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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Adding consumable IAP
We had Auto-renewable subscription and Non-renewing subscription in our app previously and now we want to add a consumable IAP where user can purchase it to activate a feature once. I created the consumable product, added all details and submitted it for review. I got the following response 3.1.1 - new IAP type New type: Consumable Previous type: Auto-renewable subscription, Non-renewing subscription Recommend: Download The status of IAP is in Developer Action Needed. I am not sure what I am supposed to do, it says to Download , but download what? Does anyone have any idea on what this is about?
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Radio streaming app - 5.2 Intellectual Property
Hi, I've built a radio streaming app for my radio station. I'm using VosCast streaming services to host my radio station online. The reviewer has asked me to comply with guideline 5.2 so I submitted my VosCast invoice and a copy of my business registration for the radio station. The reviewer then said I still have to provide authorisation to comply with 5.2.1: "However, to be in compliance with guideline 5.2.1, it would still be appropriate to submit documentation demonstrating this authorization." I'm not sure what other document I should submit. Looking for some advise on this. Thanks so much! Here is a screenshot of my app:
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Can the same code be used to distribute an app across multiple countries?
To meet the specific needs of different countries while also taking into account visible political reasons, we need to develop customized apps. However, the code will not be significantly altered. Therefore, we have designed two solutions: Solution 1: Use the same codebase, modify the UI to create multiple apps Solution 2: Design different interfaces within the same codebase (this solution is likely to be rejected) So, what can we do to ensure that we can complete this challenging task while maintaining similar functionality?
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Waiting for review
Hi everyone, I'm facing an issue with my app review process. My app has been in the "Waiting for Review" status for more than 48 hours, whereas usually, the review process is completed within 12 hours. We have a crucial launch coming up, and this delay is significantly impacting our plans. Has anyone else experienced such delays recently? Any advice on how to expedite the process or escalate the issue with Apple would be greatly appreciated.
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App Rejection to User Login
Hi There, we have an app that provides music and podcasts that we are licensed to provide , we depend on users to be logged in for our personalisation and recommendation engine to profile correctly both across the mobile app and web experience We have not had any issues for the last 7 years until now, receiving the app review rejection below. We have replied with multiple explanations why we require user login as mandatory and have identical apps that do the same, however we are told that we can log a complaint against those dont comply , but they cannot indicate what is different to our app. The response is below, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated "Hello, Thank you for your reply. Regarding 5.1.1 issue, your app requires users to register or log in to access features that are not account based. To resolve this issue, it would be appropriate to revise the app to let users freely access the app's features that are not account based. We are not able to provide feedback on app concepts or features, but we recommend evaluating your suggestions against the App Review Guidelines, as well as the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, and the Human Interface Guidelines."
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App review rejected
I built the app using Capacitor. Users will need to subscribe to a monthly plan before using the app. So when they log-in, they will see the pricing page. The payment is done using Capacitor in-app browser via Stripe elements. Our team sees this as in-app purchase, but Apple review team said this is not and rejected our version update. Rewriting the app with Swift is a no-go now. Anyone have any ideas what to do? Anyone had experience getting their app review passed using Stripe capacitor?
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Requirements for Courses-Based App
Hi, I have a question about Section 3.1.1 of the App Store Review Guidelines regarding In-App Purchases. Is it mandatory to include In-App Purchases in my app? My app is an extension of my website, which has been online for four years and serves a large student base. We offer courses that students purchase through the website. Once purchased, they can access lessons, watch videos, download files, answer quizzes (optional), participate in group chats, and review courses. In the app, users can view all courses and categories, access some free lessons to decide if they want to buy the course, and search for courses—similar to platforms like Udemy. I do not wish to use In-App Purchases or any external payment systems within my app. Instead, I prefer that users purchase courses on the website and then access them via the app. I will not include external links, calls to action, or any mentions that direct users to purchase from the website. Essentially, I plan to inform users that purchases are not supported in the app, and they will understand this implicitly. Is this approach acceptable?
