App Review

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Understand the technical and content review process for submitting apps to the App Store.

App Review Documentation

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Submission Rejected Due to Google Play References
Hello! We're using Expo Submit to submit our app builds to App Store and Play Store. One of the App Store feedback points was: "Revise the app's binary to remove Google Play references." We rely on Google services for: Google Sign In (which is not relevant for Apple users, of course) Expo Notifications (which may rely on Google Play services) Any ideas on what the path to resolution might be? Thank you.
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Day 12: Apple App Review – Silence, Delays, and No Accountability!
We are now on Day 12, and my app remains stuck "In Review" with no progress. Despite my repeated attempts to get a real update—including daily support tickets, an expedited review request, a phone call with an Apple representative, and multiple forum posts—nothing has changed. This is not a normal review delay. Based on backend logs, it is clear that no one has even opened the app for review. It is simply sitting in the queue, ignored, while my users are left without critical updates. I demand a call back from an App Review manager today. Not a generic email, not another vague "it's still in review" response—I need a real explanation from someone who has actual insight into what is going on. To reiterate: My app is one of the most popular and highest-grossing indie apps on visionOS, with thousands of users and hundreds of subscribers. The app follows a tight update schedule, which your inefficiency has completely disrupted. This is actively harming my business and user experience. Every proper channel I have followed has been ignored. Apple preaches that it supports indie developers, but this level of disregard shows the opposite. If there is a legitimate reason for this delay, I expect clear communication, not silence. If there isn’t, I expect this review to be completed immediately. Please schedule another call today. I will not accept another day of inaction. App ID: 6737148404
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My Game is Rejected (Has Unique Features and Art Style) - Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam
Hi everyone, I recently received a rejection for my app submission on the App Store. The rejection reason was: "We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by other developers, with only minor differences. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps." (Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam) However, my game is quite different. It features a unique pixel art style and introduces fresh mechanics, such as cleaning tasks, accepting additional missions from NPCs, and even an idle clicker-style system where players can hire workers to gather in-game points. These elements differentiate it from other apps in the same category. My game's name is quite different as well: "My Pixel Market Sim - AppID: 6742187384" Additionally, the code behind the game is completely my own, and I even sell a popular Unity Asset on the Unity Asset Store for this category. So, I can assure you the app isn’t a repackage of anything existing. (I am the owner and publisher: https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/systems/market-shop-store-and-retail-game-creator-for-both-pc-and-mobile-291107) Can anyone shed some light on why this might have been flagged as spam? I'd really appreciate any advice or guidance on how to proceed with re-submitting my app. Thank you in advance!
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Guidance Needed: Submitting White-Labeled Apps for Clients Under Our Developer Account
Dear Apple Developer Support, We are seeking clarification and assistance regarding the recent rejections of our app submissions, citing insufficient business ownership documentation. We are a software company that builds white-labeled food ordering applications for restaurants. To comply with Apple's guidelines, we have provided signed authorisation documents from each restaurant owner, explicitly stating that we are permitted to submit and manage their branded apps on their behalf. Despite submitting these signed agreements, the apps continue to face rejection. Given that the restaurant owners have formally authorised us to act as their representative, we would appreciate guidance on why these documents are considered insufficient and what additional documentation might be required. We are submitting the apps under the accounts of the individual clients for whom they were designed. However, this approach presents significant operational difficulties for both us and our clients, including: Inconsistent App Management: Requiring each of our 180+ restaurant clients to maintain their own Apple Developer accounts makes it nearly impossible for us to ensure that all apps receive timely updates. This includes critical security patches, feature enhancements, and bug fixes, which are essential for maintaining app reliability and user trust. Compliance Issues: Many of our clients lack the technical expertise or resources to properly manage their developer accounts. This often results in expired memberships, incomplete account setups, or even suspensions, all of which prevent us from delivering necessary updates and jeopardise app performance. Operational Overhead: The administrative burden of overseeing multiple developer accounts slows down our update process, creating inefficiencies that negatively impact our clients and their customers. If possible, we kindly request that this matter be escalated to an Apple engineer or senior advisor who can help us find a path forward while ensuring compliance with Apple’s guidelines. Would be appreciated if someone can reach out to us.
