Hello everyone,
I’m looking for some advice or shared experiences regarding an app rejection under App Store Review Guideline 4.3(b) – Design – Spam.
Our app was rejected and, after an appeal to the App Review Board, Apple maintained that the app “duplicates the content and functionality of similar apps in a saturated category.” We strongly disagree with this classification and are struggling to understand how Guideline 4.3(b) has been applied in our case.
The app was developed as an original product:
Custom-designed content (including original cards and interactions)
A unique visual style and UI
A distinct interaction flow focused on encouraging social interaction between users
This was not a template-based or reskinned app, nor is it part of a series of similar submissions.
We fully respect the App Store Review Guidelines and are open to making adjustments to better align with them. However, what we find difficult is the lack of specific, actionable feedback. We have not received clear guidance on which exact elements are considered duplicative or what changes would meaningfully address the concern.
Some of the questions we are hoping the community can help with:
In your experience, what typically triggers a 4.3(b) rejection in cases like this?
Are there specific mechanics, terminology, or presentation choices that reviewers often interpret as problematic?
Have others successfully resolved a 4.3(b) rejection without completely abandoning their app concept?
We have already invested significant time and resources into this project, and being advised to create an entirely new app is not financially feasible for us. We are genuinely trying to understand how to proceed in a way that is constructive and compliant.
Any insights, experiences, or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
— Lars