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After 20 Years in the Industry, My Innovative App Was Rejected by Apple's Ever-Changing Review Standards – A Developer's Disappointment
I have been in the industry for 20 years, previously working as an internet product manager. In 2023, due to the global economic downturn, I was laid off and found it difficult to secure a satisfactory job. To support my family, I decided to leverage my skills. I designed my own app, and with a technical background, I taught myself popular programming technologies such as uni-app (a front-end framework) and Python. I wrote 100% of the front-end and back-end code myself and used AI tools to design the visual assets of the product. In March 2024, I successfully released an application called Mia (com.jacky.her) on the App Store. Mia connects to a large language model to chat with users and provide emotional support. I noticed there were already many similar applications on the market, but most of them were just simple chat boxes. I believe that future product competition will focus on more detailed features based on large models. Therefore, I designed a character prototype, added character mechanisms, and aimed to surpass these competitors. After launch, with limited promotional efforts, I found that although I could barely break even, it was still difficult to achieve scalable profitability, and this model mainly attracted users driven by hormonal impulses. After a series of considerations and iterations, I prepared to release version 2.0 of Mia in June this year. Compared to 1.0, it includes original storyline progression, no longer just a chat mode, and introduces a gamified card-drawing mechanism to advance character skills. Simply put, it is more like a nurturing game. However, when submitting version 2.0, Apple rejected my application citing "Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam." Several appeals were unsuccessful, leading me to request a phone call with Apple. Although Apple called me a few days later, I was deeply puzzled by the outcome of the conversation. Here are the main points raised by Apple's review staff: 1.Apple's Review Standards Are Constantly Changing The reviewer mentioned that the standards are always changing, and the rejection this time was due to "too many similar applications," not a quality issue. However, Mia's 1.0 version passed smoothly, but after adding more unique features, it was rejected, citing the presence of too many similar applications on the market. 2.Lack of Specific Standards and Feedback The reviewer repeatedly mentioned that my application was "unremarkable," but could not specifically explain what constitutes "unremarkable," nor clearly pointed out in what aspects my application was similar to others. I repeatedly asked for clear standards or next steps for modification but received no specific answers. 3.Apple's Business Strategy The reviewer finally mentioned that Apple is a private platform, and this is their current business strategy, which does not accept applications like mine. This strategy is not based on quality or uniqueness but is an internal decision by Apple, which is very disappointing for developers. 4.Compared to Other Similar Applications I researched similar applications on the App Store and found that there are indeed many simple chat applications with rough quality and details. My application features specific character images, unique storyline development, and a gamified card-drawing mechanism, yet it was still rejected. The reviewer suggested I report other applications, but this was of no substantive help. 5.Inability to Disclose Information on Similar Applications When I asked the reviewer to give examples of applications similar to mine, he said he could not disclose information about other applications. This means that Apple's judgment of my application cannot provide any substantive evidence, and everything is at Apple's discretion. The above content reflects the actual statements made by Apple's review staff. Apple has recordings of these conversations as well. Although the communication was in Chinese, I have summarized it in English. I believe the rise of large models will reshape products in many industries. My application is essentially a nurturing game with rich plot and scene settings. Apart from using third-party interfaces for the large model part, all other aspects are independently developed. The interface design and character materials are AI-generated. However, merely integrating large model dialogues led to it being labeled as a spam application. Does this mean that any application utilizing large models cannot pass the review? As a product manager, I have always been a fan of Apple and Steve Jobs. I started using a Macbook Pro for work back in the iPod era, and I replace my iPhone every year. However, this experience has left me deeply disappointed. Perhaps you do not care about a single consumer or developer, but I cannot accept that nearly a year of effort was dismissed with a single word, "spam." Goodbye, Apple.
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Appstore: Put a decommission message in the app's description
Hi team, Our app is going to upgrade the backend infrastructure which needs to inform an announcement to the users. It seems there is a limitation that doesn't allow a message related to the decommissioning put up on the App's home page. I have check some docs over internet but still not found any official one specify this topic. Can we just put the message as mentioned above or there is actually a limit which not allow to add it in? Thanks
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ScreenTimeAPI Access
"Hi everyone! We've encountered an issue with uploading our app to the App Store. We received the Family Controls Distribution permission, updated the certificates and profiles, submitted it for review, but received feedback that the request simply doesn't appear for the moderators. Does anyone know what the problem might be? Our request is: try await center.requestAuthorization(for: .individual). We also confirmed that the device must have TouchID or FaceID installed."
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The verified email domains associated with your Apple Developer Program account must match domains for the submitting company or partnered financial institution.
