app-store
App Rejection
Apple's decision to not approve an app or update for the App Store due to guideline violations, bugs, or incomplete information.
An App Rejection occurs when Apple’s review team determines that a submitted app or update does not meet App Store Review Guidelines. The developer receives a notification identifying the violated rules, along with an explanation of every flagged issue.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Bugs and crashes - the app does not function as expected or has stability issues
- Incomplete information - missing privacy policy, unclear app description, or absent demo credentials
- Guideline violations - use of private APIs, misleading metadata, or prohibited content
- Design issues - poor user experience, non-standard UI that confuses users, or broken navigation
- Privacy concerns - collecting data without proper disclosure or requesting unnecessary permissions
How to Respond
When an app is rejected, developers can communicate with the review team through the Resolution Center in App Store Connect. Address every cited issue, explain the changes you made, and resubmit. If you believe the rejection was made in error, appeal the decision through the App Review Board.
Preventing Rejections
Test your app thoroughly before submission. Review the latest guidelines, especially after Apple updates them. Ensure all metadata is accurate and complete. Detailed reviewer notes help clarify features that might otherwise be misunderstood.