> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nativeline.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# App Review Guidelines

> What Apple looks for when reviewing your app

# App Review Guidelines

Apple reviews every app before it goes on the App Store. Understanding what they look for helps you avoid rejection.

## The Five Principles

Apple organizes guidelines around five themes:

### 1. Safety

Your app must be safe for users:

* No harmful or objectionable content
* User privacy respected
* No dangerous physical activities encouraged

### 2. Performance

Your app must work well:

* No crashes or bugs
* Accurate metadata
* Complete functionality

### 3. Business

Fair business practices:

* Clear pricing
* No misleading claims
* Proper use of Apple's payment systems

### 4. Design

Quality user experience:

* Follow Human Interface Guidelines
* Intuitive navigation
* Accessible to all users

### 5. Legal

Compliance with laws:

* No copyright infringement
* No illegal activities
* Proper licensing

***

## Most Common Rejection Reasons

### 1. Crashes and Bugs

**Issue:** App crashes during use or review

**Prevention:**

* Test thoroughly on real devices
* Test all user flows
* Test edge cases (no internet, low storage)
* Use TestFlight feedback to find issues

### 2. Broken Links

**Issue:** Links in app or metadata don't work

**Check:**

* Privacy policy URL
* Support URL
* Website links
* Deep links within app

### 3. Placeholder Content

**Issue:** "Lorem ipsum" or "coming soon" in app

**Prevention:**

* Remove all placeholder text
* Disable or hide incomplete features
* Only submit when app is complete

### 4. Inaccurate Description

**Issue:** Description doesn't match what app does

**Prevention:**

* Describe actual features
* Don't overpromise
* Update description when features change

### 5. Insufficient Functionality

**Issue:** App doesn't do enough to be useful

**Prevention:**

* Ensure core value proposition works
* Don't submit "hello world" apps
* Have at least one complete feature set

***

## Privacy Requirements

Apple takes privacy seriously:

### Required Privacy Disclosures

For any data you collect:

1. Declare in App Store Connect
2. Include in privacy policy
3. Request user permission where needed

### Permission Requests

When asking for permissions:

* Explain why you need it (usage description)
* Request only when relevant
* Accept "no" gracefully

### Data Usage

If you collect data:

* Tell users what you collect
* Tell users how it's used
* Tell users who it's shared with

***

## Design Requirements

### Human Interface Guidelines

Follow Apple's design patterns:

* Standard navigation patterns
* Appropriate use of system features
* Consistent with iOS look and feel

### Accessibility

Apps should be usable by everyone:

* VoiceOver support
* Dynamic Type support
* Sufficient color contrast

### App Completeness

No half-finished apps:

* All buttons must work
* All screens must be complete
* No "under construction" areas

***

## Content Restrictions

### Prohibited Content

* Pornography or explicit sexual content
* Violence for shock value
* Discrimination or hate speech
* Illegal activities
* False information that could cause harm

### Regulated Content

Some content requires age restrictions:

* Alcohol/tobacco references
* Gambling
* Horror/fear themes
* Medical/health information

***

## In-App Purchases

### When Required

Apple's IAP system is required for:

* Digital content consumption (within app)
* Premium features/subscriptions
* Virtual goods/currency
* Unlocking functionality

### When Not Required

External payment allowed for:

* Physical goods
* Services consumed outside app
* Business-to-business apps

<Warning>
  Using external payments for digital content can result in app rejection or removal.
</Warning>

***

## Metadata Guidelines

### App Name

* No prices
* No excessive keywords
* Not misleading
* Not too similar to existing apps

### Description

* Must be accurate
* No irrelevant content
* No other platform mentions
* No pricing (use App Store pricing)

### Screenshots

* Must be from the actual app
* No device frames showing competitor devices
* Must represent actual app functionality
* No fake reviews or endorsements

***

## Specific Content Types

### Kids Category

Extra requirements for apps targeting children:

* No external links
* No advertising
* Stricter privacy (no data collection)
* Age-appropriate content

### Health and Medical

Apps with health claims need:

* Accurate information
* Disclaimers where appropriate
* Compliance with medical regulations

### Financial Apps

Apps handling money need:

* Security measures
* Clear disclosures
* Regulatory compliance

***

## Review Process

### Timeline

* Most reviews: 24-48 hours
* Can be faster or slower
* First submissions may take longer

### Communication

If Apple needs information:

* Check email regularly during review
* Respond promptly to questions
* Provide demo accounts if requested

### Expedited Reviews

For critical issues:

* Request at [developer.apple.com/contact](https://developer.apple.com/contact)
* Only for genuine emergencies
* Not for convenience

***

## Handling Rejections

### If Rejected

1. **Read the rejection carefully** — Apple provides specific reasons
2. **Fix the issues** — Address each point
3. **Resubmit** — With a new build if needed

### Metadata Rejection

If only metadata was rejected:

* Fix text/screenshots/links
* Resubmit without new build
* Usually faster resolution

### Appeal Process

If you believe rejection was wrong:

* Reply to the rejection email
* Explain your position clearly
* Provide evidence if applicable
* Don't be confrontational

***

## Pre-Submission Checklist

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Functionality" icon="check">
    * [ ] All features work
    * [ ] No crashes on main flows
    * [ ] Edge cases handled
    * [ ] Works offline (if applicable)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Content" icon="file-alt">
    * [ ] No placeholder text
    * [ ] All content is appropriate
    * [ ] Age rating is correct
    * [ ] No copyrighted material without license
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Privacy" icon="shield">
    * [ ] Privacy policy is accurate
    * [ ] App privacy details completed
    * [ ] Permission requests explained
    * [ ] Data handling disclosed
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Metadata" icon="list">
    * [ ] Description is accurate
    * [ ] Screenshots show actual app
    * [ ] All links work
    * [ ] Contact info is correct
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Further Reading

* [Full App Store Review Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/)
* [Human Interface Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/)
* [App Store Product Page](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/product-page/)

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Submit for Review" icon="paper-plane" href="/publishing/app-store/submission">
    Ready to submit
  </Card>

  <Card title="After Approval" icon="rocket" href="/publishing/app-store/after-approval">
    What happens next
  </Card>
</CardGroup>