App Store rejection?
│
├─ What does the rejection say?
│  │
│  ├─ Cites Guideline 2.1?
│  │  ├─ App crashed during review? → Pattern 1 (check crash logs)
│  │  ├─ Placeholder content found? → Pattern 1 (search project)
│  │  ├─ Broken links? → Pattern 1 (verify URLs)
│  │  └─ Missing demo credentials? → Pattern 1 (provide in review notes)
│  │
│  ├─ Cites Guideline 2.3?
│  │  ├─ Screenshots don't match app? → Pattern 2 (retake screenshots)
│  │  ├─ Description promises missing features? → Pattern 2 (update text)
│  │  └─ Keywords contain trademarks? → Pattern 2 (remove keywords)
│  │
│  ├─ Cites Guideline 5.1?
│  │  ├─ Privacy policy missing/inaccessible? → Pattern 3 (add/fix policy)
│  │  ├─ Purpose strings missing? → Pattern 3 (add to Info.plist)
│  │  ├─ Privacy manifest incomplete? → Pattern 3 (update PrivacyInfo)
│  │  └─ Tracking without ATT? → Pattern 3 (implement ATT)
│  │
│  ├─ Cites Guideline 4.8?
│  │  ├─ Third-party login without SIWA? → Pattern 4 (add SIWA)
│  │  ├─ SIWA button hidden or broken? → Pattern 4 (fix prominence)
│  │  └─ Exception applies? → Pattern 4 (verify exemption)
│  │
│  ├─ Cites Guideline 3.x?
│  │  ├─ Digital content without IAP? → Pattern 5 (implement StoreKit)
│  │  ├─ Subscription issues? → Pattern 5 (fix terms/value)
│  │  └─ Loot box odds not disclosed? → Pattern 5 (add disclosure)
│  │
│  ├─ "Binary Rejected" / no guideline?
│  │  ├─ Wrong SDK version? → Pattern 6 (update Xcode)
│  │  ├─ Privacy manifest missing? → Pattern 6 (add PrivacyInfo)
│  │  ├─ Encryption not declared? → Pattern 6 (add ITSAppUsesNonExemptEncryption)
│  │  └─ Invalid signing? → Pattern 6 (regenerate provisioning)
│  │
│  ├─ "I believe the reviewer is wrong"?
│  │  └─ → Pattern 7 (Appeal Process)
│  │
│  ├─ Cites Guideline 1.x?
│  │  └─ Safety/content issue → Review content against guideline
│  │
│  └─ Cites Guideline 4.1-4.3?
│     └─ Design/originality issue → Review app uniqueness/functionality

undefined

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// ❌ WRONG — Demo credentials that expire
// Review Notes: "Login: test@test.com / password123"
// (If this account expires or gets locked, instant rejection)

// ✅ CORRECT — Permanent demo credentials
// Review Notes:
// "Demo Account: demo@yourapp.com / ReviewDemo2024!
//  This account has pre-populated sample data.
//  Account will not expire during review period."

// ❌ WRONG — Placeholder still in code
Text("Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet")

// ✅ CORRECT — Real content in every screen
Text("Welcome to YourApp. Get started by creating your first project.")

Checklist:
☐ Every screenshot matches current build
☐ Every feature mentioned in description exists and works
☐ No trademarked terms in keywords (e.g., "Instagram", "Uber")
☐ App icon appropriate for all audiences
☐ Age rating matches actual content
☐ Category selection accurate
☐ "What's New" text matches actual changes

✅ Take fresh screenshots FROM THE SUBMITTED BUILD (not dev build)
✅ Remove any features from description that aren't fully functional
✅ Replace trademarked keywords with generic equivalents
   ("photo sharing" not "Instagram-like")
✅ Ensure "What's New" describes changes in this specific version

// 1. Check: Is privacy policy URL in ASC AND accessible from within the app?
// Both are required. In-app access is commonly missed.

