mobile marketing success stories

App Store Promotion Strategy: App Store Review Guidelines

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Apps are altering the world, enriching folks’s lives, and enabling builders such as you to innovate like by no means earlier than. Consequently, the App Retailer has grown into an thrilling and vibrant ecosystem for thousands and thousands of builders and greater than a billion customers. Whether or not you’re a first time developer or a big workforce of skilled programmers, we’re excited that you’re creating apps for the App Retailer and need to assist you perceive our pointers so that you will be assured your app will get by way of the assessment course of rapidly.

Introduction

The tenet of the App Retailer is straightforward – we need to present a secure expertise for customers to get apps and an important alternative for all builders to achieve success. We do that by providing a extremely curated App Retailer the place each app is reviewed by consultants and an editorial workforce helps customers uncover new apps every single day. For every part else there’s at all times the open Web. If the App Retailer mannequin and pointers usually are not greatest to your app or enterprise concept that’s okay, we offer Safari for an important internet expertise too.

On the next pages you can find our newest pointers organized into 5 clear sections: Security, Efficiency, Enterprise, Design, and Authorized. The App Retailer is at all times altering and bettering to maintain up with the wants of our prospects and our merchandise. Your apps ought to change and enhance as nicely in an effort to keep on the App Retailer.

A couple of different factors to bear in mind:

  • We now have plenty of children downloading plenty of apps. Parental controls work nice to guard children, however it’s important to do your half too. So know that we’re maintaining an eye fixed out for the children.
  • The App Retailer is a good way to succeed in lots of of thousands and thousands of individuals all over the world. For those who construct an app that you simply simply need to present to household and associates, the App Retailer isn’t one of the best ways to do this. Think about using Xcode to put in your app on a tool without cost or use Advert Hoc distribution obtainable to Apple Developer Program members. For those who’re simply getting began, study extra in regards to the Apple Developer Program.
  • We strongly assist all factors of view being represented on the App Retailer, so long as the apps are respectful to customers with differing opinions and the standard of the app expertise is nice. We are going to reject apps for any content material or habits that we imagine is over the road. What line, you ask? Properly, as a Supreme Court docket Justice as soon as stated, “I’ll comprehend it once I see it”. And we expect that additionally, you will comprehend it whenever you cross it.
  • For those who try to cheat the system (for instance, by making an attempt to trick the assessment course of, steal consumer knowledge, copy one other developer’s work, manipulate rankings or App Retailer discovery) your apps can be faraway from the shop and you may be expelled from the Developer Program.
  • You’re liable for ensuring every part in your app complies with these pointers, together with advert networks, analytics providers, and third-party SDKs, so assessment and select them fastidiously.
  • Some options and applied sciences that aren’t usually obtainable to builders could also be supplied as an entitlement for restricted use circumstances. For instance, we provide entitlements for CarPlay Audio, HyperVisor, and Privileged File Operations. Evaluate our documentation on developer.apple.com to study extra about entitlements.

We hope these pointers assist you sail by way of the App Evaluate course of, and that approvals and rejections stay constant throughout the board. It is a residing doc; new apps presenting new questions could end in new guidelines at any time. Maybe your app will set off this. We love these things too, and honor what you do. We’re actually making an attempt our greatest to create the perfect platform on the earth so that you can categorical your skills and make a residing, too.

Earlier than You Submit

To assist your app approval go as easily as attainable, assessment the widespread missteps listed beneath that may decelerate the assessment course of or set off a rejection. This doesn’t substitute the rules or assure approval, however ensuring you possibly can verify each merchandise on the record is an efficient begin. In case your app now not features as meant otherwise you’re now not actively supporting it, it will likely be faraway from the App Retailer.

Be sure you:

  • Take a look at your app for crashes and bugs
  • Be sure that all app data and metadata is full and correct
  • Replace your contact data in case App Evaluate wants to succeed in you
  • Present an energetic demo account and login data, plus another {hardware} or sources that is likely to be wanted to assessment your app (e.g. login credentials or a pattern QR code)
  • Allow backend providers in order that they’re stay and accessible throughout assessment
  • Embrace detailed explanations of non-obvious options and in-app purchases within the App Evaluate notes, together with supporting documentation the place acceptable
  • Test whether or not your app follows steerage in different documentation, reminiscent of:

Model and Advertising Tips

1. Security

When folks set up an app from the App Retailer, they need to really feel assured that it’s secure to take action—that the app doesn’t comprise upsetting or offensive content material, gained’t injury their system, and isn’t prone to trigger bodily hurt from its use. We’ve outlined the main pitfalls beneath, however in the event you’re trying to shock and offend folks, the App Retailer isn’t the correct place to your app.

  • 1.1 Objectionable Content materialApps mustn’t embrace content material that’s offensive, insensitive, upsetting, meant to disgust, in exceptionally poor style, or simply plain creepy. Examples of such content material embrace:
    • 1.1.1 Defamatory, discriminatory, or mean-spirited content material, together with references or commentary about faith, race, sexual orientation, gender, nationwide/ethnic origin, or different focused teams, notably if the app is prone to humiliate, intimidate, or hurt a focused particular person or group. Skilled political satirists and humorists are usually exempt from this requirement.
    • 1.1.2 Life like portrayals of individuals or animals being killed, maimed, tortured, or abused, or content material that encourages violence. “Enemies” inside the context of a recreation can’t solely goal a particular race, tradition, actual authorities, company, or another actual entity.
    • 1.1.3 Depictions that encourage unlawful or reckless use of weapons and harmful objects, or facilitate the acquisition of firearms or ammunition.
    • 1.1.4 Overtly sexual or pornographic materials, outlined by Webster’s Dictionary as “specific descriptions or shows of sexual organs or actions meant to stimulate erotic slightly than aesthetic or emotional emotions.”
    • 1.1.5 Inflammatory spiritual commentary or inaccurate or deceptive quotations of spiritual texts.
    • 1.1.6 False data and options, together with inaccurate system knowledge or trick/joke performance, reminiscent of faux location trackers. Stating that the app is “for leisure functions” gained’t overcome this guideline. Apps that allow nameless or prank telephone calls or SMS/MMS messaging can be rejected.
  • 1.2 Person Generated Content materialApps with user-generated content material current specific challenges, starting from mental property infringement to nameless bullying. To stop abuse, apps with user-generated content material or social networking providers should embrace:
    • A technique for filtering objectionable materials from being posted to the app
    • A mechanism to report offensive content material and well timed responses to considerations
    • The power to dam abusive customers from the service
    • Printed contact data so customers can simply attain you

    Apps with user-generated content material or providers that find yourself getting used primarily for pornographic content material, Chatroulette-style experiences, objectification of actual folks (e.g. “hot-or-not” voting), making bodily threats, or bullying don’t belong on the App Retailer and could also be eliminated with out discover. In case your app contains user-generated content material from a web-based service, it might show incidental mature “NSFW” content material, supplied that the content material is hidden by default and solely displayed when the consumer turns it on by way of your web site.

