I have spent the last few months working on a new app, "Jelly Music — by JellyLabs", which is a music client for Apple Music users. It has 100+ TestFlight users who are using it daily and sharing great feedback. The app does not include any template code and is not overly similar to any existing apps on the App Store, as far as I know. It includes lots of unique features, like a personal dj (like Spotify), radio stations from playlists (with different station discovery modes), custom app themes, lots of view options for your playlists/songs/artists/albums, "bump song to top of library" option, Sonos speaker controls, Mac Bridge Sync which allows you to view/edit your song metadata from your iPhone/iPad while your Mac writes the changes to your library, etc.
See video here: https://www.reddit.com/r/AppleMusic/comments/1vwkp0n/jelly_music_a_new_apple_music_client_with_full/
The app did previously include one third party open source dependency, FluidAudio (a voice model that powered a live dj feature), so my latest version removed that in case that was causing a binary/metadata flag. That version is "waiting for review" now, but I fear it will just be auto-rejected again because the app listing now has a spam flag on it. The app's first rejection came after a 5 min review (measured by the "in review" to "rejected" email timestamps), but each rejection review since then has been <60 seconds.
Yesterday I tried calling App Review twice just to get more info, both times I waited on hold for 3 hours before the system transferred me to consumer support who of course coud not help or transfer me to anyone. I have also emailed App Review a few times, submitted an appeal, replied to App Review messages in App Store Connect seeking more information... nobody will tell me anything.
Does anyone have any advice or ideas as to what I should change next?
App Listing Info:
TestFlight Link: https://testflight.apple.com/join/ZKQwDMN7
Promo Text: Rediscover your music. Explore your music library in new ways, with a built-in DJ, smart playlists, tuneable radio stations, comments, and much more.
Keywords: apple music,player,library,playlists,smart playlist,radio,dj,discover,albums,artists,spotify,songs
Description: Jelly Music gives your music library a fresh start.
Built for Apple Music listeners who want more control over their collection, Jelly combines a beautiful music player with powerful library organization, smart discovery, personalized radio, and features designed to help you rediscover the music you already love.
YOUR LIBRARY, REIMAGINED
Browse your songs, albums, artists, playlists, genres, and more through a fast, thoughtfully designed interface. Jelly makes even large music libraries feel approachable again.
SMART FILTERS & PLAYLISTS
Find exactly what you want to hear. Create powerful filters using your music's metadata, organize your collection your way, and turn the results into playlists.
REDISCOVER YOUR MUSIC
Jelly helps surface music that's been hiding in your library — from forgotten favorites to albums and artists you haven't visited in years.
JELLY DJ
Start a personalized radio session built around your listening history, favorites, throwbacks, and discoveries. Let Jelly DJ guide the session, or mute the DJ and simply enjoy the mix.
DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW
Explore personalized recommendations, new releases, stations, music videos, and more without losing sight of the library you've spent years building.
MADE FOR MUSIC NERDS
Jelly includes the details and controls serious music-library users love, while keeping the experience simple enough for everyday listening.
APPLE MUSIC, STILL YOUR MUSIC
Jelly works alongside Apple Music rather than replacing your library. Sign in with your Apple Music account and explore your existing music through an entirely new experience.
And with Jelly Music on Mac, you can take even greater control of your library and keep your Jelly experience in sync across devices.
Jelly Music requires an Apple Music subscription for Apple Music catalog playback and certain features. Availability of Apple Music content and features may vary by region.
Note on Pricing: a Paid Unlock (yearly or lifetime purchase) is required to use the Pro features of this app. This provides access and tailored experiences on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Terms and Conditions: [link] Privacy Policy: [link]
Review Notes: To test this app, allow access to your Apple Music library and test Jelly Music as you would your typical music app. Play songs, skip/seek, modify queue, etc.
See video overview explainer here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nI0BOuxWxpdNuFlvU3nkMo-3IIYiOkPl/view
Jelly Music already has 100+ users on TestFlight and there are 100+ more users on the waiting list! People are excited for this new way to browse and manage their Apple Music library. Users can browse playlists/songs/artists/albums with numerous different view options on each screen. Get organized with playlist folders and smart playlists. Listen to DJ Radio which combines music from their library with other Apple Music they might like. Start radio stations from playlists or songs, with controls for how "exploratory" those stations should be. View and edit song metadata and comments/ratings right from their iPhone or iPad if they enable Mac Sync. Bump songs to the top of their library, while retaining the original date added. Control Sonos speakers right from Jelly. Style their experience with custom themes. And a lot more!
Terms and Privacy links are listed in app description. Including below for reference: Terms and Conditions: xxx Privacy Policy: xxx
In-App Purchases should be working. They work for me when testing with Xcode StoreKit and with my Apple Sandbox user. Purchases also work for TestFlight users. Please note, in-app purchases and downloadable Asset Packs are attached to this iOS version for review. The asset packs are for the dj voices, 1 pack per voice.
Pro mode unlocks in-app extra features (folders, smart playlists, and mac sync) and does not relate to Apple Music content.
If you have questions or concerns please feel free to call me at xxx
App Store Screenshots: (Here are 3 of the 6 screenshots. They use fake artwork / metadata to avoid copyright issues)
