Releasing an app on the Apple App Store is a thrilling achievement, but for most developers, it’s accompanied by a maddening roadblock: app rejection. Apple has high expectations and adheres to strict rules to guarantee that only top-notch apps reach the App Store. For entrepreneurs, business owners, or development teams, repeated rejection can mean losing precious time, money, and reputation.
In this blog, we will take you through the most frequent reasons apps get rejected by the Apple App Store, how to correct these issues, and what best practices to adopt to get your app approved as soon as possible. If you’re serious about getting your app live on the App Store, this in-depth guide will assist you in optimizing your strategy.
Understanding Apple’s Review Process
The review process for the Apple App Store is regulated by the App Store Review Guidelines, a detailed set of rules that all apps are required to adhere to. Apple employs these guidelines to assess everything from technical functionality and design to privacy policies and user experience.
After you submit your app via App Store Connect, it goes into a queue to be review. An Apple reviewer will test your app on different devices and ensure that it meets all guidelines. The review will take anywhere from a few hours to several days based on how complex your app is. If there are problems, your app will be rejected, and you will be notified with reasons.
Top Reasons Apps Get Rejected (and How to Fix Them)
1. App Crashes and Bugs
Number one reason for rejection is app instability. If your app crashes while in review or has severe bugs, it will be disqualified instantly.
Solution: Thoroughly test your app prior to submission. Use real devices alongside simulators. Make use of Apple’s TestFlight for beta testing and receive user feedback. Fix all crashes, freezes, or odd behaviors.
2. Incomplete or Misleading App Information
App Information Apple demands app developers to give full and accurate information. The metadata consists of descriptions, screenshots, and preview videos. If the information is incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading, your app will be rejected.
Solution: Give proper and detailed descriptions of the features and functionality of the app. Give screenshots of how the app appears. Give support URLs and your contact details
3. Violating Apple’s Design Guidelines
Have Been Broken Apple has a very high regard for excellent design and user experience. Apps that make use of terrible layout, broken navigation, or cluttered screens fail review
Solution: Follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines. Offer consistent navigation, spacing, and font use. Design buttons and icons to be intuitive and user-friendly.
4. Privacy Issues and Permissions
Apps that abuse user data or ask for permissions without reasons are warning signs for Apple. Privacy policy violations are not taken lightly.
Solution: Always describe why your app requires permissions such as location, camera, or microphone. Add privacy disclosures. Use Apple’s APIs responsibly.
5. Use of Private APIs
Apple does not recommend the use of private or undocumented APIs because they can lead to user experience and security compromises.
Solution: Use Apple-approved, documented APIs. Stay current with changes in the newest SDKs.
6. Substandard Performance on Different Devices
An application that works well on one device but not on other devices will not be approve.
Solution: Ensure compatibility with all device sizes (iPads and iPhones). Test UI responsiveness and image scaling.
7. Payment Policy Violations
Using payment systems other than Apple’s In-App Purchase for digital goods or services is against policy.
Solution: If you are selling digital material or subscriptions, utilize Apple’s payment gateway.
8. Inappropriate Content
Apps with adult content, violence, or offending materials will be rejected.
Solution: Ensure that all content is in line with Apple’s content guidelines. Install content filters if necessary.
9. Repetitive or Spammy Apps
Apps that are clones or have minimal functionality can be flagged.
Solution: Develop unique, useful apps. If you’re creating derivatives of an app, make sure each has solid differentiators.
10. Lack of Functionality
Apps that don’t do anything or give users little value aren’t welcome.
Solution: Ensure your app solves a genuine problem or has interesting features. Test usability and iterate on your idea.
Best Practices to Avoid Rejection
- Prepare Proper Documentation
Prepare a thorough user guide, privacy policy, and support contact. Upload necessary files like app icons, screenshots, and demo videos. - Use TestFlight for Beta Testing
Use TestFlight to beta test your app with actual users. This prevents bugs and gathers helpful feedback before submission. - Regularly Check Apple Guidelines
Check the App Store Review Guidelines and adjust your development process accordingly. - Keep Code Clean and Optimized
Refrain from using deprecated functions or fat libraries. Clean, optimized code not only optimizes performance but also minimizes crash likelihood. - Provide Reviewer Notes
You can include notes for Apple’s reviewers at submission time. Make use of this to describe features, login details, or special instructions.
Steps to Take If Your App Is Rejected
- Carefully Read the Rejection Message: Apple’s review notes will specify what went wrong.
- Fix the Problems: Make required changes to the app.
- Be Professional in Your Response: Use the Resolution Center to respond to the reviewer. Be polite and brief.
- Resubmit Your App: After repairing, resubmit and add notes explaining what was modified.
How Device Doctor India Helps You Navigate the App Store Review Process
Device Doctor India is a reliable app development and marketing firm that deals with assisting startups and businesses to get approve instantly and hassle-free. Our coding practice adheres to best practices and Apple’s design guidelines for easy navigation through the App Store review process.
Our team ensures your app is:
- Buggily tested and compatible
- Designed keeping Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines in consideration
- Compliant with Apple’s privacy and security guidelines
- Backed by complete documentation and review notes
In addition to having a world-class app in Device Doctor India, you also have the assurance that you’re backed by a team of people who know how Apple works.
Conclusion
Apple’s rejection of your app is disappointing, but it needn’t be the end. Most rejections are for problems that can be resolve, including bugs, metadata issues, or violations of guidelines. Armed with an understanding of the review process and using the advice outlined here, you can minimize rejection and maximize success.
And if you need expert help, Device Doctor India is here to assist you every step of the way—development to publishing. Don’t make an app; make an App Store-approved success story.
FAQs
Q-1 How long does Apple take to review an app?
Ans- Apple takes 24 to 48 hours for most app reviews. The process might be longer for complex apps or during holidays
Q-2 Can I appeal an app rejection?
Ans- Yes, you may appeal in the Resolution Center. Provide clean explanations and evidence.
Q-3 Does Apple charge for app submissions?
Ans- You must have an Apple Developer account for $99/year. There isn’t an additional fee per submission.
Q-4 What is TestFlight, and why is it important?
Ans- TestFlight is Apple’s beta testing product. It lets developers test their apps with real users before they’re submit to save bugs and improve performance.
Q-5 Can Device Doctor India help with post-launch app marketing?
Ans- Yes, Device Doctor India offers end-to-end app marketing services, ranging from ASO to user acquisition strategies, to put your app in front of the right users