  • 1.3 Children ClassThe Children Class is a good way for folks to simply discover apps which might be designed for youngsters. If you wish to take part within the Children Class, it’s best to give attention to creating an important expertise particularly for youthful customers. These apps should not embrace hyperlinks out of the app, buying alternatives, or different distractions to children except reserved for a delegated space behind a parental gate. Understand that as soon as prospects anticipate your app to observe the Children Class necessities, it might want to proceed to fulfill these pointers in subsequent updates, even in the event you determine to deselect the class.You could adjust to relevant privateness legal guidelines all over the world regarding the gathering of information from youngsters on-line. You’ll want to assessment the Privateness part of those pointers for extra data. As well as, Children Class apps could not ship personally identifiable data or system data to 3rd events. Apps within the Children Class mustn’t embrace third-party analytics or third-party promoting. This offers a safer expertise for youths. In restricted circumstances, third-party analytics could also be permitted supplied that the providers don’t acquire or transmit the IDFA or any identifiable details about youngsters (reminiscent of title, date of delivery, electronic mail tackle), their location, or their units. This contains any system, community, or different data that might be used immediately or mixed with different data to establish customers and their units. Third-party contextual promoting may additionally be permitted in restricted circumstances supplied that the providers have publicly documented practices and insurance policies for Children Class apps that embrace human assessment of advert creatives for age appropriateness.
  • 1.4 Bodily HurtIn case your app behaves in a approach that dangers bodily hurt, we could reject it. For instance:
    • 1.4.1 Medical apps that might present inaccurate knowledge or data, or that might be used for diagnosing or treating sufferers could also be reviewed with better scrutiny.
      • Apps should clearly disclose knowledge and methodology to assist accuracy claims regarding well being measurements, and if the extent of accuracy or methodology can’t be validated, we are going to reject your app. For instance, apps that declare to take x-rays, measure blood stress, physique temperature, blood glucose ranges, or blood oxygen ranges utilizing solely the sensors on the system usually are not permitted.
      • Apps ought to remind customers to verify with a health care provider along with utilizing the app and earlier than making medical selections.

      In case your medical app has obtained regulatory clearance, please submit a hyperlink to that documentation together with your app.

    • 1.4.2 Drug dosage calculators should come from the drug producer, a hospital, college, medical health insurance firm, pharmacy or different authorized entity, or obtain approval by the FDA or one among its worldwide counterparts. Given the potential hurt to sufferers, we have to ensure that the app can be supported and up to date over the long run.
    • 1.4.3 Apps that encourage consumption of tobacco and vape merchandise, unlawful medication, or extreme quantities of alcohol usually are not permitted on the App Retailer. Apps that encourage minors to devour any of those substances can be rejected. Facilitating the sale of managed substances (aside from licensed pharmacies), marijuana, or tobacco isn’t allowed.
    • 1.4.4 Apps could solely show DUI checkpoints which might be printed by legislation enforcement businesses, and will by no means encourage drunk driving or different reckless habits reminiscent of extreme pace.
    • 1.4.5 Apps mustn’t urge prospects to take part in actions (like bets, challenges, and so on.) or use their units in a approach that dangers bodily hurt to themselves or others.
  • 1.5 Developer InfoFolks have to know tips on how to attain you with questions and assist points. Be sure your app and its Help URL embrace a straightforward technique to contact you; that is notably essential for apps which may be used within the classroom. Failure to incorporate correct and up-to-date contact data not solely frustrates prospects, however could violate the legislation in some nations. Additionally make sure that Pockets passes embrace legitimate contact data from the issuer and are signed with a devoted certificates assigned to the model or trademark proprietor of the go.
  • 1.6 Information SafetyApps ought to implement acceptable safety measures to make sure correct dealing with of consumer data collected pursuant to the Apple Developer Program License Settlement and these Tips (see Guideline 5.1 for extra data) and stop its unauthorized use, disclosure, or entry by third events.

