My application "SplitPay" was deleted from App Store without preliminary notification. I submitted two requests to the support team February 16th (CASE ID: 102535933556, 102535936924), but didn't get any response.
Also I submitted an appeal and also didn't get any response.
Apple support team (technical) doesn't provide a phone number of the Apple developer support team.
Please, provide me a concrete reason (detailed), why my application was deleted from App Store and why my account was pending for termination.
Thank you.
App Review
RSS for tagUnderstand the technical and content review process for submitting apps to the App Store.
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Hello,
My application was developed as a promotion and discovery platform for the city of Kars. Users can explore businesses, events, job postings, hotel and accommodation services in the city and communicate directly with businesses. They can get directions, are directed to event tickets and benefit from special student discounts.
However, I received a red from the App Store on the grounds of Guideline 4.2 - Minimum Functionality. I think that the application has not been reviewed enough and actually offers real value to users.
📌 Featured Features:
✅ push notifications for all current content or campaigns etc.
✅ Business and event discovery (Categories: Cafes, hairdressers, hotels, job ads, etc.)
✅ communicating directly with the business. To make a Decryption call with a button.
✅ Directions that lead directly to maps.
✅ Directions for purchasing tickets for events
✅ Adding to favorites and personal content management
✅ Special discounts and opportunities for students
✅ Special announcements with push notifications
✅ Floating banner contents...
and much more
In my opinion, my application does not work just like a website, but rather creates an interactive value by providing a region-specific exploration experience.
I want a real person from the Apple Review team to evaluate the app and the job. As a result of the agreements I have made, I have thousands of users waiting for my application to be released in the Appstore. Please have a human examine this application. Because I sent dozens of messages and didn't get any feedback. After reviewing this application, you will understand that it is unique and functional.
I'm just waiting for support and a realistic approach from you. I do not want my labor to be wasted in addition to applications that do not have any content and do not work in the Appstore.
Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out here as my last resort because my experience with Apple’s App Review has become genuinely unbearable, and it's severely damaging my business plans.
For over three weeks, I've been going back and forth with the App Review team on the same two issues:
Sign in with Apple: They repeatedly claim my app requires users to re-enter their email/name after using Sign in with Apple, which is absolutely not true. I have provided clear video proof and screenshots at least five times demonstrating the correct behavior.
In-App Purchases: Reviewers initially couldn't find the in-app purchases, so I provided multiple detailed explanations. They eventually found them and pointed out some issues, which I immediately fixed. Despite that, they later reverted, once again stating they cannot find the exact same purchases they previously reviewed.
Throughout this process, I've received nothing but generic, automated responses, continuously ignoring the detailed explanations, screenshots, and videos I've provided. I've repeatedly requested a direct phone call to clarify these issues quickly, and every call request was denied or ignored.
This ongoing situation is now completely destroying my marketing timeline. I have printed flyers with a QR code scheduled to be distributed by a fixed date. Due to these repeated delays and generic responses from the App Review team, my entire marketing strategy for the past six months is about to collapse.
I have never experienced worse customer support and communication than this. The App Review team seems entirely disconnected from the reality of my situation, repeatedly sending me generic responses without acknowledging the provided proof or explanations.
Can someone from Apple please urgently help me connect with a real reviewer or support person to resolve this immediately? Any advice or escalation would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks for your attention.
Best regards,
Hedi Feki
Hi, Since last week, I’ve been trying to publish the new version of my Voxel game, which aims to fix many bugs and significantly optimize the game. This update is very important for improving the overall quality of the game.
Unfortunately, this version is not being accepted on the App Store due to a Design - Copycats issue related to guideline 4.1. I’ve tried everything to resolve the problem by changing the screenshots, app preview, description, game name, icons, and even all metadata that could cause issues in the build. But nothing seems to work.
I keep receiving the same rejection just a few minutes after submitting my build for review.
Here is the full warning message:
—————— “Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats
This app or its metadata appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app or game already available on the App Store, from a developer's website or distribution source, or from a third-party platform.
Apps should be unique and should not attempt to deceive users into thinking they are downloading something they are not.”
Next Steps
Learn more about requirements to prevent apps from impersonating other apps or services in guideline 4.1.
Revise the app to comply with these requirements.
Once the app is fully compliant, resubmit the app for review.
——————
Also I've already tried contaction the Apple Developer team but I got no answer. I don't know what to do.
Thanks
So my app is getting rejected due to invalid binary issue. But last week my app was approved & i have not done any drastic changes in the codebase but still facing this issue from 2 days.
Hello!
We're using Expo Submit to submit our app builds to App Store and Play Store.
One of the App Store feedback points was:
"Revise the app's binary to remove Google Play references."
We rely on Google services for:
Google Sign In (which is not relevant for Apple users, of course)
Expo Notifications (which may rely on Google Play services)
Any ideas on what the path to resolution might be?
Thank you.