// 2. Check purpose strings
// ❌ WRONG — Generic purpose string
"NSCameraUsageDescription" = "Camera access needed"

// ✅ CORRECT — Specific purpose string explaining why
"NSCameraUsageDescription" = "Take photos for your profile picture and upload to your account"

// 3. Generate privacy report
// Xcode: Product → Archive → Generate Privacy Report
// This shows aggregate data from all frameworks and your code

// 4. Check privacy manifest
// Verify PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy exists in your app target
// AND in every framework target that uses required reason APIs

<!-- Every permission MUST have a specific, honest purpose string -->
<key>NSCameraUsageDescription</key>
<string>Take photos for your profile picture and upload to your account</string>

<key>NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription</key>
<string>Show nearby restaurants on the map and calculate delivery distance</string>

<key>NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription</key>
<string>Select photos from your library to attach to messages</string>

<!-- Required if you use any "required reason" APIs -->
<!-- UserDefaults, file timestamp, disk space, system boot time, etc. -->
<dict>
    <key>NSPrivacyAccessedAPITypes</key>
    <array>
        <dict>
            <key>NSPrivacyAccessedAPIType</key>
            <string>NSPrivacyAccessedAPICategoryUserDefaults</string>
            <key>NSPrivacyAccessedAPITypeReasons</key>
            <array>
                <string>CA92.1</string>
            </array>
        </dict>
    </array>
</dict>

Your privacy policy MUST specifically list:
☐ What data is collected (every type)
☐ How data is collected (automatically, user-provided)
☐ All uses of collected data
☐ Third-party sharing (who, why)
☐ Data retention period
☐ How users can request deletion
☐ Contact information for privacy inquiries

// Required if app tracks users across other companies' apps/websites
import AppTrackingTransparency

func requestTrackingPermission() {
    ATTrackingManager.requestTrackingAuthorization { status in
        switch status {
        case .authorized:
            // Enable tracking (analytics, ad attribution)
            break
        case .denied, .restricted, .notDetermined:
            // Disable ALL tracking
            // Remove IDFA access, disable third-party analytics that track
            break
        @unknown default:
            break
        }
    }
}

import AuthenticationServices

// ✅ CORRECT — SIWA at same prominence as other login options
struct LoginView: View {
    var body: some View {
        VStack(spacing: 16) {
            // Sign in with Apple — MUST be at same visual level
            SignInWithAppleButton(.signIn) { request in
                request.requestedScopes = [.fullName, .email]
            } onCompletion: { result in
                switch result {
                case .success(let authorization):
                    handleAuthorization(authorization)
                case .failure(let error):
                    handleError(error)
                }
            }
            .signInWithAppleButtonStyle(.black)
            .frame(height: 50)

            // Other login options at same size/prominence
            GoogleSignInButton()
                .frame(height: 50)
        }
    }

    func handleAuthorization(_ authorization: ASAuthorization) {
        guard let credential = authorization.credential
            as? ASAuthorizationAppleIDCredential else { return }

        let userIdentifier = credential.user
        let fullName = credential.fullName
        let email = credential.email
        // Note: fullName and email only provided on FIRST sign-in
        // Store them immediately — they won't be provided again

        // Send to your backend for account creation/login
    }
}

// ✅ Handle credential revocation (required for account deletion support)
func checkCredentialState() {
    let provider = ASAuthorizationAppleIDProvider()
    provider.getCredentialState(forUserID: storedUserIdentifier) { state, error in
        switch state {
        case .authorized:
            break // User is still signed in
        case .revoked:
            // User revoked credentials — sign out immediately
            signOut()
        case .notFound:
            // Credential not found — show sign-in
            showLogin()
        @unknown default:
            break
        }
    }
}

Digital goods/features → MUST use Apple IAP
  Examples: premium features, virtual currency, ad removal, content
  packs, subscription access to digital content

Physical goods/services → MAY use external payment
  Examples: physical merchandise, ride-sharing, food delivery,
  person-to-person services

Certain categories → MAY use external payment (3.1.3 exceptions)
  Examples: "reader" apps (Kindle, Netflix, Spotify), one-to-one
  real-time services

// ❌ WRONG — Unlocking features via external payment
func unlockPremium(receiptFromServer: String) {
    // Bypass Apple IAP → rejection
    UserDefaults.standard.set(true, forKey: "isPremium")
}

// ✅ CORRECT — StoreKit 2 for all digital goods
import StoreKit

func purchasePremium() async throws {
    let product = try await Product.products(for: ["com.app.premium"]).first!
    let result = try await product.purchase()

    switch result {
    case .success(let verification):
        let transaction = try checkVerified(verification)
        // Unlock feature
        await transaction.finish()
    case .pending:
        // Payment pending (Ask to Buy, etc.)
        break
    case .userCancelled:
        break
    @unknown default:
        break
    }
}