2. Efficiency

  • 2.1 App CompletenessSubmissions to App Evaluate, together with apps you make obtainable for pre-order, needs to be last variations with all obligatory metadata and absolutely practical URLs included; placeholder textual content, empty web sites, and different momentary content material needs to be scrubbed earlier than submission. Be sure your app has been examined on-device for bugs and stability earlier than you submit it, and embrace demo account information (and switch in your back-end service!) in case your app features a login. For those who supply in-app purchases in your app, be sure they’re full, up-to-date, and visual to the reviewer, or that you simply clarify why not in your assessment notes. Please don’t deal with App Evaluate as a software program testing service. We are going to reject incomplete app bundles and binaries that crash or exhibit apparent technical issues.
  • 2.2 Beta TestingDemos, betas, and trial variations of your app don’t belong on the App Retailer – use TestFlight as a substitute. Any app submitted for beta distribution by way of TestFlight needs to be meant for public distribution and will adjust to the App Evaluate Tips. Word, nevertheless, that apps utilizing TestFlight can’t be distributed to testers in trade for compensation of any form, together with as a reward for crowd-sourced funding. Important updates to your beta construct needs to be submitted to TestFlight App Evaluate earlier than being distributed to your testers. To study extra, go to the mobile marketing success stories.
  • 2.3 Correct MetadataProspects ought to know what they’re getting after they obtain or purchase your app, so be sure all of your app metadata, together with privateness data, your app description, screenshots, and previews precisely replicate the app’s core expertise and bear in mind to maintain them up-to-date with new variations.
    • 2.3.1 Don’t embrace any hidden, dormant, or undocumented options in your app; your app’s performance needs to be clear to finish customers and App Evaluate. All new options, performance, and product adjustments have to be described with specificity within the Notes for Evaluate part of App Retailer Join (generic descriptions can be rejected) and accessible for assessment. Equally, you shouldn’t market your app on the App Retailer or offline as together with content material or providers that it doesn’t really supply (e.g. iOS-based virus and malware scanners). Egregious or repeated habits is grounds for elimination from the Developer Program. We work exhausting to make the App Retailer a reliable ecosystem and anticipate our app builders to observe go well with; in the event you’re dishonest, we don’t need to do enterprise with you.
    • 2.3.2 In case your app contains in-app purchases, be sure your app description, screenshots, and previews clearly point out whether or not any featured objects, ranges, subscriptions, and so on. require extra purchases. For those who determine to advertise in-app purchases on the App Retailer, make sure that the in-app buy Show Identify, Screenshot and Description are acceptable for a public viewers, that you simply observe the steerage present in Selling Your In-App Purchases, and that your app correctly handles the SKPaymentTransactionObserver technique in order that prospects can seamlessly full the acquisition when your app launches.
    • 2.3.3 Screenshots ought to present the app in use, and never merely the title artwork, log-in web page, or splash display screen. They could additionally embrace textual content and picture overlays (e.g. to show enter mechanisms, reminiscent of an animated contact level or Apple Pencil) and present prolonged performance on system, reminiscent of Contact Bar.
    • 2.3.4 Previews are a good way for patrons to see what your app seems like and what it does. To make sure folks perceive what they’ll be getting together with your app, previews could solely use video display screen captures of the app itself. Stickers and iMessage extensions could present the consumer expertise within the Messages app. You possibly can add narration and video or textual overlays to assist clarify something that isn’t clear from the video alone.
    • 2.3.5 Choose essentially the most acceptable class to your app, and take a look at the App Store Category Definitions in the event you need assistance. For those who’re approach off base, we could change the class for you.
    • 2.3.6 Reply the age score questions in App Retailer Join actually in order that your app aligns correctly with parental controls. In case your app is mis-rated, prospects is likely to be stunned by what they get, or it might set off an inquiry from authorities regulators. In case your app contains media that requires the show of content material rankings or warnings (e.g. movies, music, video games, and so on.), you might be liable for complying with native necessities in every territory the place your app is accessible.
    • 2.3.7 Select a novel app title, assign key phrases that precisely describe your app, and don’t attempt to pack any of your metadata with trademarked phrases, well-liked app names, pricing data, or different irrelevant phrases simply to recreation the system. App names have to be restricted to 30 characters. Metadata reminiscent of app names, subtitles, screenshots, and previews mustn’t embrace costs, phrases, or descriptions that aren’t particular to the metadata kind. App subtitles are a good way to offer extra context to your app; they need to observe our normal metadata guidelines and mustn’t embrace inappropriate content material, reference different apps, or make unverifiable product claims. Apple could modify inappropriate key phrases at any time or take different acceptable steps to stop abuse.
    • 2.3.8 Metadata needs to be acceptable for all audiences, so be sure your app and in-app buy icons, screenshots, and previews adhere to a 4+ age score even when your app is rated increased. For instance, in case your app is a recreation that features violence, choose photographs that don’t depict a ugly loss of life or a gun pointed at a particular character. Use of phrases like “For Children” and “For Youngsters” in app metadata is reserved for the Children Class. Keep in mind to make sure your metadata, together with app title and icons (small, massive, Apple Watch app, alternate icons, and so on.), are just like keep away from creating confusion.
    • 2.3.9 You’re liable for securing the rights to make use of all supplies in your app icons, screenshots, and previews, and it’s best to show fictional account data as a substitute of information from an actual particular person.
    • 2.3.10 Be sure your app is targeted on the iOS, Mac, Apple TV or Apple Watch expertise, and don’t embrace names, icons, or imagery of different cellular platforms in your app or metadata, except there’s particular, authorized interactive performance. Be sure your app metadata is targeted on the app itself and its expertise. Don’t embrace irrelevant data, together with however not restricted to details about Apple or the event course of.
    • 2.3.11 Apps you submit for pre-order on the App Retailer have to be full and deliverable as submitted. Be sure that the app you finally launch isn’t materially completely different from what you promote whereas the app is in a pre-order state. For those who make materials adjustments to the app (e.g. change enterprise fashions), it’s best to restart your pre-order gross sales.
    • 2.3.12 Apps should clearly describe new options and product adjustments of their “What’s New” textual content. Easy bug fixes, safety updates, and efficiency enhancements could depend on a generic description, however extra important adjustments have to be listed within the notes.
  • 2.4 {Hardware} Compatibility
    • 2.4.1 To make sure folks get essentially the most out of your app, iPhone apps ought to run on iPad each time attainable. We encourage you to contemplate constructing common apps so prospects can use them on all of their units. Study extra about Common apps.
    • 2.4.2 Design your app to make use of energy effectively and be utilized in a approach that doesn’t threat injury to the system. Apps mustn’t quickly drain battery, generate extreme warmth, or put pointless pressure on system sources. For instance, apps mustn’t encourage putting the system beneath a mattress or pillow whereas charging or carry out extreme write cycles to the stable state drive. Apps, together with any third-party ads displayed inside them, could not run unrelated background processes, reminiscent of cryptocurrency mining.
    • 2.4.3 Folks ought to have the ability to use your Apple TV app with out the necessity for {hardware} inputs past the Siri distant or third-party recreation controllers, however be happy to offer enhanced performance when different peripherals are linked. For those who require a recreation controller, ensure you clearly clarify that in your metadata so prospects know they want extra tools to play.
    • 2.4.4 Apps ought to by no means counsel or require a restart of the system or modifications to system settings unrelated to the core performance of the appliance. For instance, don’t encourage customers to show off Wi-Fi, disable security measures, and so on.
    • 2.4.5 Apps distributed by way of the Mac App Retailer have some extra necessities to bear in mind:
      • (i) They have to be appropriately sandboxed, and observe macOS File System Documentation. They need to additionally solely use the suitable macOS APIs for modifying consumer knowledge saved by different Apps (e.g. bookmarks, Tackle Ebook, or Calendar entries).
      • (ii) They have to be packaged and submitted utilizing applied sciences supplied in Xcode; no third-party installers allowed. They need to even be self-contained, single software set up bundles and can’t set up code or sources in shared places.
      • (iii) They could not auto-launch or produce other code run routinely at startup or login with out consent nor spawn processes that proceed to run with out consent after a consumer has give up the app. They need to not routinely add their icons to the Dock or go away brief cuts on the consumer desktop.
      • (iv) They could not obtain or set up standalone apps, kexts, extra code, or sources so as to add performance or considerably change the app from what we see through the assessment course of.
      • (v) They could not request escalation to root privileges or use setuid attributes.
      • (vi) They could not current a license display screen at launch, require license keys, or implement their very own copy safety.
      • (vii) They need to use the Mac App Retailer to distribute updates; different replace mechanisms usually are not allowed.
      • (viii) Apps ought to run on the presently delivery OS and will not use deprecated or optionally put in applied sciences (e.g. Java)
      • (ix) Apps should comprise all language and localization assist in a single app bundle.
  • 2.5 Software program Necessities
    • 2.5.1 Apps could solely use public APIs and should run on the presently delivery OS. Study extra about public APIs. Preserve your apps up-to-date and ensure you section out any deprecated options, frameworks or applied sciences that can now not be supported in future variations of an OS. Apps ought to use APIs and frameworks for his or her meant functions and point out that integration of their app description. For instance, the HomeKit framework ought to present house automation providers; and HealthKit needs to be used for well being and health functions and combine with the Well being app.
    • 2.5.2 Apps needs to be self-contained of their bundles, and will not learn or write knowledge outdoors the designated container space, nor could they obtain, set up, or execute code which introduces or adjustments options or performance of the app, together with different apps. Academic apps designed to show, develop, or enable college students to check executable code could, in restricted circumstances, obtain code supplied that such code isn’t used for different functions. Such apps should make the supply code supplied by the Utility fully viewable and editable by the consumer.
    • 2.5.3 Apps that transmit viruses, recordsdata, laptop code, or packages which will hurt or disrupt the traditional operation of the working system and/or {hardware} options, together with Push Notifications and Recreation Middle, can be rejected. Egregious violations and repeat habits will end in elimination from the Developer Program.
    • 2.5.4 Multitasking apps could solely use background providers for his or her meant functions: VoIP, audio playback, location, activity completion, native notifications, and so on. In case your app makes use of location background mode, embrace a reminder that doing so could dramatically lower battery life.
    • 2.5.5 Apps have to be absolutely practical on IPv6-only networks.
    • 2.5.6 Apps that browse the net should use the suitable WebKit framework and WebKit Javascript.
    • 2.5.7 Video streaming content material over a mobile community longer than 10 minutes should use HTTP Dwell Streaming and embrace a baseline 192 kbps HTTP Dwell stream.
    • 2.5.8 Apps that create alternate desktop/house display screen environments or simulate multi-app widget experiences can be rejected.
    • 2.5.9 Apps that alter or disable the features of normal switches, such because the Quantity Up/Down and Ring/Silent switches, or different native consumer interface parts or behaviors can be rejected. For instance, apps mustn’t block hyperlinks out to different apps or different options that customers would anticipate to work a sure approach. Study extra about buy ios installs.
    • 2.5.10 Apps shouldn’t be submitted with empty advert banners or check ads.
    • 2.5.11 SiriKit and Shortcuts
      • (i) Apps integrating SiriKit and Shortcuts ought to solely join intents they’ll deal with with out the assist of a further app and that customers would anticipate from the said performance. For instance, in case your app is a meal planning app, you shouldn’t incorporate an intent to begin a exercise, even when the app shares integration with a health app.
      • (ii) Be sure that the vocabulary and phrases in your plist pertains to your app and the Siri performance of the intents the app has registered for. Aliases should relate on to your app or firm title and shouldn’t be generic phrases or embrace third-party app names or providers.
      • (iii) Resolve the Siri request or Shortcut in essentially the most direct approach attainable and don’t insert adverts or different advertising and marketing between the request and its success. Solely request a disambiguation when required to finish the duty (e.g. asking the consumer to specify a selected kind of exercise).
    • 2.5.12 Apps utilizing CallKit or together with an SMS Fraud Extension ought to solely block telephone numbers which might be confirmed spam. Apps that embrace call-, SMS-, and MMS- blocking performance or spam identification should clearly establish these options of their advertising and marketing textual content and clarify the standards for his or her blocked and spam lists. You could not use the info accessed by way of these instruments for any function circuitously associated to working or bettering your app or extension (e.g. you could not use, share, or promote it for monitoring functions, creating consumer profiles, and so on.).
    • 2.5.13 Apps utilizing facial recognition for account authentication should use LocalAuthentication (and never ARKit or different facial recognition expertise) the place attainable, and should use an alternate authentication technique for customers beneath 13 years outdated.
    • 2.5.14 Apps should request specific consumer consent and supply a transparent visible and/or audible indication when recording, logging, or in any other case making a document of consumer exercise. This contains any use of the system digicam, microphone, display screen recordings, or different consumer inputs.
    • 2.5.15 Apps that allow customers to view and choose recordsdata ought to embrace objects from the Recordsdata app and the consumer’s iCloud paperwork.
    • 2.5.16 App Clips, widgets, extensions, and notifications needs to be associated to the content material and performance of your app. Moreover, all App Clip options and performance have to be included in the primary app binary. App Clips can’t comprise promoting.

