So my app was rejected in review and the review stated this :
The 13-inch iPad screenshots show an iPhone image that has been modified or stretched to appear to be an iPad image. Screenshots should highlight the app's core concept to help users understand the app’s functionality and value.
I don't want my app to be supported on ipad, as it probably won't look that good on it.
So is there any way i could restrict that to iphones only?
Also the review said that
We have started our review, but we need additional information to continue. Specifically, it appears your app may access or include paid digital content or services, and we want to understand your business model before completing our review.
And they have asked some 5 questions regarding the same.
Now, My application is completely free , yet they are saying that may include paid content.
So where can i turn this off?
In the pricing section , I have selected 0 in my local currency.
App Review
RSS for tagApp review is the process of evaluating apps and app updates submitted to the App Store to ensure they are reliable, perform as expected, and follow Apple guidelines.
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The documentation says I can update images when the app is in states:
Prepare for Submission
Ready for Review
When I submit a new version it goes from Ready For Review to Waiting For Review within the same minute.
Did I do something to make it go to Waiting For Review?
Is it only in state Prepare For Submission before I submit the first version or can it be in that state for subsequent versions?
Why do they make it so hard???
When and how can I update app store images on existing app?
Hey, I was recently rejected for:
"We found that your in-app purchase products exhibited one or more bugs which creates a poor user experience. Specifically, "Manage Subscription" linked out to the App Store".
This seems a little vague and am not sure what the solution is. I have a manage subscription button that a user can click that sends them to their apple subscriptions outside the app. Am I not allowed to send the user to their apple subscriptions to cancel their subscription? Or does it all have to be done entirely within the app itself? It's hard to tell based on the feedback. Thanks!
I have implemented subscription renewals in my app and now want to integrate a referral system. Each user should receive a unique referral code that they can share with others. When a new user signs up using a referral code, both the referrer and the referred user should receive a bonus.
What is the best approach to implementing this feature efficiently?
Hello,
I recently submitted my app to the Apple Store and received a rejection under Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam, stating that my app is similar to others on the store. However, my app has a unique feature set, offers more functionality and content than competitors, and is completely free with ad monetization, unlike most similar apps that require subscriptions.
I have spent five months developing this app from scratch, ensuring it provides an original and valuable experience for users. I did not use an app template or repackaged code, and my app is not a reskinned version of any existing app. I genuinely believe it brings meaningful differentiation to the market.
I would appreciate any guidance on how I can better communicate my app’s uniqueness to the review team or what specific aspects I should adjust to comply with Apple's guidelines.
Thank you for your time and support.
Dear Apple Review Team,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Pouya Saberian, I am from Italy, and my company is based in the United States. I am not a developer myself; I am simply an investor in the technology sector. Recently, I submitted the "Quantum" app for review and release on the App Store. However, I received a message indicating that my app has been flagged as spam due to its similarity with apps previously submitted by a terminated Apple Developer Program account. I would like to request your assistance in reviewing and resolving this issue.
First and foremost, I would like to clarify that I have never had an Apple Developer account before, and this is my first time submitting an app for release on the App Store. I have one employee responsible for creating and maintaining the account. The app has been developed and submitted by my freelance team (which consists of employees from countries such as Pakistan, India, Germany, and the United States). Over time, I have had to hire three different developers for the project (due to spam-related issues), two designers, three individuals for SEO and project optimization, and one assistant for managing day-to-day tasks.
The app has been developed independently and without the use of any repeated code or similarities to previous projects. However, I do not understand why my account is linked to another terminated account. Since I do not have much technical knowledge regarding account creation, programming, and the freelancing process, it’s possible that some error occurred during any of these stages. I kindly request your guidance in identifying any potential issues so that I can resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
I have invested a significant amount of time and resources into this project, and I am eager to see it launched on the App Store. I am asking for your support in helping me address this issue and ensure that the app can be officially published.
If you need any further information or documentation related to our project, I would be happy to provide it. We have worked hard to ensure the quality and uniqueness of the app, and we hope that we can resolve this issue swiftly.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Best regards,
Pouya Saberian
I use PHP language to obtain our App customer reviews and generate token code as follows:
$privateKeyResource = PRIVATE_KEY;
$keyId = KEY_ID;
$alg = 'ES256';
$token = JWT::encode([
'iss' => '29960467-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-2aa42ec3e66d',
'iat' => time(),
'exp' => time() + 300,
'aud' => 'appstoreconnect-v1',
"scope" => [
"GET /v1/customerReviews",
]
], $privateKeyResource, $alg, $keyId, [
"alg" => "ES256",
"kid" => $keyId,
"typ" => "JWT"
]);
But the api responds with 403, detailed response:
{"errors":[{"id":"26I4HZDVWBVNX5HI33OINP753Q","status":"403","code":"FORBIDDEN.REQUEST_DOES_NOT_MATCH_SCOPE","title":"This request does not match the scope specified in the API token.","detail":"The request RequestData(method=POST, path=/v1/appStoreVersions/1612795156/customerReviews, query=null) does not match any authorized scope: [RequestData(method=GET, path=/v1/customerReviews, query=null)]","links":{"see":"https://developer.apple.com/documentation/appstoreconnectapi/generating_tokens_for_api_requests"}}]}
I used Swift Playground to develop application in Mac OS. Also using ZStack I used limited area in full page (using .frame(width: $, height: $)). However using command + R or clicking start button to see preview .app, while non resizing application my ZStack show as cutted. Please tell me how to set preview .app frame size as width, height... The buttom code is ContentView.swift code.