// ✅ Loot box disclosure (required if random items for purchase)
struct LootBoxView: View {
    var body: some View {
        VStack {
            Text("Mystery Box — $4.99")
            Text("Contents are random. Odds:")
                .font(.caption)

            // MUST disclose odds before purchase
            VStack(alignment: .leading) {
                Text("Common item: 60%")
                Text("Rare item: 30%")
                Text("Legendary item: 10%")
            }
            .font(.caption2)
            .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
        }
    }
}

undefined

undefined

<!-- Encryption compliance (Info.plist) -->
<!-- If app uses ONLY standard HTTPS (URLSession, etc.) -->
<key>ITSAppUsesNonExemptEncryption</key>
<false/>

<!-- If app uses custom encryption beyond HTTPS -->
<key>ITSAppUsesNonExemptEncryption</key>
<true/>
<!-- Then upload export compliance documentation in ASC:
     App Store Connect → My Apps → [App] → App Information →
     Export Compliance Information → Upload documentation
     You may also need to file an annual self-classification
     report with the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) -->

undefined

undefined

✅ GOOD appeal structure:

"Our app complies with Guideline [X.Y] because [specific evidence].

The reviewer noted: '[quote exact rejection text]'

However, our app [specific counter-evidence with details]:
1. [Feature X] works as shown in [attached screenshot/video]
2. [Policy Y] is accessible at [URL] and within the app at [screen]
3. [Requirement Z] is implemented as described in [technical detail]

Attached: [screenshots, screen recording, or documentation]

We respectfully request re-review of this decision."

❌ BAD appeal examples:

"This is unfair. Other apps do the same thing. Please approve."
→ Apple reviews each app independently

"We've been rejected 3 times and are losing money."
→ Financial pressure is not relevant to guideline compliance

"The reviewer didn't understand our app."
→ Vague. Show specifically what they missed.

"We need this approved by Friday for our launch."
→ Deadlines are not App Review's concern

To stakeholders:

"Root cause: Our third-party analytics SDK collects device identifiers
that weren't disclosed in our privacy policy or nutrition labels.

Fix: Updated privacy policy, privacy nutrition labels in ASC, and
PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy to accurately reflect all data collection.
Also audited all SDKs for undisclosed collection.

Timeline: Resubmitting today with expedited review request.
Expected approval: 1-3 business days.

Prevention: Adding privacy audit to our pre-submission checklist
so future submissions include accurate disclosure from the start."

App Completeness (2.1):
☐ Tested on latest shipping iOS version on physical device
☐ Tested on at least 2 device sizes (iPhone SE, iPhone Pro Max)
☐ No placeholder text (search: Lorem, TODO, FIXME, placeholder, sample)
☐ All URLs resolve (support URL, privacy policy, in-app links)
☐ Demo credentials provided if login required (non-expiring)
☐ Backend stable and not deploying during review window

Metadata (2.3):
☐ Screenshots taken from submitted build (not dev build)
☐ Every feature in description exists and works
☐ No trademarked terms in keywords
☐ Age rating matches content
☐ "What's New" text accurate

Privacy (5.1):
☐ Privacy policy accessible in-app AND via URL in ASC
☐ Privacy policy matches actual data collection
☐ Every permission has specific, honest purpose string
☐ PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy exists and lists all required reason APIs
☐ Privacy Report generated and cross-referenced
☐ ATT implemented if any cross-app tracking
☐ Privacy nutrition labels accurate (including third-party SDKs)

Sign in with Apple (4.8):
☐ If third-party login exists, SIWA offered at same prominence
☐ SIWA flow works: sign in, account creation, revocation handling
☐ Account deletion supported (required since June 2022)

Business (3.x):
☐ All digital goods/features use Apple IAP
☐ IAP products approved in ASC before app submission
☐ Subscription terms clear before purchase
☐ Loot box odds disclosed if applicable

Technical (Binary):
☐ Xcode version meets Apple's current requirements
☐ "Validate App" passes in Xcode Organizer
☐ ITSAppUsesNonExemptEncryption key present
☐ Provisioning profile not expired
☐ Tested with release configuration on device