App Review

RSS for tag

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

App Review Documentation

Post

Replies

Boosts

Views

Activity

Publishing App for Third Parties
I work for a company that provides services implementing, maintaining, and publishing systems for municipalities. We have now developed an app for a municipality, but when trying to publish it, Apple is rejecting it, stating that we cannot publish on behalf of another company. On the first submission, they rejected it with: Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats The app or its metadata appears to contain potentially misleading content. Specifically, the app includes content that resembles Sistema da Prefeitura without the necessary authorization. Next Steps Please demonstrate your relationship with any third-party brand owners represented in the app. We obtained a digitally signed document from the municipality stating that we are responsible for their systems, authorizing everything, etc... We made a new submission for review. However, it was now rejected with: Guideline 5.1.1 - Legal - Privacy - Data Collection and Storage The app must be published under a seller and company name that is associated with the organization or company providing the services. In this case, the app must be published under a seller name and company name that reflects the MUNICÍPIO DE *** name. 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. Next Steps To resolve this issue, it would be appropriate to take the following steps: The app must be published under a seller name and company name that reflects the MUNICÍPIO DE *** name. If you have developed this app on behalf of a client, you may resubmit the app through their account, if they have one. You may also request an update to the company name on your account by having the Account Holder edit the account information. Please note that you cannot resolve this issue with documentation showing permission to publish this app on behalf of the content owner or institution. In other words, they are now rejecting it in contradiction to what they previously requested. The municipality does not have a developer account with Apple. There is no way for them to publish this. Has anyone been through this? Any idea what we can do? Thank you in advance.
1
0
212
Apr ’24
European Union Digital Services Act trader requirements
I have a new app that needs to be submitted for review this week. When I tried to submit it, I was told I could not do so because "Under the Digital Services Act, you must provide and verify information regarding your account". I am working on behalf of a large corporate customer. They are telling me that they cannot do anything without consulting their legal team, which is going to take time. In the meantime, they asked me if I could omit the European region from the app's distribution list. I tried this, but it did not work. I manage about 20 apps for different customers and I have never seen this requirement appear on any other account. Is it new? Does it only apply to certain kinds of accounts, or to new apps, or new accounts publishing their first app? If this is a European Union requirement, why is it needed if I don't distribute to EU countries? Thanks, Frank
2
0
917
Apr ’24
User-Generated Content question
Hey, I have an application for professionals in the medical field and their patients, and I have a question about AppStore Guideline - 1.2 User-Generated Content. In the application there is a one-to-one connection between a professional and a patient. I want to add comments and chat features but I don't know if I need to do something regarding to 1.2. I don't expect to have any abusive content from any user due to professional service so the question is do I need to implement all those mechanizm to filter the content? If I need to implement them - can I only add a "Report" button in settings to report?
0
0
155
Apr ’24
The App Review Process at Apple is unfair, inconsistent and problematic
I'm extremely frustrated with Apple's unfair app review process. To make a long story short, for every app I've ever submitted, Apple has made false accusations about problems with my apps. Some of their feedback has absolutely been legitimate and correct, which I appreciate, but I would say about 50% of all "feedback" I've ever received has turned out to be objectively wrong. In some cases, the App Review team's gaslighting has been so strong that I have had to submit screenshots of code as proof that their accusations were completely wrong, after which they have had to accept the app. In one instance, they have claimed that one of my apps would not be allowed on the App Store at all, and when I link to multiple other apps that works EXACTLY the same way, the App Review team love to point out that you are not allowed to compare yourself to other apps. To be clear, I'm an indie developer and I'm not even comparing myself to apps from large corporations or any popular apps at all (since it's well known they get the VIP treatment), all apps I have compared myself to are from small, unknown indie developers such as myself - so I'm only comparing myself to developers in the same category as me. Telling developers that they are not allowed to compare themselves to other developers is VERY ethically problematic, imagine doing that to minorities in real life. I'm a minority in multiple ways, and I'm very worried about the ethics and moral at the App Review team. When I ask why they reject my app, but approve many apps that were recently released that works EXACTLY the same way as my app, I either get no reply at all or they tell me that I can't compare myself to others. Submitting appeals to the App Review Board doesn't help either. To be completely transparent with you, it has been very hard and draining on my mental health to have this invisible wall consisting of gaslighting that the App Review team has set up for me. It just doesn't make sense... The app review process is unfair, inconsistent and problematic, and it should be a serious eyebrow-raiser when Apple's App Review team can't explain why some small indie developers get approved easily while others get rejected. Especially since it seems like the pattern is that those who get rejected are humans in various kinds of minorities, as evidences by some other threads on this topic.
