App Review Help
App Review Maintaining a safe and trusted store Respond to an app removal
Respond to an app removal
Apps may be removed from distribution if they fail to follow the App Review Guidelines, the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, or applicable law.
This can happen when:
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The app includes hidden features or has been modified after approval, such as through a server-side change, in a way that introduces a violation.
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Users report issues that did not occur during review.
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Apple receives a legal, intellectual property, or government takedown request.
If App Review confirms an issue with a live version of your app, you'll receive a message in App Store Connect describing the issue and the rules that were violated.
Removal deadlines
Depending on the severity of the issues, you may be given additional time to resolve them before the app is removed from distribution:
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Apps with less severe issues may be given 14 days to resolve the issue. If App Review doesn't receive a compliant update submission within the resolution window, the app will be removed.
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Apps with serious issues, such as safety or legal concerns, may be immediately removed. You must submit a compliant update to restore a removed app.
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Apps with a fundamentally incompatible concept, such as one designed to deliver objectionable content, are removed immediately and can't be restored. Developers must submit a new app with a compatible concept.
If you have questions or additional information to provide, reply to the removal message in App Store Connect. Learn more about contacting App Review for help.
Note: Developers with apps that haven't been updated within the last three years and fail to meet a minimal download threshold will receive an App Store Improvements notice, notifying them to submit an update within 90 days or the app will be removed. Learn more about App Store Improvements.