERROR: Could not upload 1 file(s): &lt;main&gt; ERROR: Could not upload file: myapp.ipa 28 parts failed: [10, 24, 5, 14, 7, 2, 16, 19, 25, 1, 21, 9, 3, 6, 8, 15, 12, 27, 18, 26, 11, 20, 17, 4, 23, 28, 13, 22] &lt;main&gt; ERROR: Please retry your upload later. That "400" server error has me thinking it could be something on Apple's side. But I've also seen this error: INFO: Verifying checksums against the previous upload attempt. &lt;main&gt; ERROR: A file(s) has been modified between the initial upload and restart of the upload. Please retry your upload. So I don't know what to make of it. Nothing had changed in how we use Transporter. Things I've tried: I have tried the Transporter command using all three "-t" options: Aspera, Signiant, HTTP. Same errors. I have tried using a new app password. I have tried upgrading the OS version to Sequoia 15.3. Xcode 16.0 with iOS 18 stuff I have tried upgrading Transporter to 3.4.1. I am running a Mac mini - M1, 2020. I am working on trying with a different host on a different internet connection. Maybe some network security device is interfering somehow. I am able to manually use Xcode to archive the project and upload it to TestFlight, so the problem appears to be isolated to Transporter or the servers it talks to. The only unexpected warning I see when manually archiving and uploading is something about a HelpShiftX.framework dSYM not being included. Could that be a cause of the Transporter issue?

We are developing a Flutter application targeted for MacOS and Windows . We are using the FlutterMacOS and connectivity_plus packages in our app But whenever we are releasing a version to App Store we are getting the privacy manifest file missing for above 2 packages We tried to add xcPrivacy file inside the Runner Xcode project. But that doesn't solve the issue Adding the relevant lines from the warning email getting from App Store below "ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest - Your app includes “Contents/Frameworks/FlutterMacOS.framework/Versions/A/FlutterMacOS”, which includes Flutter, an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a commonly used third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a commonly used third-party SDK, or an app update adds a new commonly used third-party SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file or you won’t be able to submit the app for review in App Store Connect. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest - Your app includes “Contents/Frameworks/connectivity_plus.framework/Versions/A/connectivity_plus”, which includes connectivity_plus, an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a commonly used third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a commonly used third-party SDK, or an app update adds a new commonly used third-party SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file or you won’t be able to submit the app for review in App Store Connect. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements." Please suggest a solution to solve this issue as early as possible , because February 12th onwards we will get blocked to release new versions

We have an app that has failed during the app review for the Japanese market but has been accepted in several other markets successfully. We need the user's name in native Katakana format as we need it to be displayed in our restaurant Point of Sale systems for workers to be able to read and understand. We use 'Sign up with Apple', but when doing so, if this returns an anglicised given and family name, we have to request the customer supply their Katakana format name so that our in-store systems and staff can process and fulfil their orders. When the App Review process automatically tests the app, it uses "Apple John" as a customer's name. Since this is not a Japanese name, we ask for it again in the correct format, or we cannot allow the user to register. This contravenes Apple's rules, and thus, our app is rejected. If the Apple identity used belonged to a user more typical of the target market, it would work as required. Does anyone else have this issue, and how did you work around it? Tim

Hi all, Our app was initially rejected for 5 minor issues, which we promptly fixed and resubmitted within 24 hours. However, it was rejected again for 4 of the same issues, even though we 100% know they've been addressed. We submitted two follow-up messages to the App Review team via App Store Connect over 5 days ago but haven't received any acknowledgment or response. Does anyone know if we need to resubmit a new build with notes, or how long it typically takes to get a reply from App Review through App Store Connect? Thanks in advance!

Hi! I'm having a question that I can't really find an specific answer to, if anyone could help me. If I make an app, tag it as 18+ and restrict access to under 18's am I allowed to make custom ads with redirect to casinos(if users tap on them)?

Hello Developers & Apple Team, Our app was recently rejected by Apple under Guideline 5.0 (Legal) due to concerns that it "enables mass texting, calling, and other spamming activities." However, our app strictly follows Apple’s guidelines and does not support mass messaging in any form. Key Features Ensuring Compliance: ✅ No Mass Messaging: Users must manually select contacts, preventing bulk messaging. ✅ Explicit User Consent: A pop-up confirmation appears every time a message is sent, ensuring user awareness. ✅ Regulatory Compliance: We are a Meta Business Partner, RCS Messaging Partner, and a registered Telemarketer, operating within legal frameworks. ✅ No Promotional Content: The app is strictly for communication and informational messages only—never for spam. 📢 Apple Review Team, please review our case and assist us in resolving this misunderstanding so we can move forward with our app approval as soon as possible. Has anyone else faced a similar rejection? Any suggestions on how we can best clarify our compliance to Apple? We appreciate any guidance from the community and Apple. 🚀

While I found a solution to check if debugger is attached to a process following this Q&A. My query is mostly with regards to distribution aspect to it. My use-case is to have this check as an SDK that is shipped as XCFramework. I have verified no submission error being generated if app including this code is submitted to TestFlight. However, I am unsure what will happen if app having this check is submitted to appstore. Will this submission be rejected? Or having this check in an appstore submitted app doesn't impact anything?

