App Store Review Guidelines
Top Rejections
| Rank | Guideline | Issue | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.1 | App Completeness | Test all features, no crashes, no placeholders |
| 2 | 4.0 | Design/metadata | Accurate screenshots/descriptions |
| 3 | 2.3 | Accurate Metadata | Match app to listing |
| 4 | 5.1.1 | Data Collection | Clear privacy labels |
| 5 | 3.1.1 | In-App Purchase | Use StoreKit, no external links |
1. Safety
1.1 Objectionable Content: No offensive content. UGC requires moderation.
1.2 User-Generated Content (required): Content filter, block/report users, developer contact, hide objectionable content.
1.3 Kids Category: No external links, no behavioral ads, parental gate for purchases, COPPA compliance.
2. Performance
2.1 App Completeness (~40% rejections):
- No crashes on launch
- All features functional
- No placeholder content
- Demo account for reviewers
- Backend operational
2.3 Accurate Metadata: Screenshots match app, description accurate, no competitor names.
2.5 SDK Requirements (2025): iOS 18 SDK, tvOS 18 SDK, watchOS 11 SDK, visionOS 2 SDK.
<!-- Info.plist capabilities -->
<key>UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities</key>
<array><string>arm64</string></array>
3. Business
3.1.1 In-App Purchase Required for digital content, subscriptions, game currency, unlocking features.
// Correct: StoreKit
Product.products(for: ["premium_subscription"])
// Wrong: External payment
URL(string: "https://mysite.com/buy") // Rejected!
// Required: Restore purchases button
Button("Restore Purchases") { Task { try await AppStore.sync() } }
// Required: Subscription management link
UIApplication.shared.open(URL(string: "https://apps.apple.com/account/subscriptions")!)
4. Design
4.2 Minimum Functionality: Must provide value, no web-view-only wrappers.
4.5 Apple Sites: Don't simulate system UI, no fake alerts.
Alert(title: "iOS System") // Rejected!
Alert(title: "Game Name") // Good
5. Legal
5.1.1 Data Collection: Privacy Nutrition Labels required. Declare all data, explain usage, link privacy policy.
import AppTrackingTransparency
ATTrackingManager.requestTrackingAuthorization { status in }
5.2 IP: Own or license all content, proper attribution.
5.3 Gambling: Real-money requires licenses, simulated (coins) allowed with age gate.
tvOS Specific
- All interactive elements focusable with clear indicators
- Siri Remote as primary controller
- MFi controller optional with consistent mapping
- Use TVServices for TV provider auth
Submission Checklist
App Info: Name ≤30 chars unique, subtitle, privacy/support URLs work.
Media: Screenshots 1920x1080 showing actual app, no device frames.
Review Info: Demo account if login required, notes for special features.
Legal: Age rating complete, export compliance, privacy labels accurate.
Common Mistakes
// Crashes
let user = currentUser! // Bad
guard let user = currentUser else { showLoginScreen(); return } // Good
// Privacy
<key>NSCameraUsageDescription</key>
<string>Used for profile photos</string>
// URLs
let privacyURL = "http://localhost:3000/privacy" // Bad
let privacyURL = "https://myapp.com/privacy" // Good
Rejection Response
If rejected:
- Read reason carefully
- Fix specific issue
- Reply in Resolution Center with details
- Provide demo account/additional context
- Request phone call if needed
- Appeal to App Review Board as last resort
Age Rating
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| 4+ | No objectionable |
| 9+ | Mild cartoon violence |
| 12+ | Frequent violence |
| 17+ | Mature themes |
MCP Integration
Context7: /websites/developer_apple - Search "App Store Review Guidelines", "rejection"
Serena: search_for_pattern "NSUserTrackingUsageDescription" - Find privacy declarations