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Day 11: No Progress Despite Assurances of Expedited Review
Apple App Review Team, what is going on? Yesterday, I was assured that my app review was being "expedited." Yet, here we are—Day 11—and absolutely nothing has changed. The app remains stuck "In Review" with zero progress. This is beyond frustrating. It is actively damaging my business, my users, and the trust developers have in the App Store review process. I have followed every proper channel—daily support tickets, expedited review requests, even a direct call with an Apple representative—yet I am still met with the same vague, non-committal responses. Let me be clear: This is not an acceptable way to handle app reviews. Developers cannot operate under these unpredictable and arbitrary delays. The app is one of the most successful indie apps on visionOS, and this treatment is completely unjustified. I need real action. Today. Not another canned response, not another “we need additional time”—real progress and real accountability. Do better! App ID: 6737148404
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Repeated 4.3 Guideline Rejections After Compliance & Feature Updates
Hey everyone, We’ve been facing an ongoing issue with 4.3 spam guideline rejections, and I wanted to see if anyone has experienced something similar or has advice. Initially, we got rejected under 4.3, but we complied by adding unique features that helped us pass. These included: ✅ Public tracking profiles ✅ Widgets for stats ✅ Background fetch for updates ✅ No login required After two successful updates, we pushed a third update focused on bug fixes—fixing iPad UI issues and notification improvements—but suddenly, we got rejected again for 4.3, without any clarification. We strongly believe this is a mistake because our app has distinct features not found in any other app. We’ve reached out to Apple for clarification but haven’t received a meaningful response. Has anyone else had a similar experience where a compliance fix worked initially, only to be rejected again later? Any advice on how to appeal this effectively? Would appreciate any insights! Thanks.
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Waiting Forever for iOS Family Controls Entitlement
I'm at my wit's end here with an iOS app I'm developing. I've applied for the Family Controls entitlement, and while my extensions (like Device Monitor) have been accepted, the main target entitlement for my app still hasn't been approved. Here's the timeline: Extensions (Device Monitor etc.): Accepted about a month ago. Main App Entitlement: Still pending - it's been over 6 weeks now. I'm looking for: Anyone who has gone through this process and can share how long it took for their main app entitlement to get approved after the extensions were. Any tips on what might speed up the process or what I might be doing wrong. Experiences with contacting Apple Developer Support regarding this issue. If you've been through a similar ordeal or have any advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks for any help or insight you can offer!
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Subscription still not approved after app update
Hello Apple Team, We have recently updated our app and followed all the required steps for approving auto-renewable subscriptions. Our app update (Version 1.0.4, Build 5) has been reviewed and released on the App Store, but our subscription is still in “Waiting for Review” status. We have made the necessary corrections: ✔️ Clearly indicated the subscription duration in the app UI (“Lite plan: Full access for 1 month. Auto-renewing.”) ✔️ Added the Terms of Use link in App Store Connect metadata ✔️ Updated our Privacy Policy link However, when users attempt to subscribe, they receive an error. Could you clarify why the subscription has not been reviewed along with the app? Thank you for your assistance!
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rejected after review
After review it was mentioned We need additional information about the app's highly regulated services and/or handling of sensitive user data. The guideline 5.1.1(ix) requirements give users confidence that apps operating in highly regulated fields or that require sensitive user information are qualified to provide these services and will responsibly manage their data. Which companies or institutions provide the services offered in the app? -What is the relationship between [Name of Developer Account] and the providers of these services? The application is being developed for the Karnataka State Government, and the development and management of the app have been assigned as part of an official project. While the developer account used for publishing the application was purchased individually, it is associated with the development and maintenance of this project. The account facilitates app deployment and management while ensuring compliance with government requirements and security protocols. So Guide Properly.
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Fake reasons given and biased decision made from Apple Review Team - Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam
We submitted our application for a review and got rejected with the followings. Review date: February 18, 2025 Version reviewed: 1.0.0 Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps previously submitted by a terminated Apple Developer Program account. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps. Next Steps Since we do not accept spam apps on the App Store, we encourage you to review your app concept and submit a unique app with distinct content and functionality. Resources Some factors that contribute to a spam rejection may include: Submitting an app with the same source code or assets as other apps already submitted to the App Store Creating and submitting multiple similar apps using a repackaged app template Purchasing an app template with problematic code from a third party Submitting several similar apps across multiple accounts Learn more about our requirements to prevent spam in App Review Guideline 4.3(a). We sent a reply in the apple store connect and made an appeal explaining each point to show that the above reasons that review team gave us are not true at all. The application was made in-house. We didn't buy any app template and reskinned/repacked into a new one. Moreover, we have only one and first account with apple. We looked at the Guideline 4.3(a) and our application did not fall into any bullets in the guideline. This review team of Apple was unprofessional and never reply back. They didn't even look at the metadata that we provide. The guideline and standards that apple team mentioned are what that they cannot even do it themselves. Apple review team should help their customers ban the real spam apps and help your company become more profitable. Can anyone here help?
