App Store Improvements
To make it easier for customers to find great apps that fit their needs, we want to ensure that apps available on the App Store are functional and up to date. We are implementing an ongoing process of evaluating apps, removing apps that no longer function as intended, don’t follow current review guidelines, or are outdated.
What to expect
What types of apps will be affected?
Apps in all categories on the App Store will be evaluated to make sure they function as expected, follow current review guidelines, and are up to date.
Developers of apps that have not been updated within the last three years and fail to meet a minimal download threshold — meaning the app has not been downloaded at all or extremely few times during a rolling 12 month period — receive an email notifying them that their app has been identified for possible removal from the App Store.
What will happen if an issue is found with my app?
The App Store team will contact you and ask you to make any necessary changes for your app to stay on the App Store. However, apps that crash on launch will be removed immediately from the App Store.
How long do I have to make the changes?
You'll be asked to submit an update within 90 days to keep your app on the App Store. If you're unable to make the changes within this time frame, your app will be removed from the App Store until you submit an update and it's approved. Please note that apps that crash on launch will be removed immediately.
Apple always wants to help developers get and keep quality software on the App Store. That's why developers can appeal app removals.
If my app is removed, will my app’s name become available for other developers to use?
No. When apps are removed from the App Store, they're not deleted from your account. Your app name will continue to be associated with your app.
If my app is removed, will current users be able to access my app?
Yes. Your app will remain fully functional for current users. They won’t experience interruption to services and will still be able to buy in-app purchases. However, we recommend that you update your app as soon as possible to reinstate it on the App Store and ensure that it remains functional and engaging for new and existing customers.
What can I do to help my app be ready for future changes?
As a best practice, read the latest App Review Guidelines as they're published and make sure your apps follow them. We also recommend that you address any functionality issues and update your app regularly to fix bugs, offer new content, provide additional services, or make other improvements. If you are no longer updating your app, consider removing it from the App Store.
More information
Learn about best practices for creating apps that perform as expected, follow current review guidelines, and are updated for current software releases.