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:

  1. Our app calculates Islamic prayer times and Qibla direction - both requiring location services for religious accuracy
  2. 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.

We have received clarification on this matter from the App Review Board and now know how to stay compliant with Guidelines 5.1.1.

Seeking Guidance: Location Services Requirements for Religious Apps - App Review Implementation
 
 
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