We are now on Day 12, and my app remains stuck "In Review" with no progress. Despite my repeated attempts to get a real update—including daily support tickets, an expedited review request, a phone call with an Apple representative, and multiple forum posts—nothing has changed.
This is not a normal review delay. Based on backend logs, it is clear that no one has even opened the app for review. It is simply sitting in the queue, ignored, while my users are left without critical updates.
I demand a call back from an App Review manager today. Not a generic email, not another vague "it's still in review" response—I need a real explanation from someone who has actual insight into what is going on.
To reiterate:
My app is one of the most popular and highest-grossing indie apps on visionOS, with thousands of users and hundreds of subscribers.
The app follows a tight update schedule, which your inefficiency has completely disrupted.
This is actively harming my business and user experience.
Every proper channel I have followed has been ignored.
Apple preaches that it supports indie developers, but this level of disregard shows the opposite. If there is a legitimate reason for this delay, I expect clear communication, not silence. If there isn’t, I expect this review to be completed immediately.
Please schedule another call today. I will not accept another day of inaction.
App ID: 6737148404
Hi everyone,
I recently received a rejection for my app submission on the App Store. The rejection reason was:
"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. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps." (Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam)
However, my game is quite different. It features a unique pixel art style and introduces fresh mechanics, such as cleaning tasks, accepting additional missions from NPCs, and even an idle clicker-style system where players can hire workers to gather in-game points. These elements differentiate it from other apps in the same category. My game's name is quite different as well: "My Pixel Market Sim - AppID: 6742187384"
Additionally, the code behind the game is completely my own, and I even sell a popular Unity Asset on the Unity Asset Store for this category. So, I can assure you the app isn’t a repackage of anything existing. (I am the owner and publisher: https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/systems/market-shop-store-and-retail-game-creator-for-both-pc-and-mobile-291107)
Can anyone shed some light on why this might have been flagged as spam? I'd really appreciate any advice or guidance on how to proceed with re-submitting my app.
Thank you in advance!
Dear Apple Developer Support,
We are seeking clarification and assistance regarding the recent rejections of our app submissions, citing insufficient business ownership documentation.
We are a software company that builds white-labeled food ordering applications for restaurants. To comply with Apple's guidelines, we have provided signed authorisation documents from each restaurant owner, explicitly stating that we are permitted to submit and manage their branded apps on their behalf.
Despite submitting these signed agreements, the apps continue to face rejection. Given that the restaurant owners have formally authorised us to act as their representative, we would appreciate guidance on why these documents are considered insufficient and what additional documentation might be required.
We are submitting the apps under the accounts of the individual clients for whom they were designed. However, this approach presents significant operational difficulties for both us and our clients, including:
Inconsistent App Management: Requiring each of our 180+ restaurant clients to maintain their own Apple Developer accounts makes it nearly impossible for us to ensure that all apps receive timely updates. This includes critical security patches, feature enhancements, and bug fixes, which are essential for maintaining app reliability and user trust.
Compliance Issues: Many of our clients lack the technical expertise or resources to properly manage their developer accounts. This often results in expired memberships, incomplete account setups, or even suspensions, all of which prevent us from delivering necessary updates and jeopardise app performance.
Operational Overhead: The administrative burden of overseeing multiple developer accounts slows down our update process, creating inefficiencies that negatively impact our clients and their customers.
If possible, we kindly request that this matter be escalated to an Apple engineer or senior advisor who can help us find a path forward while ensuring compliance with Apple’s guidelines. Would be appreciated if someone can reach out to us.
Apple App Review Team, what is going on?
Yesterday, I was assured that my app review was being "expedited." Yet, here we are—Day 11—and absolutely nothing has changed. The app remains stuck "In Review" with zero progress.
This is beyond frustrating. It is actively damaging my business, my users, and the trust developers have in the App Store review process. I have followed every proper channel—daily support tickets, expedited review requests, even a direct call with an Apple representative—yet I am still met with the same vague, non-committal responses.
Let me be clear: This is not an acceptable way to handle app reviews. Developers cannot operate under these unpredictable and arbitrary delays. The app is one of the most successful indie apps on visionOS, and this treatment is completely unjustified.
I need real action. Today. Not another canned response, not another “we need additional time”—real progress and real accountability.
Do better!
App ID: 6737148404
Hey everyone,
We’ve been facing an ongoing issue with 4.3 spam guideline rejections, and I wanted to see if anyone has experienced something similar or has advice.
Initially, we got rejected under 4.3, but we complied by adding unique features that helped us pass. These included:
✅ Public tracking profiles
✅ Widgets for stats
✅ Background fetch for updates
✅ No login required
After two successful updates, we pushed a third update focused on bug fixes—fixing iPad UI issues and notification improvements—but suddenly, we got rejected again for 4.3, without any clarification.
We strongly believe this is a mistake because our app has distinct features not found in any other app. We’ve reached out to Apple for clarification but haven’t received a meaningful response.