1
0
401
Apr ’24
App rejected due to Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats
This app or its metadata appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app or game already available on the App Store, from a developer's website or distribution source, or from a third-party platform. Apps should be unique and should not attempt to deceive users into thinking they are downloading something they are not.... I have faced multiple rejections for my app due to the same issue. However, the Apple reviewer has not provided any specific information about where the issue lies, making it difficult for me to address it. In the subsequent steps, I was instructed to thoroughly review the app store review guidelines and ensure compliance with them, which I have done. I have also reached out to the app review team but have not received a response yet. It is frustrating that the email does not mention the exact content that is being considered as copied. It feels like a generic message, and I am unsure about the next course of action. If anyone has been in a similar situation or has insights into what might be happening, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you.
1
0
285
Apr ’24
Ping Pong argument with app review team concerning background location
Please can someone help out here. I have been arguing back and forth with the app review team regarding background location for my app and i guess i am not understanding something. I have a marketplace app where users can buy goods that we ship to them after. My drivers have another different app that is the admin app where if you are a driver, and ONLY a driver (you can be an employee, supplier, and seller) you will be asked to agree to provide your location permission as "always on" because i need to be able to track my packages en route to the customer location. They say they need a video and i provided this one that shows the interface for the driver who is about to deliver the package. here is the link: https://youtu.be/iLbwncBUHy8 Any help on how to reply or what they want? below is their identical reply for the 4th time now: ================================================= 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: Review date: Version reviewed: Guideline 2.5.4 - Performance - Software Requirements The app declares support for location in the UIBackgroundModes key in your Info.plist file but we are unable to locate any features that require persistent location. Apps that declare support for location in the UIBackgroundModes key in your Info.plist file must have features that require persistent location. Next Steps If the app has a feature that requires persistent location, reply to this message and let us know how to locate this feature. Please provide a demo video that demonstrates the persistent location in use on an iOS device. Resources Learn more about software requirements in guideline 2.5.4. Review documentation on Starting the Significant-Change Location Service and Monitoring Geographical Regions. 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. ============================================== Thanks for your help.
1
0
179
Apr ’24
How to get around asking for DOB
We are trying to publish a peer to peer sharing app. Our T&C's require the users to be at least 18 years old since there is legality around the agreements between users. Apple keeps kicking this back and stating we should not ask them their age. How do we get around this? Here's what they keep referencing: Guideline 5.1.1 - Legal - Privacy - Data Collection and Storage 5.1.1(v) Account Sign-In If your app doesn’t include significant account-based features, let people use it without a login. If your app supports account creation, you must also offer account deletion within the app. Apps may not require users to enter personal information to function, except when directly relevant to the core functionality of the app or required by law. If your core app functionality is not related to a specific social network (e.g. Facebook, WeChat, Weibo, Twitter, etc.), you must provide access without a login or via another mechanism. Pulling basic profile information, sharing to the social network, or inviting friends to use the app are not considered core app functionality. The app must also include a mechanism to revoke social network credentials and disable data access between the app and social network from within the app. An app may not store credentials or tokens to social networks off of the device and may only use such credentials or tokens to directly connect to the social network from the app itself while the app is in use. Issue Description The app requires users to provide personal information when registering that is not directly relevant to the app's core functionality. Apps should only require users to provide information that is necessary for the app to function. If information is useful for a non-essential feature, apps may request the information but make it optional. Examples of app concepts and inappropriate required information: A general shopping app that requires the user's marital status A rideshare app that requires the user's gender Next Steps Update the app to not require users to provide the following personal information: DoB Gender Resources Learn more about data collection and storage requirements in guideline 5.1.1. 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.
3
0
289
May ’24
My app is on review for almost 2 months with no feedback
Hi, I spent almost half a year developing the app. Now it got stuck on review. The last message I got was on March 6 telling me that: We need additional time to evaluate your submission and Apple Developer Program account. Your submission status will appear as "Rejected" in App Store Connect while we investigate. However, we do not require a revised binary or additional information from you at this time. I have no idea what do and would appreciate any help
