We recently received feedback under Guideline 4.3(b) suggesting our app duplicates functionality found in other apps in this category.
However, our app is fundamentally not a dating app. It is a conversation facilitator designed to foster meaningful connections for friendships, networking, and shared interests. While romantic connections may occur naturally, they are not the primary focus.
Thus, we are seeking insights on this key question: How do developers effectively demonstrate feature differentiation to reviewers?
We want to clearly show how our app’s functionality uniquely addresses user needs and provides value beyond existing solutions.
Our Core Features:
Our app introduces distinct features that differentiate it from traditional apps in this space:
- Paths: Psychology-based prompts embedded in chats encourage users to explore meaningful topics like values and aspirations. These prompts are dynamically triggered to keep conversations engaging and productive.
- Aura: A rewards system that incentivizes thoughtful, high-quality engagement by awarding points for meaningful conversations, which can unlock additional features.
- Spark Matches: Real-time, themed events pair users for structured, 15-minute conversations on topics like technology or travel. Curated prompts ensure the focus is on shared interests, not romance.
- Flame Matches: AI-personalized matches adapt to user conversations, connecting individuals based on compatibility. Chats begin anonymously, focusing on personalities rather than appearances, and are designed for platonic, professional, or friendship connections.
Market Analysis:
Our app addresses key gaps in the connection space:
- No apps embed conversation prompts directly into chats; nor do they trigger them regularly or dynamically, to foster deeper discussions over a sustained period.
- No apps have rewards systems designed to specifically incentivize meaningful engagement.
- No apps have matchmaking systems that adapt dynamically based on users’ past conversations.
- No apps support the combination of real-time, one-on-one themed conversations with curated prompts.
Traction:
As an incorporated business with over a year of experience, we have helped thousands of users build platonic, professional, and interest-based connections. For example, users in relationships join our events to find new friends, and professionals use Spark Matches to discuss shared interests like technology. Consistent feedback highlights our prompts and structured events as refreshing alternatives to superficial, appearance-driven platforms. Our rapidly growing user base has validated the demand for these features, and we would like to bring this experience natively to them via a mobile app on the App Store.
Additional Context:
While some basic chat functionality may overlap with existing platforms, our focus is on facilitating meaningful conversations and incentivizing a thoughtful conversation culture that represents a novel approach validated by user research and feedback. We welcome advice from developers who have successfully highlighted their app’s uniqueness when facing similar review challenges. Thank you in advance! :)