Has anyone else had a similar experience where a compliance fix worked initially, only to be rejected again later? Any advice on how to appeal this effectively?
Would appreciate any insights! Thanks.
I'm at my wit's end here with an iOS app I'm developing. I've applied for the Family Controls entitlement, and while my extensions (like Device Monitor) have been accepted, the main target entitlement for my app still hasn't been approved.
Here's the timeline:
Extensions (Device Monitor etc.): Accepted about a month ago. Main App Entitlement: Still pending - it's been over 6 weeks now. I'm looking for:
Anyone who has gone through this process and can share how long it took for their main app entitlement to get approved after the extensions were. Any tips on what might speed up the process or what I might be doing wrong. Experiences with contacting Apple Developer Support regarding this issue.
If you've been through a similar ordeal or have any advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks for any help or insight you can offer!
Hello Apple Team,
We have recently updated our app and followed all the required steps for approving auto-renewable subscriptions. Our app update (Version 1.0.4, Build 5) has been reviewed and released on the App Store, but our subscription is still in “Waiting for Review” status.
We have made the necessary corrections:
✔️ Clearly indicated the subscription duration in the app UI (“Lite plan: Full access for 1 month. Auto-renewing.”)
✔️ Added the Terms of Use link in App Store Connect metadata
✔️ Updated our Privacy Policy link
However, when users attempt to subscribe, they receive an error.
Could you clarify why the subscription has not been reviewed along with the app?
Thank you for your assistance!
After review it was mentioned
We need additional information about the app's highly regulated services and/or handling of sensitive user data.
The guideline 5.1.1(ix) requirements give users confidence that apps operating in highly regulated fields or that require sensitive user information are qualified to provide these services and will responsibly manage their data.
Which companies or institutions provide the services offered in the app?
-What is the relationship between [Name of Developer Account] and the providers of these services?
The application is being developed for the Karnataka State Government, and the development and management of the app have been assigned as part of an official project. While the developer account used for publishing the application was purchased individually, it is associated with the development and maintenance of this project. The account facilitates app deployment and management while ensuring compliance with government requirements and security protocols.
So Guide Properly.
We submitted our application for a review and got rejected with the followings.
Review date: February 18, 2025
Version reviewed: 1.0.0
Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam
We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps previously submitted by a terminated Apple Developer Program account.
Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps.
Next Steps
Since we do not accept spam apps on the App Store, we encourage you to review your app concept and submit a unique app with distinct content and functionality.
Resources
Some factors that contribute to a spam rejection may include:
Submitting an app with the same source code or assets as other apps already submitted to the App Store
Creating and submitting multiple similar apps using a repackaged app template
Purchasing an app template with problematic code from a third party
Submitting several similar apps across multiple accounts
Learn more about our requirements to prevent spam in App Review Guideline 4.3(a).
We sent a reply in the apple store connect and made an appeal explaining each point to show that the above reasons that review team gave us are not true at all. The application was made in-house. We didn't buy any app template and reskinned/repacked into a new one. Moreover, we have only one and first account with apple.
We looked at the Guideline 4.3(a) and our application did not fall into any bullets in the guideline.
This review team of Apple was unprofessional and never reply back. They didn't even look at the metadata that we provide. The guideline and standards that apple team mentioned are what that they cannot even do it themselves. Apple review team should help their customers ban the real spam apps and help your company become more profitable. Can anyone here help?
For the past 2–3 days, our app uploads to the App Store have been rejected due to an Invalid Binary error. We have not made any changes in Xcode or our Apple Developer account, yet this issue persists.
We need assistance in identifying and resolving the cause of this rejection. Any guidance on troubleshooting and fixing this would be greatly appreciated.
Hey,
Why is it taking so long for the processing for distribution? It's been a week since I manually released it.
Hi,
Our latest update for Top Scorer 2 was rejected under Guideline 4.3(a) - Spam, despite previous versions being approved without issue. We have been developing this game since 2017, and it is an original creation with unique gameplay, AI, and physics.
This update includes super important bug fixes and improvements critical for our user base, yet Apple claims it is too similar to other apps without specifying which ones or what exactly needs to change.
Previous version with similar features and design, was successfully approved, we are improving resolutions, updating SDKs and enhancing security for our players, why would you reject it, leaving players with an older version of the game that lacks the vast array of improvements we've incorporated in the game.
Has anyone faced a similar rejection? Any advice would be appreciated.
I hope you’re doing well.
We would like to request app store testing for our application in the Indian region, as the application’s API is only supported within India. Please ensure that all functionalities, including authentication, API responses, and region-specific features, are working as expected.
Let us know if you need any additional details or encounter any issues during testing.
Thanks
I used Unity to build an Xcode project. Two weeks ago, I was able to successfully publish the same project to TestFlight for external testing. However, after making some modifications and republishing it to TestFlight, the status remained in "Waiting for Review" for a few minutes before showing "Invalid Binary." What could be the issue?