App Store rejecting "Template Based" apps

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Created Dec ’17

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I actually have not yet submitted my app because I recently found out about the new App Rejection info regarding apps built by "templates". Does this mean that any app built by a template will be rejected even if it has customizations done to it?

I have been working on my website/app for months through a site called eDirectory. I have spent money to have customization's made so my app had more features for users. I was hoping I could speak with someone about getting my app reviewed and approved so I could move forward with my business. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. This would mean a lot to me and I will do anything I need to do to prove that my app is legit and valuable to consumers.

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Answer 1

KMT OP

Dec ’17

>Does this mean that any app

Depends on if the template in play uses private APIs that trigger flags, and/or app review can tell your app came out of a can, without prompting. Just remember, they see tons of apps, so...

I would not take the ASRGs lightly: "4.2.6 Apps created from a commercialized template or app generation service will be rejected."

> I was hoping I could speak with someone...

If you mean from Apple, no, not on this. There are no pre-reviews and App Review isn't here. All you can get via devForums on this topic are the opinions of other devs.

My advice is to forego a canned app and build something native instead - good luck.

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Answer 2

john daniel OP

Dec ’17

Hello hawaiianryan,

All template apps have customizations. That's the point. No one, including Apple, can tell you beforehand if your app will be rejected. I think that Apple is mostly targeting developers who have dozens of virtually identical apps. You could be caught up in that too though. Or you could slip by and get approved.

I guess it all depends on how much money you have already spend and how much more you intend to spend. If most of your work is already done, then there is no risk in losing more money. Submit the app and hope to get lucky. The risk is from the future. Suppose you have a critical update and Apple rejects it due to the template. What will you do then? It is all a question of how much good money do you want to throw after bad.

I think the key thing to remember here is that Apple doesn't care if your app is legit or valuable to your customers. They are Apple's customers and that's the bottom line for Apple. Apple wants its apps to be better than Android apps. That is unlikely when using templates. Hire a developer to build your app without a template. Make sure to design it so that it provides value - to Apple.

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