@main
struct ContentView: App {
init() {
MyFont.registerFonts()
}
// @StateObject private var audioPlayer = AudioPlayer()
var body: some Scene {
WindowGroup {
NavigationStack {
StartMenuView()
.frame(minWidth: 594, maxWidth: 594,
minHeight: 1142, maxHeight: 1142)
.preferredColorScheme(.dark) // Dark Mod
.statusBar(hidden: true) // Hidden Status Bar
.edgesIgnoringSafeArea(.all) // Ignoring Safe Area
}
}
.windowResizability(.contentSize)
}
}
Thank you for reading.
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Hello,
I am looking for a better understanding of Guideline 1.4.2, which states that "Drug dosage calculators" must be developed by drug manufacturers, hospitals, universities, or other approved entities.
My main question is: What is Apple’s exact definition of a "Drug Dosage Calculator"?
- Does the term exclusively refer to apps that calculate dosage (dose, interval, and treatment duration)?
- Are apps that do not make clinical decisions, but only display bibliographic references based on user-entered data, also considered Drug Dosage Calculators?
- If an app only performs basic mathematical operations on a dose value entered by the user, without suggesting medications or treatments, does it still fall under this restriction?
I would like to better understand how Apple differentiates a medical support app (which only presents data) from a dosage calculator (which makes clinical decisions).
I appreciate any insights from the community!
“Backrooms: Escape” Removed for Alleged Copycat Months After Release (Guideline 4.1) – Advice Needed
Hello everyone,
We initially published our game, Backrooms: Escape, on the App Store on October 15, 2024, and have since released 152 builds with updates. In total, our team has spent over a year working on this project.
However, we recently received a notification from the App Review Team stating that our app violates Guideline 4.1 (Copycats). The explanation we received was that we use “Backrooms” as a theme.
We are the legitimate rights holders of this project, which we can easily prove through both our development timeline and legal documentation. After multiple attempts to clarify the issue, the only feedback we got was that “using Backrooms” is the problem. Yet, there are well over a hundred other “Backrooms” apps currently on the App Store. Here are ten examples:
Hide in The Backroom: Nextbots
Noclip : Backrooms Multiplayer
Backrooms Union Multiplayer
Backrooms Descent: Horror Game
Escape - Backrooms Horror
Backrooms Anomaly
Backrooms: Lost in Level 0
Backrooms: Outrun To Survive!
Backrooms Buff Doge Horror
Backrooms: The Endless City
As noted here, the Backrooms lore is widely recognized as internet folklore and therefore does not infringe on any existing copyright. Moreover, our game itself is unique in both its mechanics and its implementation, making it fundamentally different from other Backrooms-themed titles.
We strongly believe this removal was made in error, especially since it occurred several months after our initial release. We also tried appealing but still haven’t received any response.
What else can we do to save the game?
Thank you in advance
Hi There!
I released an app called Taino VPN with Russian IP on AppStore a month ago. After that, I updated the app successfully several times with minor fixes. Last time I submitted a new release with only small metadata and keyword updates and got rejected by Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam. Original message is "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."
I'm now very confused!
On Apple's official website Guideline 4.3(a) says: Don’t create multiple Bundle IDs of the same app. If your app has different versions for specific locations, sports teams, universities, etc., consider submitting a single app and provide the variations using in-app purchase. It does not make any sense because I have only 1 app developed from the scratch by me. Also, it does not match with Original reject message and 4.3(a) says nothing about other developers.
I hope apple review support could guide me on it.
Looking forward and thanks!
Hello,
I submitted a request to migrate my developer membership from individual to organization over 6 days ago. Before submitting this request I was told it was a "quick process".
When I ask for updates, all I get is "we have confirmed that the team is continuing to review your case and we will contact you again once they have provided an update." I never get any said updates.
Not only can I not submit my app, I've been locked out of TestFlight, meaning I haven't been able to send the app to beta testers.
I'm curious, has anyone done this migration and how long did it take?
We are developing a Flutter application targeted for MacOS and Windows . We are using the FlutterMacOS and connectivity_plus packages in our app
But whenever we are releasing a version to App Store we are getting the privacy manifest file missing for above 2 packages
We tried to add xcPrivacy file inside the Runner Xcode project. But that doesn't solve the issue
Adding the relevant lines from the warning email getting from App Store below
"ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest - Your app includes “Contents/Frameworks/FlutterMacOS.framework/Versions/A/FlutterMacOS”, which includes Flutter, an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a commonly used third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a commonly used third-party SDK, or an app update adds a new commonly used third-party SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file or you won’t be able to submit the app for review in App Store Connect. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements.
ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest - Your app includes “Contents/Frameworks/connectivity_plus.framework/Versions/A/connectivity_plus”, which includes connectivity_plus, an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a commonly used third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a commonly used third-party SDK, or an app update adds a new commonly used third-party SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file or you won’t be able to submit the app for review in App Store Connect. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements."
Please suggest a solution to solve this issue as early as possible , because February 12th onwards we will get blocked to release new versions
Recently we've faced an issue when submitting the new build for reviewal. It was rejected with following reasoning:
Your app's binary includes the following call-to-action and/or URL that directs users to external mechanisms for purchases or subscriptions to be used in the app.
Complain was related to phrase
To discover our products please visit our website
We're going to to rephrase it as
Our website can help you to learn more about our products
Will it solve the issue? According to ChatGPT following phrasing should not be considered a call-to-action. What's your opinions?
Hi all,
Our app was initially rejected for 5 minor issues, which we promptly fixed and resubmitted within 24 hours. However, it was rejected again for 4 of the same issues, even though we 100% know they've been addressed.
We submitted two follow-up messages to the App Review team via App Store Connect over 5 days ago but haven't received any acknowledgment or response.
Does anyone know if we need to resubmit a new build with notes, or how long it typically takes to get a reply from App Review through App Store Connect?
Thanks in advance!
Hello Developers & Apple Team,
Our app was recently rejected by Apple under Guideline 5.0 (Legal) due to concerns that it "enables mass texting, calling, and other spamming activities." However, our app strictly follows Apple’s guidelines and does not support mass messaging in any form.
Key Features Ensuring Compliance:
✅ No Mass Messaging: Users must manually select contacts, preventing bulk messaging.
✅ Explicit User Consent: A pop-up confirmation appears every time a message is sent, ensuring user awareness.
✅ Regulatory Compliance: We are a Meta Business Partner, RCS Messaging Partner, and a registered Telemarketer, operating within legal frameworks.
✅ No Promotional Content: The app is strictly for communication and informational messages only—never for spam.
📢 Apple Review Team, please review our case and assist us in resolving this misunderstanding so we can move forward with our app approval as soon as possible.
Has anyone else faced a similar rejection? Any suggestions on how we can best clarify our compliance to Apple?
We appreciate any guidance from the community and Apple. 🚀
Hello,
My app was recently rejected under Guideline 5.1.2 (Legal - Privacy - Data Use and Sharing) for two reasons:
App Tracking Transparency (ATT) Requirement:
The app collects user interaction data but does not request tracking permission via ATT.
If my app does not track users for advertising purposes, can I simply update the App Privacy information in App Store Connect, or do I still need to implement ATT?
Primary Purpose of the App - Rewards System:
My app is similar to TikTok, where users can post videos and receive points based on likes from other users.
These points cannot be converted into real money but are used for gamification purposes like rankings and unlocking features.
I want to clarify:
Is a ranking and rewards system based on user engagement (likes, comments, activity) considered a violation of Guideline 5.1.2(i)?
If the points cannot be exchanged for real-world value, would Apple still see this as a marketing-oriented incentive system?
If the app allows users to earn points from watching ads, would that be an issue even if ads are optional and not the primary way to earn points?
I’d appreciate any guidance on how to adjust the app to comply with App Store policies.
Thank you!
While I found a solution to check if debugger is attached to a process following this Q&A. My query is mostly with regards to distribution aspect to it. My use-case is to have this check as an SDK that is shipped as XCFramework. I have verified no submission error being generated if app including this code is submitted to TestFlight.
However, I am unsure what will happen if app having this check is submitted to appstore. Will this submission be rejected? Or having this check in an appstore submitted app doesn't impact anything?
Hello.
I've been struggling to get through the app review. It's been 3 months of constantly improving and adding new features to the app and getting rejected.
A week ago i got a call from apple review team, and they said that my app shares the similar binary with other apps. They don't tell the specififcs or details.
My app is a vpn app that is written by me in flutter. The only native code i have is a library that i use to work with vpn. I changed the entirity of the library, but still can't get pass. Although, the only think left is the xray-core (https://github.com/XTLS/Xray-core) framework that implemented as .xcframework to use vless protocol.
Does apple check .xcramework for similarity? i can't rewrite the framework, because it written in a go language.
Hi, how would we setup our IAP for our usecase:
Our product is to be Multiplatform: iOS, Android, Windows, Website. Our users are world over so our website will have multi-payment methods.
We want to offer, by default, a 100% free Full version of our app to all users when they signup (on any platform and it should port over to any other platform with the same plans/duration too. Not that they signup on our website today and get 6 moths free then after 1 month login to iOS app with same email and have to re-start a new 6 month trial. Expect on iOS now it shows 5 months left, or vise versa too).
After 6 months we revert their account to a lite version which has limited features (ex: In full version send unlimited messages, and in lite send messages to 10 people per week). If they choose they want the full features again, then they can subscribe to yearly plans or buy a long 5 year 1 time plan then again revert to lite after 5 years. Otherwise they can continue using the lite version forever.
And again, if they subscribe to a sub or non sub plan on any platform, it should all port over to iOS too, or any plan changes made on iOS should port to the web/windows and android too.
So: What is the setup required app store connect side/iOS app side to pass the IAP app store review for my use case?