Have a new app that we plan to release to the App Store and we want to support it only on iPhone for now. We have removed all the supported destinations in app's target -> general settings and it only has iPhone now. Please note that this app has never been released to app store before. We do plan to add iPad support in upcoming releases. For this first release of our app, will the end user be still able to download the app on iPad in compatibility mode? Or what would be the behavior when the user would search for my app on iPad?

Hello, My app was recently rejected due to App Review Guideline 4.3(a), which states: "Don’t create multiple Bundle IDs of the same app. If your app has different versions for specific locations, sports teams, universities, etc., consider submitting a single app and provide the variations using in-app purchase." The feedback provided was: "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." This has left me quite confused. I have only one app, "Fly2enjoy," which I originally uploaded on Android and am looking to upload it also to iOS. I don't have any other active apps on the Apple App Store. The app was developed with the intention of being unique, and I have not repackaged or copied another app. Additionally, I only have one Bundle ID associated with my app. On Android, the only app similar to mine is "Fly2enjoy," which is my own. Based on my understanding, my app’s concept is relatively distinct. I am struggling to understand why my app was rejected. I acknowledge that the uploaded screenshots might not be polished or final, but they can certainly be improved in the next updates. If the issue is related to "similar binaries or metadata," I am not sure how to address or resolve this. Any assistance or guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Mohammad.

Hello, Thank you for your message. Regarding 3.2, we still find that your app is intended to be used by a specific business or organization, including partners, clients, or employees, but you've selected public distribution on the App Store in App Store Connect. To resolve this issue, it would be appropriate to review the other distribution options available for apps designed for specific businesses or organizations and choose a distribution option that works for your app and users. You can review these app distribution options on Apple Developer. I appreciate the help to get out of this inconvenience. Thank you.

I am currently trying to upload my app to my Apple Developer account, but I keep encountering an issue. The submission process prompts me to provide a Privacy Policy URL. However, when I attempt to enter the URL, I receive an error message stating, "We can't process your request." Contacted support multiple times but they do not have any solution yet it's been more than a week now

Hi all, I have an app that is already released in the App Store, and I recently submitted a new version for bug fixes only. Normally, updates are accepted within 24 hours. However, this time, my submission was unexpectedly rejected for the following reason: The app preview includes content that does not sufficiently show the app in use. Specifically, the app preview: Shows footage other than the app in use, such as images of the home screen. This feedback is surprising because the app preview video has been approved in previous versions, and I made no changes to it in this submission. Importantly, the reason for including the iPhone's Home Screen is to showcase a critical function of the app—interacting with it via Siri when the phone is locked. I am unsure how to demonstrate this key feature without showing the phone's Lock Screen. I have attempted to explain this in my responses and even uploaded a YouTube video to clarify the app's functionality, but I continue to receive generic, templated feedback. I also raised an appeal, but it has been over 7 days without a response. Has anyone else experienced similar issues? How did you manage to navigate this situation? Thank you for your help!

Hi all, I have an app that is already released in the App Store, and I recently submitted a new version for bug fixes only. Normally, updates are accepted within 24 hours. However, this time, my submission was unexpectedly rejected for the following reason: The app preview includes content that does not sufficiently show the app in use. Specifically, the app preview: - Shows footage other than the app in use, such as images of the home screen. This feedback is surprising because the app preview video has been approved in previous versions, and I made no changes to it in this submission. Importantly, the reason for including the iPhone's Home Screen is to showcase a critical function of the app—interacting with it via Siri when the phone is locked. I am unsure how to demonstrate this key feature without showing the phone's Lock Screen. I have attempted to explain this in my responses and even uploaded a YouTube video to clarify the app's functionality, but I continue to receive generic, templated feedback. I also raised an appeal, but it has been over 7 days without a response. Has anyone else experienced similar issues? How did you manage to navigate this situation? Thank you for your help!

Hi, I am a freelance developer who built a CRM and as part of the package provide a ToDo application. I managed to convince a client to get a White-Labeled solution for the application from me & uploaded in the client's developer profile (My profile has full developer access). Now, when I am uploading my original app for my other CRM users - App Store Review team is rejecting the app with the following 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.Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps.". They mention - "other developers"; but the other developer is me - having full access rights. I have replied to the rejection 4 times with these comments & I feel they are just not reading my comments. Its disheartening to see that all the work you put in, apps get rejected for absolutely no reason. I have already appealed and I am unsure what I should do next.