3. Enterprise

There are lots of methods to monetize your app on the App Retailer. If your small business mannequin isn’t apparent, be sure to clarify in its metadata and App Evaluate notes. If we are able to’t perceive how your app works or your in-app purchases aren’t instantly apparent, it can delay your assessment and will set off a rejection. And whereas pricing is as much as you, we gained’t distribute apps and in-app buy objects which might be clear rip-offs. We’ll reject costly apps that attempt to cheat customers with irrationally excessive costs.

If we discover that you’ve got tried to govern critiques, inflate your chart rankings with paid, incentivized, filtered, or faux suggestions, or interact with third-party providers to take action in your behalf, we are going to take steps to protect the integrity of the App Retailer, which can embrace expelling you from the Developer Program.

  • 3.1 Funds
    • 3.1.1 In-App Buy:
      • If you wish to unlock options or performance inside your app, (by means of instance: subscriptions, in-game currencies, recreation ranges, entry to premium content material, or unlocking a full model), you will need to use in-app buy. Apps could not use their very own mechanisms to unlock content material or performance, reminiscent of license keys, augmented actuality markers, QR codes, and so on. Apps and their metadata could not embrace buttons, exterior hyperlinks, or different calls to motion that direct prospects to buying mechanisms apart from in-app buy.
      • Apps could use in-app buy currencies to allow prospects to “tip” the developer or digital content material suppliers within the app.
      • Any credit or in-game currencies bought by way of in-app buy could not expire, and it’s best to ensure you have a restore mechanism for any restorable in-app purchases.
      • Apps could allow gifting of things which might be eligible for in-app buy to others. Such items could solely be refunded to the unique purchaser and is probably not exchanged.
      • Apps distributed by way of the Mac App Retailer could host plug-ins or extensions which might be enabled with mechanisms apart from the App Retailer.
      • Apps providing “loot packing containers” or different mechanisms that present randomized digital objects for buy should disclose the percentages of receiving every kind of merchandise to prospects prior to buy.
      • Present playing cards, certificates, vouchers, and coupons which will be redeemed for digital items or providers can solely be bought in your app utilizing in-app buy.
      • Non-subscription apps could supply a free time-based trial interval earlier than presenting a full unlock choice by organising a Non-Consumable IAP merchandise at Worth Tier 0 that follows the naming conference: “XX-day Trial.” Previous to the beginning of the trial, your app should clearly establish its period, the content material or providers that can now not be accessible when the trial ends, and any downstream fees the consumer would want to pay for full performance. Study extra about managing content material entry and buy keyword installs ios.
    • 3.1.2 Subscriptions: Apps could supply auto-renewing in-app buy subscriptions, no matter class on the App Retailer. When incorporating auto-renewable subscriptions into your app, be sure you observe the rules beneath.
    • 3.1.2(a) Permissible makes use of: For those who supply an auto-renewing subscription, you will need to present ongoing worth to the shopper, and the subscription interval should final at the very least seven days and be obtainable throughout all the consumer’s units. Whereas the next record isn’t exhaustive, examples of acceptable subscriptions embrace: new recreation ranges; episodic content material; multiplayer assist; apps that supply constant, substantive updates; entry to massive collections of, or frequently up to date, media content material; software program as a service (“SAAS”); and cloud assist. As well as:
      • Subscriptions could also be supplied alongside a la carte choices (e.g. you could supply a subscription to a complete library of movies as nicely the acquisition or rental of a single film).
      • You could supply a single subscription that’s shared throughout your individual apps and providers.
      • Video games supplied in a streaming recreation service subscription could supply a single subscription that’s shared throughout third-party apps and providers; nevertheless, they have to be downloaded immediately from the App Retailer, have to be designed to keep away from duplicate cost by a subscriber, and mustn’t drawback non-subscriber prospects.
      • Subscriptions should work on all the consumer’s units the place the app is accessible. Study extra about ASO World app rating service.
      • Apps should not power customers to fee the app, assessment the app, obtain different apps, or different related actions in an effort to entry performance, content material, or use of the app.
      • As with all apps, these providing subscriptions ought to enable a consumer to get what they’ve paid for with out performing extra duties, reminiscent of posting on social media, importing contacts, checking in to the app a sure variety of occasions, and so on.
      • Subscriptions could embrace consumable credit, gems, in-game currencies, and so on., and you could supply subscriptions that embrace entry to discounted consumable items (e.g. a platinum membership that exposes gem-packs for a diminished worth).
      • If you’re altering your present app to a subscription-based enterprise mannequin, you shouldn’t take away the first performance present customers have already paid for. For instance, let prospects who’ve already bought a “full recreation unlock” proceed to entry the complete recreation after you introduce a subscription mannequin for brand spanking new prospects.
      • Auto-renewing subscription apps could supply a free trial interval to prospects by offering the related data set forth in App Retailer Join.
      • Apps that try to rip-off customers can be faraway from the App Retailer. This contains apps that try to trick customers into buying a subscription beneath false pretenses or interact in bait-and-switch and rip-off practices can be faraway from the App Retailer and you could be faraway from the Apple Developer Program.
      • Apps that supply auto-renewing music and video subscriptions with prior approval by Apple may additionally be included in pre-defined bundles with mobile knowledge plans supplied in mobile provider apps.
    • 3.1.2(b) Upgrades and Downgrades: Customers ought to have a seamless improve/downgrade expertise and shouldn’t be in a position to inadvertently subscribe to a number of variations of the identical factor. Evaluate greatest practices on managing your subscription improve and downgrade choices.
    • 3.1.2(c) Subscription Info: Earlier than asking a buyer to subscribe, it’s best to clearly describe what the consumer will get for the worth. What number of points monthly? How a lot cloud storage? What sort of entry to your service? Make sure you clearly talk the necessities described in Schedule 2 of the Apple Developer Program License Settlement, present in Agreements, Tax, and Banking.
    • 3.1.3 Different Buy Strategies: The next apps could use buy strategies apart from in-app buy. Apps on this part can’t, both inside the app or by way of communications despatched to factors of contact obtained from account registration inside the app (like electronic mail or textual content), encourage customers to make use of a buying technique apart from in-app buy.
    • 3.1.3(a) “Reader” Apps: Apps could enable a consumer to entry beforehand bought content material or content material subscriptions (particularly: magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video). Reader apps could supply account creation without cost tiers, and account administration performance for present prospects.
    • 3.1.3(b) Multiplatform Companies: Apps that function throughout a number of platforms could enable customers to entry content material, subscriptions, or options they’ve acquired in your app on different platforms or your web page, together with consumable objects in multi-platform video games, supplied these objects are additionally obtainable as in-app purchases inside the app.
    • 3.1.3(c) Enterprise Companies: In case your app is barely bought immediately by you to organizations or teams for his or her workers or college students (for instance skilled databases and classroom administration instruments), you could enable enterprise customers to entry previously-purchased content material or subscriptions. Client, single consumer, or household gross sales should use in-app buy.
    • 3.1.3(d) Particular person-to-Particular person Companies: In case your app permits the acquisition of realtime person-to-person providers between two people (for instance tutoring college students, medical consultations, actual property excursions, or health coaching), you could use buy strategies apart from in-app buy to gather these funds. One-to-few and one-to-many realtime providers should use in-app buy.
