Can I submit an app with the same functionality as my website?

Question

Created May ’20

Replies 2

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I want to submit an app which will provide video conference features for a specific target audience. It will have overlay's on top of the video call. There will be many other features but this is the main one.

I would also like to make a website which does the same thing as the app, but I'm worried that the app will be rejected because it does not adhere to guideline 4.2:

4.2 Minimum Functionality

Your app should include features, content, and UI that elevate it beyond a repackaged website.

However the app is the main product and I feel that this criteria is targeted towards small businesses using the app for marketing purposes.

So, does the app need to use native features which aren't available on the web inorder to pass this criteria?

For example:

Netflix app is the same as the website, but with the ability to download videos and see "coming soon"
Instagram app is the same as the website, but with the submitting photos/videos feature
Facebook app is the same as the website, but it has the "watch videos" feature.

Also some other questions:

If the design was different but it offered the same functionality as on the website will it pass this criteria?
If I chose not to make the website and used only the app would it be better?
Also if there was no website, but the app does not use native features will it pass?

I really would like to know this information before I go ahead and build the app only to get rejected later on.

Thank you for your help,

- jClinton

Boost

Answer 1

KMT OP

May ’20

Does the app need to use native features which aren't available on the web inorder to pass this criteria?

Best choice. Preferred by review, always in your best interest.

If the design was different but it offered the same functionality as on the website will it pass this criteria?

Ouch. One of the best ways to risk rejection if the past is any indicator.

If I chose not to make the website and used only the app would it be better?

Yes, better. Prefered by review, always in your best interest.

Just remember, app review isn't here, no one here can promise what they will accept/reject, and in the end, the decision to take your chances while running the review gauntlet rest with the individual dev. Odds are not in your favor, tho, when not doing all you can to leverage native APIs for that work to uniquely showcase the platform.

As for netflix/instagram/fb - pls. resist those comparisons until you reach their level of partnership w/Apple.

Finally, should you encounter them, resist misguided suggestions that a business model can include the hope that you can slide something past app review when they may not be looking....that's no excuse to not do it right and be proud of the outcome.

Good luck.

Ken

1

Answer 2

adib OP

Jun ’20

Having the same functionality in the app as well as your website is practically asking for Guideline 4.2 rejection. An app would need to have functionalities that can't be done by a website (or web-app) alone.

Moreover, not having a website is not the answer. The app would need to have functionalities that are not accessible from within a browser. Some examples include:

Siri integration
Push notification
On-device machine-learning

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