Hi fellow developers, I built Video Restore AI which uses a number of models with CoreML on macOS to provide simple one-blick video upscaling and colorization. After uploading my archive, I received the following notification through email. ITMS-91109: Invalid package contents - The package contains one or more files with the com.apple.quarantine extended file attribute, such as “{com.kammerath.VideoRestore.pkg/Payload/Video Restore AI.app/Contents/Resources/ECCV16Colorize.mlmodelc/weights/weight.bin}”. This attribute shouldn’t be included in any macOS apps distributed on TestFlight or the App Store. Starting February 18, 2025, you must remove this attribute from all files within your macOS app before you can upload to App Store Connect. How do I deal with this? Is there a way to get Apple to just accept the model contents or do I need to convert it again with coremltools? Many thanks in advance! Jan

Hi all, I am a student trying to launch an app on the App store. The tool is a wait time predictor for bars and restaurants in the area. For months I have been failing the design minimum requirement and was hoping to get some assistance. Here some features: Push notifications, Check wait times at every different time on different, days on graphs, Favorite Venues, Discover other venues via a map system , Enter address into maps via map, Below are some pngs of my project. If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it

Hey everyone, I’m dealing with a frustrating situation and hoping someone here can share insights. My app has been rejected multiple times under Guideline 4.3(a) - Spam, with Apple stating it resembles an app from a terminated Apple Developer account. Here’s the context: A month ago, my teammate purchased an Apple Developer account from a 3rd party. Then after the app was submitted, we got rejection after that, a couple of hours later. The old account was terminated. The termination notice cited Section 3.2(f) of the ADP Agreement, mentioning "commit any act intended to interfere with any of the Apple Software or Services, the intent of this Agreement, or Apple’s business practices including, but not limited to, taking actions that may hinder the performance or intended use of the App Store, Custom App Distribution, TestFlight, Xcode Cloud, Ad Hoc distribution, or the Program…". This old account was purchased from a suspicious source, which may be why it was terminated and you can imagine my relationship with the old teammate now. Anyway, we never know the real reason because it was a broad message The app was never published, only submitted, but it's now stuck in the terminated account. Then I created a second account on my own, and resubmitted the app. Good thing, I was never been terminated ever since despite multiple attends to resubmit. Bad things, I got rejected because of Guideline 4.3(a) - Spam, they said my app is similar to an app from a terminated account multiple times. Since the termination, I've: Rebranded my app completely, including a new app name, bundle ID, logo, and additional features. I've added like 6 pages alongside 10 other APIs. It's just amazing and terrifying to me at the same time how Apple can track my app linkage to the old account even after though changes Yet, I keep getting rejections claiming similarity to the app in the terminated account. My Questions: How long does it take for app metadata, features, and concepts to be fully released for reuse from a terminated account to be fully removed from Apple's system? Has anyone successfully resolved a similar rejection under 4.3(a)? Now it has been 1 month, should I resubmit the app? I will be joining an online meeting with an Apple Reviewer consultant to discuss the App Review matter one-on-one. What would you guys recommend me to discuss/ask them? About my app information, since I was not allowed to upload screenshots before getting a successful publishing by my CEO I can only share the below information, I pretty sure the app itself is not making any serious fault since I never got rejection in the 2nd account. The app have 2 main features: Chat with generative AI model: it provides finance information and insights linked to real-time finance data No nsfw, nsfl contents, I pre-process and chat and make sure those contents are flagged and the AI will answer in the way that discouraging the topic An overall finance information: volume, info, articles, and charts (we have access rights) Any guidance or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Hi all, My app was rejected because of Guideline 4.3(a). Below is the response: 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. Resources Some factors that contribute to a spam rejection may include: Submitting an app with the same source code or assets as other apps already submitted to the App Store Creating and submitting multiple similar apps using a repackaged app template Purchasing an app template with problematic code from a third-party Submitting several similar apps across multiple accounts Is due to another Beta Build of the same app that is also under App Review currently? Because the app idea, UI, code, everything is ideated by me without any inspiration

Hi everyone, We are developing an app, Video Tradie, which operates as a marketplace platform connecting customers with independent tradespeople for consultations. The app facilitates scheduling, communication, and payments but does not directly provide any services—our role is strictly as a facilitator. For payment processing, we are currently integrating Stripe to handle invoicing, payment splits to tradespeople, and detailed reporting features that are essential to our business model. However, we want to ensure compliance with Apple’s App Store guidelines, particularly regarding: Digital Services vs. Physical Services: Since the app facilitates consultations (virtual services), would it fall under Apple’s in-app purchase requirements, or could it qualify for exemptions, similar to apps facilitating physical services? Stripe Integration: If we continue using Stripe for payments, are we allowed to remit Apple’s 15% commission (under the Small Business Programme) while not using Apple’s payment infrastructure? Marketplace Positioning: Does positioning our app as a marketplace rather than a direct service provider exempt us from using Apple’s in-app payment system? Alternative Billing Options: If operating in regions like the EU or South Korea, where alternative billing is permitted, are there specific steps we need to follow to comply? We are seeking clarification to ensure we develop the app in a way that aligns with Apple’s expectations. If anyone has experience with similar setups or advice on communicating with Apple during the submission process, I’d greatly appreciate your input! Thank you!