Details:
I'm looking for clarification on how Guideline 1.4.3 is applied to tobacco related apps.
My app, The Leaf Cellar, was rejected under 1.4.3 with the reasoning that its "current concept is not appropriate" because it relates to tobacco. The app is a private inventory manager. It has no store, no purchasing, no vendor or affiliate links, no discovery feed, and no content directed at encouraging or using tobacco. its only function is personal record-keeping (logging inventory you already own, aging dates, humidity readings). A 21+ age gate is enforced on launch.
What I'm trying to understand is the consistency of the guideline, because functionally identical apps are currently live on the store and receiving updates (which means apple must approve the submitted updates.)
Existing Apps (not being enforced by 1.4.3):
"My Humidor – Cigar Journal": [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-humidor-cigar-journal/id6639582700]
"Humidor Journal Pro": [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/humidor-journal-pro/id6751737114]
Questions:
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Is there a specific feature or distinction that separates an approvable cigar-journal app from one rejected under 1.4.3 as a "concept"?
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If apps in this category are already approved, what's the correct path to have an inconsistent rejection reviewed beyond the standard Resolution Center reply? I have already submitted to the App Review Board.