    • 3.1.3(e) Items and Companies Exterior of the App: In case your app permits folks to buy bodily items or providers that can be consumed outdoors of the app, you will need to use buy strategies apart from in-app buy to gather these funds, reminiscent of Apple Pay or conventional bank card entry.
    • 3.1.3(f) Free Stand-alone Apps: Free apps performing as a stand-alone companion to a paid internet primarily based software (eg. VOIP, Cloud Storage, E-mail Companies, Net Internet hosting) don’t want to make use of in-app buy, supplied there isn’t any buying contained in the app, or calls to motion for buy outdoors of the app.
    • 3.1.4 {Hardware}-Particular Content material: In restricted circumstances, reminiscent of when options are dependent upon particular {hardware} to perform, the app could unlock that performance with out utilizing in-app buy (e.g. an astronomy app that provides options when synced with a telescope). App options that work together with an authorized bodily product (reminiscent of a toy) on an elective foundation could unlock performance with out utilizing in-app buy, supplied that an in-app buy choice is accessible as nicely. You could not, nevertheless, require customers to buy unrelated merchandise or interact in promoting or advertising and marketing actions to unlock app performance.
    • 3.1.5 Cryptocurrencies:
      • (i) Wallets: Apps could facilitate digital forex storage, supplied they’re supplied by builders enrolled as a corporation.
      • (ii) Mining: Apps could not mine for cryptocurrencies except the processing is carried out off system (e.g. cloud-based mining).
      • (iii) Exchanges: Apps could facilitate transactions or transmissions of cryptocurrency on an authorized trade, supplied they’re supplied by the trade itself.
      • (iv) Preliminary Coin Choices: Apps facilitating Preliminary Coin Choices (“ICOs”), cryptocurrency futures buying and selling, and different crypto-securities or quasi-securities buying and selling should come from established banks, securities companies, futures fee retailers (“FCM”), or different authorized monetary establishments and should adjust to all relevant legislation.
      • (v) Cryptocurrency apps could not supply forex for finishing duties, reminiscent of downloading different apps, encouraging different customers to obtain, posting to social networks, and so on.
    • 3.1.6 Apple Pay: Apps utilizing Apple Pay should present all materials buy data to the consumer previous to sale of any good or service and should use Apple Pay branding and consumer interface parts accurately, as described within the Apple Pay Identification Tips and Human Interface Tips. Apps utilizing Apple Pay to supply recurring funds should, at a minimal, disclose the next data:
      • The size of the renewal time period and the truth that it can proceed till canceled
      • What can be supplied throughout every interval
      • The precise fees that can be billed to the shopper
      • The way to cancel
    • 3.1.7 Promoting: Show promoting needs to be restricted to your essential app executable, and shouldn’t be included in extensions, App Clips, widgets, notifications, keyboards, watchOS apps, and so on. Adverts displayed in an app have to be acceptable for the app’s age score, enable the consumer to see all data used to focus on them for that advert (with out requiring the consumer to go away the app), and will not interact in focused or behavioral promoting primarily based on delicate consumer knowledge reminiscent of well being/medical knowledge (e.g. from the HealthKit APIs), faculty and classroom knowledge (e.g. from ClassKit), or from children (e.g. from apps within the Children Class), and so on. Interstitial adverts or adverts that interrupt or block the consumer expertise should clearly point out that they’re an advert, should not manipulate or trick customers into tapping into them, and should present simply accessible and visual shut/skip buttons massive sufficient for folks to simply dismiss the advert.
  • 3.2 Different Enterprise Mannequin PointsThe lists beneath usually are not exhaustive, and your submission could set off a change or replace to our insurance policies, however listed below are some extra dos and don’ts to bear in mind:
    • 3.2.1 Acceptable
      • (i) Displaying your individual apps for buy or promotion inside your app, supplied the app isn’t merely a catalog of your apps.
      • (ii) Displaying or recommending a set of third-party apps which might be designed for a particular authorized want (e.g. well being administration, aviation, accessibility). Your app ought to present sturdy editorial content material in order that it doesn’t look like a mere storefront.
      • (iii) Disabling entry to particular authorized rental content material (e.g. movies, tv packages, music, books) after the rental interval has expired; all different objects and providers could not expire.
      • (iv) Pockets passes can be utilized to make or obtain funds, transmit gives, or supply identification (reminiscent of film tickets, coupons, and VIP credentials). Different makes use of could end result within the rejection of the app and the revocation of Pockets credentials.
      • (v) Insurance coverage apps have to be free, in legal-compliance within the areas distributed, and can’t use in-app buy.
      • (vi) Authorised nonprofits could fundraise immediately inside their very own apps or third-party apps, supplied these fundraising campaigns adhere to all App Evaluate Tips and supply Apple Pay assist. These apps should disclose how the funds can be used, abide by all required native and federal legal guidelines, and guarantee acceptable tax receipts can be found to donors. Extra data shall be supplied to App Evaluate upon request. Nonprofit platforms that join donors to different nonprofits should make sure that each nonprofit listed within the app has additionally gone by way of the nonprofit approval course of.
      • (vii) Apps could allow particular person customers to provide a financial present to a different particular person with out utilizing in-app buy, supplied that (a) the present is a totally elective selection by the giver, and (b) 100% of the funds go to the receiver of the present. Nevertheless, a present that’s linked to or related at any cut-off date with receiving digital content material or providers should use in-app buy.
      • (viii) Apps used for monetary buying and selling, investing, or cash administration ought to come from the monetary establishment performing such providers.
    • 3.2.2 Unacceptable
      • (i) Creating an interface for displaying third-party apps, extensions, or plug-ins just like the App Retailer or as a general-interest assortment.
      • (ii) Monetizing built-in capabilities supplied by the {hardware} or working system, reminiscent of Push Notifications, the digicam, or the gyroscope; or Apple providers, reminiscent of Apple Music entry or iCloud storage.
      • (iii) Artificially rising the variety of impressions or click-throughs of adverts, in addition to apps which might be designed predominantly for the show of adverts.
      • (iv) Until you might be an authorized nonprofit or in any other case permitted beneath Part 3.2.1 (vi) above, amassing funds inside the app for charities and fundraisers. Apps that search to boost cash for such causes have to be free on the App Retailer and will solely acquire funds outdoors of the app, reminiscent of by way of Safari or SMS.
      • (v) Arbitrarily limiting who could use the app, reminiscent of by location or provider.
      • (vi) Apps ought to enable a consumer to get what they’ve paid for with out performing extra duties, reminiscent of posting on social media, importing contacts, checking in to the app a sure variety of occasions, and so on. Apps mustn’t require customers to fee the app, assessment the app, watch movies, obtain different apps, faucet on ads, allow monitoring, or take different related actions in an effort to entry performance, content material, use the app, or obtain financial or different compensation, together with however not restricted to present playing cards and codes.
      • (vii) Artificially manipulating a consumer’s visibility, standing, or rank on different providers except permitted by that service’s Phrases and Circumstances.
      • (viii) Apps that facilitate binary choices buying and selling usually are not permitted on the App Retailer. Take into account an online app as a substitute. Apps that facilitate buying and selling in contracts for distinction (“CFDs”) or different derivatives (e.g. FOREX) have to be correctly licensed in all jurisdictions the place the service is accessible.
      • (ix) Apps providing private loans should clearly and conspicuously disclose all mortgage phrases, together with however not restricted to equal most Annual Proportion Fee (APR) and cost due date. Apps could not cost a most APR increased than 36%, together with prices and costs, and will not require reimbursement in full in 60 days or much less.

