Same app, different name, different country, is this allowed?

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Created Jun ’20

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I'm working on an app that is currently released and in the App Store. I need release the same app again, but it will be rebranded with a different name and with a different Bundle ID and it will be released for use in a different country/region. Apple Guidelines are gray in this area.

Can I have two of the nearly same apps with different names in listed in two separate countries? Is this allowed?

If the app were to be the same name/brand, then I would just have one app for both. If it was only a lanuage difference, then I would use localization. But sinces it's a country that has the same or similar language preferences, locatlization doesn't work. Localization only works for different lanuages and not for different regions.

See Apple Guidelines 4.2.6 and 4.3

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/

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Answer 1

KMT OP

Jun ’20

Are you talking about different corporate branding based on country? Same product, different name? That sort of thing?

Why not just localize meta data (same app) based on country...

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Answer 2

john daniel OP

Jun ’20

I'm not seeing any "gray area". As far as I can tell, you would be in direct violation of those two guidelines that you cited.

Ultimately, no one here can answer your question. We are just other developers. Even the Apple engineers are just engineering support. They have no influence over app review. All you can do is submit and hope for the best.

I have seen a number of posts that suggest developers who attempt to circumvent the guidelines can be expelled from the developer program. I suggest making sure there are no "gray areas" before you submit.

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Answer 3

barley_moogie OP

Dec ’23

@Spazision How did this go? I am in similar situation and curious how you dealt with the situation. 🙏🏻

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