We got this very confusing reply from apple review: Hello, The issues we previously identified still need your attention. If you have any questions, we are here to help. Reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know. Review Environment Submission ID: b7a0958d-5ba3-49c4-8ae0-d16051d8905b Review date: July 15, 2024 Version reviewed: 1.0.0 Guideline 3.2.1(viii) - Business - Other Business Model Issues - Acceptable Your app provides loan services but does not meet all the requirements for apps providing these services. See below for additional information. These requirements give App Store users confidence that apps offering financial services are qualified to provide these services and will responsibly manage their data. Next Steps It would be appropriate to make the following changes to comply with the App Store requirements: The verified email domains associated with your Apple Developer Program account must match domains for the submitting company or partnered financial institution. Resources Learn more about requirements for acceptable business models in App Review Guideline 3.2.1. Support Reply to this message in your preferred language if you need assistance. If you need additional support, use the Contact Us module. Consult with fellow developers and Apple engineers on the Apple Developer Forums. Help improve the review process or identify a need for clarity in our policies by suggesting guideline changes. But Our company name is DXC CAPITAL, S.A. DE C.V. SOFOM, E.N.R. Our official website is https://dxc-capital.mx and the domain we are using is dxc-capital.mx The email address of the Apple Developer Program account displayed in the Email preferences and Membership details section of https://developer.apple.com/account is dxc-capital.mx, and the member name is DXC CAPITAL, S.A. DE C.V. SOFOM, E.N.R. The email address of the account holder displayed on the "user and access" page is also dxc-capital.mx The email address used in all descriptions we provide is dxc-capital.mx So I'm very confused that what is "The verified email domains associated with your Apple Developer Program account" and what is "match domains for the submitting company or partnered financial institution"? The Apple Review Team wouldn't answer any of my questions, what they did is give me lots of policy urls which are impossible to locate useful information, how should I solve this problem?
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App not approved. We are an educational game about sharks.
Our app is being rejected and i have reasons to believe it isn't properly reviewed. My app/ game has Features: Create your own Sharki Stickers with our Unique Sharki Generator, A page dedicated to Raise Awareness to help save Sharks, The core of the game is to be educational Also one part of the app is a mini game (it is flappy like on surface which i think is the main reason for rejection, but we have so much more than that, and without proper review the content of the game fails to shine.) its a game where you have to prevent the shark from falling while avoiding obstacles ,(its not a tap on the screen and it moves, you have to follow the sharks movement and prevent it to fall) and you get educational content with different shark facts and trivias by playing. Play Different types of Sharks like Mecha Shark, Astronaut Shark and more, experience different type of gameplay and mechanics as the game progress and there are alot of levels, playables, unlockables and contents that are unique , distinct and exclusively made for this game. I highly believe that our game concept is unique hence i disagree with the Design-Spam 4.3 rejection. I already put in as much information on app review information section, but i have reason to believe the reviewer only plays for a few sec and tag it as design spam and dont even bother checking the rest of the game (Reviewer attached a image with Highscore only 3) - What do i have to do to be accepted?
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App Stuck at Paywall Screen Due to Pending Subscription Review
Hello everyone, I’m facing an issue with my app where it's stuck at the paywall screen because my app has been approved but my subscriptions are still "Waiting for Review". This prevents me from fetching the subscription options needed to display behind the paywall. I've resubmitted my app multiple times and also created tickets and used Feedback Assistant to report this issue, but I haven't received a resolution yet. Has anyone encountered a similar situation or have any suggestions on how to resolve this? My app is live, but without approved subscriptions, users can't access its full functionality. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Blocking user access in forced update
Hello, I am currently building an app (which will be free while it's in beta) and was wondering if the following would be permitted/approved by Apple. First of all, my app requires a connection to the internet to use it. Using a key that is part of the latest app build, it will make requests to a server and the server will check that the user has the latest key. If they don't, the response from the server will tell the app to display a message asking them to update and they won't be able to use any features of the app until they do. This is the first thing I am wondering if Apple will allow it. The second thing is this. Sometime in the future I would like to force an update that will force users to select a subscription plan to continue using the app. I will also offer a 1 week or 1 month free trial as options. Thanks
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Violation on Guideline 5.1.2 - Legal - Privacy - Data Use and Sharing
Our app has a feature that sends notifications to the user's friends. This app has been declined several times and we are still seeking a solution to publish this app with the sending notification feature. Guideline 5.1.2 - Legal - Privacy - Data Use and Sharing The app appears to spam, phish, or send otherwise unsolicited messages to users or a user’s contacts. Specifically, the app allows the sending of mass text or notification. Spamming users or a user’s contacts in this manner is not appropriate. The app should not mine, trace, harvest, or otherwise maliciously exploit users’ data or other user information to promote your service. Next Steps To resolve this issue, please remove this feature from the app. Our app specification: A user can send the notifications to at most 10 friends at the same time There is an hour limitation to send notifications as an anti-spam measure. There is also a day limitation. UserA can search UserB by its userId, add UserB as an friend and sends the notification without UserB permittion. User can block a friend as an anti-spam measure. What else should we do as an anti-spam measure, or are we missing some important facts? Best Regards,
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