4. Design

Apple prospects place a excessive worth on merchandise which might be easy, refined, progressive, and simple to make use of, and that’s what we need to see on the App Retailer. Developing with an important design is as much as you, however the next are minimal requirements for approval to the App Retailer. And do not forget that even after your app has been authorized, it’s best to replace your app to make sure it stays practical and interesting to new and present prospects. Apps that cease working or supply a degraded expertise could also be faraway from the App Retailer at any time.

  • 4.1 CopycatsProvide you with your individual concepts. We all know you may have them, so make yours come to life. Don’t merely copy the most recent well-liked app on the App Retailer, or make some minor adjustments to a different app’s title or UI and go it off as your individual. Along with risking an mental property infringement declare, it makes the App Retailer tougher to navigate and simply isn’t honest to your fellow builders.
  • 4.2 Minimal PerformanceYour app ought to embrace options, content material, and UI that elevate it past a repackaged web site. In case your app isn’t notably helpful, distinctive, or “app-like,” it doesn’t belong on the App Retailer. In case your App doesn’t present some form of lasting leisure worth, it is probably not accepted. Apps which might be merely a track or film needs to be submitted to the iTunes Retailer. Apps which might be merely a guide or recreation information needs to be submitted to the Apple Books Retailer.
    • 4.2.1 Apps utilizing ARKit ought to present wealthy and built-in augmented actuality experiences; merely dropping a mannequin into an AR view or replaying animation isn’t sufficient.
    • 4.2.2 Aside from catalogs, apps shouldn’t primarily be advertising and marketing supplies, ads, internet clippings, content material aggregators, or a set of hyperlinks.
    • 4.2.3
      • (i) Your app ought to work by itself with out requiring set up of one other app to perform.
      • (ii) Be sure you embrace enough content material within the binary for the app to perform at launch.
      • (iii) In case your app must obtain extra sources in an effort to perform on preliminary launch, disclose the dimensions of the obtain and immediate customers earlier than doing so.
    • 4.2.4 Apple Watch apps that seem like a watch face are complicated, as a result of folks will anticipate them to work with system options reminiscent of swipes, notifications, and third-party issues. Artistic methods of expressing time as an app interface is nice (say, a tide clock for surfers), but when your app comes too near resembling a watch face, we are going to reject it.
    • 4.2.5 Apps which might be primarily iCloud and iCloud Drive file managers want to incorporate extra app performance to be authorized.
    • 4.2.6 Apps created from a commercialized template or app technology service can be rejected except they’re submitted immediately by the supplier of the app’s content material. These providers mustn’t submit apps on behalf of their purchasers and will supply instruments that permit their purchasers create custom-made, progressive apps that present distinctive buyer experiences. One other acceptable choice for template suppliers is to create a single binary to host all consumer content material in an aggregated or “picker” mannequin, for instance as a restaurant finder app with separate custom-made entries or pages for every consumer restaurant, or as an occasion app with separate entries for every consumer occasion.
    • 4.2.7 Distant Desktop Shoppers: In case your distant desktop app acts as a mirror of particular software program or providers slightly than a generic mirror of the host system, it should adjust to the next:
      • (a) The app should solely hook up with a user-owned host system that could be a private laptop or devoted recreation console owned by the consumer, and each the host system and consumer have to be linked on an area and LAN-based community.
      • (b) Any software program or providers showing within the consumer are absolutely executed on the host system, rendered on the display screen of the host system, and will not use APIs or platform options past what’s required to stream the Distant Desktop.
      • (c) All account creation and administration have to be initiated from the host system.
      • (d) The UI showing on the consumer doesn’t resemble an iOS or App Retailer view, doesn’t present a store-like interface, or embrace the flexibility to browse, choose, or buy software program not already owned or licensed by the consumer. For the sake of readability, transactions going down inside mirrored software program don’t want to make use of in-app buy, supplied the transactions are processed on the host system.
      • (e) Skinny purchasers for cloud-based apps usually are not acceptable for the App Retailer.
  • 4.3 SpamDon’t create a number of Bundle IDs of the identical app. In case your app has completely different variations for particular places, sports activities groups, universities, and so on., think about submitting a single app and supply the variations utilizing in-app buy. Additionally keep away from piling on to a class that’s already saturated; the App Retailer has sufficient fart, burp, flashlight, fortune telling, relationship, and Kama Sutra apps, and so on. already. We are going to reject these apps except they supply a novel, high-quality expertise. Spamming the shop could result in your elimination from the Developer Program.
  • 4.4 ExtensionsApps internet hosting or containing extensions should adjust to the App Extension Programming Information or the Safari App Extensions Information and will embrace some performance, reminiscent of assist screens and settings interfaces the place attainable. It’s best to clearly and precisely disclose what extensions are made obtainable within the app’s advertising and marketing textual content, and the extensions could not embrace advertising and marketing, promoting, or in-app purchases.
    • 4.4.1 Keyboard extensions have some extra guidelines.
      They need to:

      • Present keyboard enter performance (e.g. typed characters);
      • Observe Sticker pointers if the keyboard contains photographs or emoji;
      • Present a technique for progressing to the following keyboard;
      • Stay practical with out full community entry and with out requiring full entry;
      • Acquire consumer exercise solely to boost the performance of the consumer’s keyboard extension on the iOS system.

      They need to not:

