10 reasons Apple could reject your app

Apple reviews every app before it goes live, and many rejections come from a handful of common issues. Avoid these and your chances of approval go up.

1. Poor performance

However good your app looks, it must run smoothly. Confusing entry screens, choppy navigation or slow pages get apps rejected.

2. A website, not an app

Apple rejects apps that feel like a website in an app wrapper (guideline 4.2, Minimum Functionality). Adding push notifications or sharing isn’t enough on its own; your app needs real native content and features.

3. Not enough valuable content

A collection of web pages with little substance doesn’t give users a reason to install your app.

4. Mentioning other platforms

Don’t mention Android or other platforms in your iOS app or listing, and use screenshots taken on Apple devices.

5. Privacy

Every app needs a privacy policy linked in App Store Connect and easy to find inside the app (guideline 5.1.1). Explain how long you keep data and let users withdraw consent.

6. Broken links

Submit a finished app with working links and no placeholder content (guideline 2.1). Tap through every screen and link before you submit.

7. Payments

Digital content and features unlocked inside the app must use Apple’s in-app purchase (guideline 3.1.1). Keep this in mind if your website already takes payments.

8. Missing standard functionality

Apps that look like demos, trials or just a contact form are rejected (guideline 2.2). All content must be real and final, and the app must be useful.

9. Inaccurate description

Keep your description accurate and to the point. Don’t describe the app as something it isn’t.

10. Incomplete information

Make sure the store and review information is complete and current, including:

• Your contact details
• Title, description and other app details
• Category
• Any special configuration notes
• A demo account if part of your app requires sign-in

Apple’s rules exist to keep buggy, spammy or misleading apps out of the store. Investing a little more time before you submit saves you the delay of a rejection.