App Store rejections, explained

    Have the message in hand? Paste it into the rejection desk. Otherwise, pick the guideline or error code.

    App Review Guidelines

    • 2.1 App Completeness

      The reviewer hit something unfinished: a crash, a broken link, placeholder content, or a feature they could not reach.

    • 2.3 Accurate Metadata

      Your App Store listing (name, description, screenshots, previews, keywords) does not match what the app actually does.

    • 2.3.1 Hidden or undocumented features

      Apple believes the app contains features that are hidden, dormant or not described in the review notes.

    • 2.5.1 Software Requirements: public APIs

      The app uses non-public (private) Apple APIs, or uses public APIs in a way they were not designed for.

    • 2.5.2 Self-contained apps

      The app downloads or runs code that changes its features or functionality after review.

    • 3.1.1 In-App Purchase

      The app unlocks digital content or features with a payment method other than Apple's In-App Purchase.

    • 3.1.2 Subscriptions

      The subscription offer or its disclosure does not meet Apple's rules.

    • 4.0 Design

      The interface does not meet Apple's design expectations: broken layouts, unusable screens or an experience that feels unfinished.

    • 4.2 Minimum Functionality

      Apple sees the app as too thin: a repackaged website, a simple list or a single feature that doesn't feel like an app.

    • 4.3 Spam

      Apple sees the app as a duplicate: of your own apps, of a template, or of a crowded category.

    • 4.8 Login Services

      The app offers a third-party or social login but no equivalent privacy-focused option such as Sign in with Apple.

    • 5.1.1 Data Collection and Storage

      How the app asks for, explains or handles personal data does not meet Apple's privacy rules.

    • 5.1.1(v) Account sign-in and deletion

      Either the app forces account creation for features that don't need it, or it lets people create an account but not delete it in the app.

    • 5.1.2 Data Use and Sharing

      The app shares or uses personal data (for tracking or with third parties) without the permission Apple requires.

    • 5.2 Intellectual Property

      The app uses content, names, logos or characters you don't have the rights to.

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