      • Launch different apps in addition to Settings; or
      • Repurpose keyboard buttons for different behaviors (e.g. holding down the “return” key to launch the digicam).
    • 4.4.2 Safari extensions should run on the present model of Safari on macOS. They could not intrude with System or Safari UI parts and mustn’t ever embrace malicious or deceptive content material or code. Violating this rule will result in elimination from the Developer Program. Safari extensions mustn’t declare entry to extra web sites than strictly essential to perform.
    • 4.4.3 StickersStickers are a good way to make Messages extra dynamic and enjoyable, letting folks categorical themselves in intelligent, humorous, significant methods. Whether or not your app incorporates a sticker extension otherwise you’re creating free-standing sticker packs, its content material shouldn’t offend customers, create a detrimental expertise, or violate the legislation.
      • (i) Typically, if it wouldn’t be appropriate for the App Retailer, it doesn’t belong in a sticker.
      • (ii) Take into account regional sensitivities, and don’t make your sticker pack obtainable in a rustic the place it might be poorly obtained or violate native legislation.
      • (iii) If we don’t perceive what your stickers imply, embrace a transparent rationalization in your assessment notes to keep away from any delays within the assessment course of.
      • (iv) Guarantee your stickers have relevance past your family and friends; they shouldn’t be particular to non-public occasions, teams, or relationships.
      • (v) You could have all the mandatory copyright, trademark, publicity rights, and permissions for the content material in your stickers, and shouldn’t submit something except you’re approved to take action. Understand that you will need to have the ability to present verifiable documentation upon request. Apps with sticker content material you don’t have rights to make use of can be faraway from the App Retailer and repeat offenders can be faraway from the Developer Program. For those who imagine your content material has been infringed by one other supplier, submit a declare right here.
  • 4.5 Apple Websites and Companies
    • 4.5.1 Apps could use authorized Apple RSS feeds such because the iTunes Retailer RSS feed, however could not scrape any data from Apple websites (e.g. apple.com, the iTunes Retailer, App Retailer, App Retailer Join, developer portal, and so on.) or create rankings utilizing this data.
    • 4.5.2 Apple Music
      • (i) MusicKit on iOS lets customers play Apple Music and their native music library natively out of your apps and video games. When a consumer offers permission to their Apple Music account, your app can create playlists, add songs to their library, and play any of the thousands and thousands of songs within the Apple Music catalog. Customers should provoke the playback of an Apple Music stream and have the ability to navigate utilizing normal media controls reminiscent of “play,” “pause,” and “skip.” Furthermore, your app could not require cost or not directly monetize entry to the Apple Music service (e.g. in-app buy, promoting, requesting consumer information, and so on.). Don’t obtain, add, or allow sharing of music recordsdata sourced from the MusicKit APIs, besides as explicitly permitted in MusicKit documentation.
      • (ii) Utilizing the MusicKit APIs isn’t a alternative for securing the licenses you would possibly want for a deeper or extra advanced music integration. For instance, if you need your app to play a particular track at a selected second, or to create audio or video recordsdata that may be shared to social media, you’ll have to contact rights-holders on to get their permission (e.g. synchronization or adaptation rights) and belongings. Cowl artwork and different metadata could solely be utilized in reference to music playback or playlists (together with App Retailer screenshots displaying your app’s performance), and shouldn’t be utilized in any advertising and marketing or promoting with out getting particular authorization from rights-holders. Be sure to observe the Apple Music Identification Tips when integrating Apple Music providers in your app.
      • (iii) Apps that entry Apple Music consumer knowledge, reminiscent of playlists and favorites, should clearly disclose this entry within the function string. Any knowledge collected is probably not shared with third events for any function apart from supporting or bettering the app expertise. This knowledge is probably not used to establish customers or units, or to focus on promoting.
    • 4.5.3 Don’t use Apple Companies to spam, phish, or ship unsolicited messages to prospects, together with Recreation Middle, Push Notifications, and so on. Don’t try to reverse lookup, hint, relate, affiliate, mine, harvest, or in any other case exploit Participant IDs, aliases, or different data obtained by way of Recreation Middle, or you may be faraway from the Developer Program.
    • 4.5.4 Push Notifications should not be required for the app to perform, and shouldn’t be used to ship delicate private or confidential data. Push Notifications shouldn’t be used for promotions or direct advertising and marketing functions except prospects have explicitly opted in to obtain them by way of consent language displayed in your app’s UI, and also you present a technique in your app for a consumer to decide out from receiving such messages. Abuse of those providers could end in revocation of your privileges.
    • 4.5.5 Solely use Recreation Middle Participant IDs in a way authorized by the Recreation Middle phrases and don’t show them within the app or to any third occasion.
    • 4.5.6 Apps could use Unicode characters that render as Apple emoji of their app and app metadata. Apple emoji is probably not used on different platforms or embedded immediately in your app binary.
  • 4.6 Alternate App IconsApps could show custom-made icons, for instance, to replicate a sports activities workforce choice, supplied that every change is initiated by the consumer and the app contains settings to revert to the unique icon. All icon variants should relate to the content material of the app and adjustments needs to be constant throughout all system belongings, in order that the icons displayed in Settings, Notifications, and so on. match the brand new springboard icon. This characteristic is probably not used for dynamic, computerized, or serial adjustments, reminiscent of to replicate up-to-date climate data, calendar notifications, and so on.
  • 4.7 HTML5 Video games, Bots, and so on.Apps could comprise or run code that isn’t embedded within the binary (e.g. HTML5-based video games, bots, and so on.), so long as code distribution isn’t the primary function of the app, the code isn’t supplied in a retailer or store-like interface, and supplied that the software program (1) is free or bought utilizing in-app buy; (2) solely makes use of capabilities obtainable in a normal WebKit view (e.g. it should open and run natively in Safari with out modifications or extra software program); your app should use WebKit and JavaScript Core to run third-party software program and mustn’t try to increase or expose native platform APIs to third-party software program; (3) is obtainable by builders which have joined the Apple Developer Program and signed the Apple Developer Program License Settlement; (4) doesn’t present entry to actual cash gaming, lotteries, or charitable donations; (5) adheres to the phrases of those App Evaluate Tips (e.g. doesn’t embrace objectionable content material); and (6) doesn’t supply digital items or providers on the market. Upon request, you will need to present an index of software program and metadata obtainable in your app. It should embrace Apple Developer Program Staff IDs for the suppliers of the software program together with a URL which App Evaluate can use to verify that the software program complies with the necessities above.
  • 4.8 Check in with AppleApps that use a third-party or social login service (reminiscent of Fb Login, Google Signal-In, Check in with Twitter, Signal In with LinkedIn, Login with Amazon, or WeChat Login) to arrange or authenticate the consumer’s main account with the app should additionally supply Check in with Apple as an equal choice. A consumer’s main account is the account they set up together with your app for the needs of figuring out themselves, signing in, and accessing your options and related providers.Check in with Apple isn’t required if:
    • Your app solely makes use of your organization’s personal account setup and sign-in programs.
    • Your app is an schooling, enterprise, or enterprise app that requires the consumer to sign up with an present schooling or enterprise account.
    • Your app makes use of a authorities or industry-backed citizen identification system or digital ID to authenticate customers.
    • Your app is a consumer for a particular third-party service and customers are required to sign up to their mail, social media, or different third-party account on to entry their content material.
  • 4.9 Streaming video gamesStreaming video games are permitted as long as they adhere to all pointers — for instance, every recreation replace have to be submitted for assessment, builders should present acceptable metadata for search, video games should use in-app buy to unlock options or performance, and so on. In fact, there’s at all times the open Web and internet browser apps to succeed in all customers outdoors of the App Retailer.
    • 4.9.1 Every streaming recreation have to be submitted to the App Retailer as a person app in order that it has an App Retailer product web page, seems in charts and search, has consumer rankings and assessment, will be managed with ScreenTime and different parental management apps, seems on the consumer’s system, and so on.
    • 4.9.2 Streaming recreation providers could supply a catalog app on the App Retailer to assist customers join the service and discover the video games on the App Retailer, supplied that the app adheres to all pointers, together with providing customers the choice to pay for a subscription with in-app buy and use Check in with Apple. All of the video games included within the catalog app should hyperlink to a person App Retailer product web page.

Apps should adjust to all authorized necessities in any location the place you make them obtainable (in the event you’re unsure, verify with a lawyer). We all know these things is difficult, however it’s your duty to grasp and ensure your app conforms with all native legal guidelines, not simply the rules beneath. And naturally, apps that solicit, promote, or encourage legal or clearly reckless habits can be rejected. In excessive circumstances, reminiscent of apps which might be discovered to facilitate human trafficking and/or the exploitation of youngsters, acceptable authorities can be notified.