2
0
275
May ’24
App rejection for use of alternate icons
I am currently stuck in app rejection limbo at the moment. This has gone on all day. My iOS app allows a user to choose 1 of 4 alternate icons or just the default primary icon in the general app settings. The review team has been rejecting my app for the following reasons which I am apparently failing to decode somehow: Guideline 4.6 - Design - Alternate App Icons We continue to find that the app's binary includes icons that may support a user-selectable icons feature but does not fulfill all of the requirements for using alternate icons. Specifically: - The app includes user-selectable icons but does not provide a way to change the icons within the app. Next Steps To resolve this issue, please ensure that the app's icons can only be changed at the user’s request, are relevant to the content and functionality of the app, and can be reverted back to the app's original icon. If these icons were included in your binary for a reason other than a user-selectable icon feature, reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know. This was my previous response explaining the use of the alternate icons: 1. The app's icons *can only* be changed at the user’s request – the user does this from the general app settings as previously explained. We do NOT in anyway do this without the user's request. 2. It is a way for the user to personalise the app. A person who curates things would appreciate this (as I do) so it is relevant to the functionality of the app. This same feature is also in the macOS version presently in the Mac App store and it is implemented the same way. 3. It *can* be reverted back the same way it was changed *by the user* in the app settings. 4. I do not think the UI to change the app icon should be in the main app (as opposed to the general app settings) because the user is not expected to change the app icon very often. So it is situated in the general app settings along with many other options that the user is not expected change often but can whenever they want to. Does choosing the alternate app icon in app settings not count as "within the app" ?
6
0
518
May ’24
Apple rejection - Safari extension
I'm stuck in the Apple rejection trap. Apple keeps rejecting our Safari extension because we refer to our portal for the login, which opens in a new tab. I have compared it with other Safari extensions. For example, the extension from Notion uses the same procedure for the login. I think it is a normal procedure. How can we solve this case? Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks for your help.
0
0
118
May ’24
Apps "In Review" for 1 Month and half - Is this Normal?
Hello, I submitted two games about a month ago, on the 1st of April, and received an email two days later for one game stating: "We need additional time to evaluate your submission and your Apple Developer Program account. Your submission status will appear as 'Rejected' in App Store Connect while we investigate. However, we do not require a revised binary or additional information from you at this time. If we notice any issues that require your attention, we will let you know via App Store Connect. If we find no issues with your submission or account, the submission will be approved." I waited for about 20 days and received no response. then I tried every solution I could find online, but nothing worked: I resubmitted a new build. I emailed Apple. I requested a Expedited App Review. I removed VisionOS and macOS from my supported devices. Despite all these efforts, my games are still under review. Has anyone experienced something similar? i'm running out of patience, as I'm an indie developer who has invested money in developing these games, yet I can't even get them on online to the store.
1
0
200
May ’24
App Review Delayed for a Long Time
Hello everyone, I'm a developer, and my app has been submitted for review on the Apple App Store. Unfortunately, it has been in the "In Review" status for quite a long time now, and I haven't received any updates or review results yet. I'm very concerned that this situation might have a negative impact on my project. I have made the necessary modifications to the app as per Apple's requirements, addressing all issues raised during the previous review, and have provided the relevant qualifications. I'm confident that my app complies with all Apple review guidelines and requirements. However, despite my best efforts, my app has not yet been approved for release. I have invested a significant amount of time and resources in developing this project, and it has garnered interest and anticipation from users. I really hope to be able to make the app available to users as soon as possible to meet their needs. I would like to ask the developers and Apple staff in the forum if anyone has encountered a similar situation. How did you resolve it? What steps should I take to address the current issue? Do you have any advice or guidance? My user Apple ID is 6499257545, and if this information is needed to provide further assistance, please don't hesitate to let me know. Thank you very much for your help and support!
1
1
210
May ’24
App under review for more than 2 months
Hello everyone, few months ago I submitted my new app for review, but got automated message back: We need additional time to evaluate your submission and Apple Developer Program account. Your submission status will appear as "Rejected" in App Store Connect while we investigate. However, we do not require a revised binary or additional information from you at this time. thought it won't take long (I was wrong) , I waited for a whole month and nothing, then I started researching and some other devs suggested to cancel that submition and resubmit , and I did just that , same thing happened this time , almost 3 weeks that i've been waiting , if any one from apple sees this please help me :(
1
1
298
May ’24