While this article is a guide on how to reject App Store rejection, if youโre looking to build an iPhone app without coding,ย get started here.
Getting rejected by the Apple App Store can be frustrating, especially after investing time and effort in building your app. But itโs also more common than you might think โ even well-designed apps can face rejection for minor reasons.
Appleโs review process is famously strict. Each app must meet Appleโs App Store Review Guidelines, which prioritize quality, security, and user experience. However, the good news is that rejections arenโt final. Many developers successfully fix issues and resubmit their apps for approval.
This guide will help you understand why apps get rejected, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what steps to take if you need to make a comeback.
Read: Checklist for publishing iPhone apps to the Apple App Store
Why Apple rejects apps: Understanding the two main categories
Appleโs rejections generally fall into two broad categories โ metadata rejections and binary rejections. Understanding these will help you prepare your app for smooth approval.
1. Metadata rejection
If your app faces a metadata rejection, consider yourself lucky. These issues are usually minor and easily fixable. Metadata refers to all the information you submit alongside your app โ descriptions, screenshots, categories, demo accounts, and more.
Common reasons for metadata rejection include:
Hidden features or missing details
Every feature in your app must be disclosed clearly. Avoid hiding any functionality or submitting incomplete information. If Apple finds undeclared features, your app could be temporarily banned from the Developer Program.
Inadequate screenshots
Apple reviewers and users both rely on screenshots to understand what your app offers. Upload clear, device-accurate screenshots that showcase your appโs core features and interface.
Missing previews or videos
App previews help users understand the appโs purpose. Include a short, high-quality video walkthrough with voice-over or captions to demonstrate functionality.
Wrong category selection
Choosing the wrong category can confuse users and Apple reviewers. Always select the most relevant one that matches your appโs purpose.
Poor titles or keyword stuffing
App names and subtitles should be concise, accurate, and non-spammy. Avoid keyword stuffing โ it can hurt discoverability instead of helping.
Inappropriate content
All app visuals, previews, and descriptions must meet Appleโs 4+ age rating standard. Avoid violent, misleading, or fraudulent content.
How to fix a metadata rejection
If your app was rejected due to metadata issues, you can easily make a comeback by following these steps:
- Provide complete information: Fill in every required field carefully โ from metadata to feature lists and contact details.
- Use clear, relevant screenshots: Highlight key screens and features that best represent your app.
- Add an app preview video: Demonstrate functionality and interface in action to reassure both Apple reviewers and users.
- Select the right category: Choose a category that aligns perfectly with your appโs use case.
- Optimize your content: Keep your title, description, and keywords natural and compliant with Appleโs policies.
- Add a demo login: If your app requires login, provide a test account for reviewers to access full functionality.
2. Binary rejection
Binary rejections occur when Apple finds problems within your appโs code, design, or performance. These are typically more serious but can still be resolved with proper action.
Common causes of binary rejection include:
App crashes or bugs
Appleโs testers run your app on real devices. Any crashes, freezes, or unresponsive behavior can instantly trigger a rejection.
Broken links
Ensure all internal and external links โ especially those leading to support pages or privacy policies โ work properly.
Privacy violations
Apple places high importance on user privacy. Always request permissions when accessing personal data (camera, location, contacts, etc.), and declare these in your privacy policy.
Poor user interface
An app that fails to meet Appleโs Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) may be rejected. Prioritize clean design, intuitive navigation, and native iOS interactions.
Lack of user value
If your app doesnโt offer unique or meaningful value to users, Apple may reject it for being too generic or redundant.
Excessive web views
Apps that merely replicate websites using web-view wrappers are often rejected. Ensure your app delivers a native, app-like experience with smooth performance.
Placeholder or duplicate content
Apple disapproves of incomplete apps containing dummy text or stock templates. Submit a fully developed product free from placeholders.
Plagiarized or similar apps
Submitting near-identical apps or repackaged clones can result in removal or suspension. Focus on originality and authentic value.
How to recover from a binary rejection
If your app was rejected due to technical issues, take it as an opportunity to refine and improve before resubmission. Follow these steps:
1. Test thoroughly before re-submitting
Run your app across multiple iOS devices and screen sizes. Fix crashes, address bugs, and optimize performance for stability.
2. Update your privacy policy
Be transparent about how your app collects and uses data. Log in to App Store Connect โ App Privacy โ General, and describe your data collection practices in detail.
3. Improve your UI and UX
If your app design falls short of Appleโs expectations, enhance it using modern iOS design principles. Platforms like AppMySite can help you create beautiful, native-quality designs that meet Appleโs standards.
4. Deliver clear user value
Ensure your app solves a specific problem or fulfills a meaningful use case. Remove unnecessary features that dilute the core purpose.
5. Eliminate placeholders and duplicates
Replace temporary content with finalized designs, text, and images before submission. Each app must feel complete and intentional.
How to prevent Apple App Store rejection in the first place
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are key best practices to minimize rejection risk:
- Test your app thoroughly before submission.
- Ensure design consistency and follow Appleโs Human Interface Guidelines.
- Use accurate, complete metadata and screenshots.
- Maintain an up-to-date privacy policy compliant with Appleโs requirements.
- Provide real, original, and valuable content.
- Avoid resubmitting duplicate apps โ consolidate similar functionalities into one strong version.
If youโre unsure whether your app meets Appleโs expectations, consider using a no-code app builder like AppMySite. It helps you create premium native apps that align with Appleโs quality, privacy, and design benchmarks โ all without coding.
Final thoughts
Appleโs strict review process ensures only high-quality apps reach users โ which ultimately benefits you as a creator. Understanding their guidelines and preparing accordingly can drastically improve your approval rate.
If your app gets rejected, donโt panic. Identify the cause, apply the necessary fixes, and resubmit with confidence.
AppMySite makes this process easier by helping you build iOS-ready apps that meet Appleโs design and performance standards from day one. You can even add publishing support to help manage your submission and avoid rejection altogether.