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Unfair 4.3(a) Rejection - Update Blocked
Hi, Our latest update for Top Scorer 2 was rejected under Guideline 4.3(a) - Spam, despite previous versions being approved without issue. We have been developing this game since 2017, and it is an original creation with unique gameplay, AI, and physics. This update includes super important bug fixes and improvements critical for our user base, yet Apple claims it is too similar to other apps without specifying which ones or what exactly needs to change. Previous version with similar features and design, was successfully approved, we are improving resolutions, updating SDKs and enhancing security for our players, why would you reject it, leaving players with an older version of the game that lacks the vast array of improvements we've incorporated in the game. Has anyone faced a similar rejection? Any advice would be appreciated.
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Permission issue for US region
I hope you’re doing well. We would like to request app store testing for our application in the Indian region, as the application’s API is only supported within India. Please ensure that all functionalities, including authentication, API responses, and region-specific features, are working as expected. Let us know if you need any additional details or encounter any issues during testing. Thanks
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Invalid binary file error
I used Unity to build an Xcode project. Two weeks ago, I was able to successfully publish the same project to TestFlight for external testing. However, after making some modifications and republishing it to TestFlight, the status remained in "Waiting for Review" for a few minutes before showing "Invalid Binary." What could be the issue?
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Urgent: App Stuck "In Review" for 10 Days – Repeated Delays Impacting Releases
Dear Apple App Review Team, I’m reaching out here as a last resort, as my previous attempts to get a response through the developer support portal have been met with only automated replies. My app has been stuck in the "In Review" state for 10 days, and unfortunately, this is not the first time. Every time a new feature is added, the review process takes weeks, causing major disruptions to my development and release schedule. Based on backend logs, it appears that while the app is technically "In Review," no one has actually opened it, meaning it's sitting in a queue without active review. I have submitted daily support tickets and expedited review requests, but I have yet to receive a response from a real person—only the standard copy-paste replies. This lack of transparency and responsiveness makes it extremely difficult to plan and operate efficiently. Given that this is one of the most profitable indie apps on the visionOS App Store, I believe it deserves a more predictable and efficient review process. These extended delays are not just frustrating but actively harming the app’s growth and user experience. I urgently request immediate action on this matter. Please do not reply with a generic link directing me to support—I’ve already exhausted that route without success. I need a real response and a clear resolution. App ID: 6737148404
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Inquiry Regarding the Apple Review Process
It has been a month since our app was last submitted for review. I reached out to your review team to ensure a fair process, but unfortunately, it was rejected. I’m hoping to better understand if this is the current process, as it seems there were no issues addressed before the rejection. I would greatly appreciate any clarification or guidance on how we can move forward. App Name: Model Cycling - Fitness Apple ID: 6504571841 App URL: https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/id6504571841 Appeal Closure Notice Appeal Ticket: APL120898 Thank you for contacting the App Review Board. We received your appeal request for Model Cycling - Fitness. However, during our evaluation we noticed that your appeal request did not include specific reasons why you believe your app complies with the App Store Review Guidelines. To ensure your app is processed as quickly as possible, we have closed your appeal and will forward the information you provided to a member of the App Review team who is familiar with your app to provide further assistance. If necessary, they will message you directly via App Store Connect. If you are still unable to resolve the issue, please respond to the most recent message you received from App Review in the App Review section of App Store Connect and we will provide additional support.
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App Review Delayed – Is There an Issue Causing the Hold
The review process has now stretched on for nearly a month. Despite my repeated attempts to follow up through phone calls, I have received no updates or feedback. This lack of communication is becoming frustrating. Could you please clarify why there has been such a long delay? It feels like I’m being strung along with no real explanation. Please let me know what’s going on. App Name: Model Cycling - Fitness Apple ID: 6504571841 App URL: https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/id6504571841
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