  • 5.1 PrivatenessDefending consumer privateness is paramount within the Apple ecosystem, and it’s best to use care when dealing with private knowledge to make sure you’ve complied with privateness greatest practices, relevant legal guidelines and the phrases of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, to not point out buyer expectations. Extra notably:
    • 5.1.1 Information Assortment and Storage
      • (i) Privateness Insurance policies: All apps should embrace a hyperlink to their privateness coverage within the App Retailer Join metadata subject and inside the app in an simply accessible method. The privateness coverage should clearly and explicitly:
        • Determine what knowledge, if any, the app/service collects, the way it collects that knowledge, and all makes use of of that knowledge.
        • Affirm that any third occasion with whom an app shares consumer knowledge (in compliance with these Tips) — reminiscent of analytics instruments, promoting networks and third-party SDKs, in addition to any guardian, subsidiary or different associated entities that can have entry to consumer knowledge — will present the identical or equal safety of consumer knowledge as said within the app’s privateness coverage and required by these Tips.
        • Clarify its knowledge retention/deletion insurance policies and describe how a consumer can revoke consent and/or request deletion of the consumer’s knowledge.
      • (ii) Permission Apps that acquire consumer or utilization knowledge should safe consumer consent for the gathering, even when such knowledge is taken into account to be nameless on the time of or instantly following assortment. Paid performance should not be depending on or require a consumer to grant entry to this knowledge. Apps should additionally present the shopper with an simply accessible and comprehensible technique to withdraw consent. Guarantee your function strings clearly and fully describe your use of the info. Apps that acquire knowledge for a reputable curiosity with out consent by counting on the phrases of the European Union’s Basic Information Safety Regulation (“GDPR”) or related statute should adjust to all phrases of that legislation.
      • (iii) Information Minimization: Apps ought to solely request entry to knowledge related to the core performance of the app and will solely acquire and use knowledge that’s required to perform the related activity. The place attainable, use the out-of-process picker or a share sheet slightly than requesting full entry to protected sources like Images or Contacts.
      • (iv) Entry: Apps should respect the consumer’s permission settings and never try to govern, trick, or power folks to consent to pointless knowledge entry. For instance, apps that embrace the flexibility to put up images to a social community should not additionally require microphone entry earlier than permitting the consumer to add images. The place attainable, present various options for customers who don’t grant consent. For instance, if a consumer declines to share Location, supply the flexibility to manually enter an tackle.
      • (v) Account Signal-In: In case your app doesn’t embrace important account-based options, let folks use it with out a log-in. Apps could not require customers to enter private data to perform, besides when immediately related to the core performance of the app or required by legislation. In case your core app performance isn’t associated to a particular social community (e.g. Fb, WeChat, Weibo, Twitter, and so on.), you will need to present entry with out a login or by way of one other mechanism. Pulling primary profile data, sharing to the social community, or inviting associates to make use of the app usually are not thought of core app performance. The app should additionally embrace a mechanism to revoke social community credentials and disable knowledge entry between the app and social community from inside the app. An app could not retailer credentials or tokens to social networks off of the system and will solely use such credentials or tokens to immediately hook up with the social community from the app itself whereas the app is in use.
      • (vi) Builders that use their apps to surreptitiously uncover passwords or different non-public knowledge can be faraway from the Developer Program.
      • (vii) SafariViewController have to be used to visibly current data to customers; the controller is probably not hidden or obscured by different views or layers. Moreover, an app could not use SafariViewController to trace customers with out their data and consent.
      • (viii) Apps that compile private data from any supply that isn’t immediately from the consumer or with out the consumer’s specific consent, even public databases, usually are not permitted on the App Retailer.
      • (ix) Apps that present providers in highly-regulated fields (reminiscent of banking and monetary providers, healthcare, playing, and air journey) or that require delicate consumer data needs to be submitted by a authorized entity that gives the providers, and never by a person developer.
    • 5.1.2 Information Use and Sharing
      • (i) Until in any other case permitted by legislation, you could not use, transmit, or share somebody’s private knowledge with out first acquiring their permission. You could present entry to details about how and the place the info can be used. Information collected from apps could solely be shared with third events to enhance the app or serve promoting (in compliance with the Apple Developer Program License Settlement). You could obtain specific permission from customers by way of the App Monitoring Transparency APIs to trace their exercise. Study extra about monitoring. Apps that share consumer knowledge with out consumer consent or in any other case complying with knowledge privateness legal guidelines could also be faraway from sale and will end in your elimination from the Apple Developer Program.
      • (ii) Information collected for one function is probably not repurposed with out additional consent except in any other case explicitly permitted by legislation.
      • (iii) Apps mustn’t try to surreptitiously construct a consumer profile primarily based on collected knowledge and will not try, facilitate, or encourage others to establish nameless customers or reconstruct consumer profiles primarily based on knowledge collected from Apple-provided APIs or any knowledge that you simply say has been collected in an “anonymized,” “aggregated,” or in any other case non-identifiable approach.
      • (iv) Don’t use data from Contacts, Images, or different APIs that entry consumer knowledge to construct a contact database to your personal use or on the market/distribution to 3rd events, and don’t acquire details about which different apps are put in on a consumer’s system for the needs of analytics or promoting/advertising and marketing.
      • (v) Don’t contact folks utilizing data collected by way of a consumer’s Contacts or Images, besides on the specific initiative of that consumer on an individualized foundation; don’t embrace a Choose All choice or default the choice of all contacts. You could present the consumer with a transparent description of how the message will seem to the recipient earlier than sending it (e.g. What’s going to the message say? Who will seem like the sender?).
      • (vi) Information gathered from the HomeKit API, HealthKit, Scientific Well being Information API, MovementDisorder APIs, ClassKit or from depth and/or facial mapping instruments (e.g. ARKit, Digicam APIs, or Photograph APIs) is probably not used for advertising and marketing, promoting or use-based knowledge mining, together with by third events. Study extra about greatest practices for implementing CallKit, HealthKit, ClassKit, and ARKit.
      • (vii) Apps utilizing Apple Pay could solely share consumer knowledge acquired by way of Apple Pay with third events to facilitate or enhance supply of products and providers.
    • 5.1.3 Well being and Well being AnalysisWell being, health, and medical knowledge are particularly delicate and apps on this house have some extra guidelines to ensure buyer privateness is protected:
      • (i) Apps could not use or disclose to 3rd events knowledge gathered within the well being, health, and medical analysis context—together with from the Scientific Well being Information API, HealthKit API, Movement and Health, MovementDisorderAPIs, or health-related human topic analysis—for promoting, advertising and marketing, or different use-based knowledge mining functions apart from bettering well being administration, or for the aim of well being analysis, after which solely with permission. Apps could, nevertheless, use a consumer’s well being or health knowledge to offer a profit on to that consumer (reminiscent of a diminished insurance coverage premium), supplied that the app is submitted by the entity offering the profit, and the info isn’t be shared with a 3rd occasion. You could disclose the precise well being knowledge that you’re amassing from the system.
      • (ii) Apps should not write false or inaccurate knowledge into HealthKit or another medical analysis or well being administration apps, and will not retailer private well being data in iCloud.
      • (iii) Apps conducting health-related human topic analysis should acquire consent from contributors or, within the case of minors, their guardian or guardian. Such consent should embrace the (a) nature, function, and period of the analysis; (b) procedures, dangers, and advantages to the participant; (c) details about confidentiality and dealing with of information (together with any sharing with third events); (d) a degree of contact for participant questions; and (e) the withdrawal course of.
      • (iv) Apps conducting health-related human topic analysis should safe approval from an unbiased ethics assessment board. Proof of such approval have to be supplied upon request.
    • 5.1.4 ChildrenFor a lot of causes, it’s vital to make use of care when coping with private knowledge from children, and we encourage you to fastidiously assessment all the necessities for complying with legal guidelines just like the Youngsters’s On-line Privateness Safety Act (“COPPA”), the European Union’s Basic Information Safety Regulation (“GDPR”), and another relevant rules or legal guidelines.Apps could ask for birthdate and parental contact data just for the aim of complying with these statutes, however should embrace some helpful performance or leisure worth no matter an individual’s age.Apps meant primarily for youths mustn’t embrace third-party analytics or third-party promoting. This offers a safer expertise for youths. In restricted circumstances, third-party analytics and third-party promoting could also be permitted supplied that the providers adhere to the identical phrases set forth in Guideline 1.3.Furthermore, apps within the Children Class or those who acquire, transmit, or have the potential to share private data (e.g. title, tackle, electronic mail, location, images, movies, drawings, the flexibility to talk, different private knowledge, or persistent identifiers utilized in mixture with any of the above) from a minor should embrace a privateness coverage and should adjust to all relevant youngsters’s privateness statutes. For the sake of readability, the parental gate requirement for the Child’s Class is mostly not the identical as securing parental consent to gather private knowledge beneath these privateness statutes.

      As a reminder, Guideline 2.3.8 requires that use of phrases like “For Children” and “For Youngsters” in app metadata is reserved for the Children Class. Apps not within the Children Class can’t embrace any phrases in app title, subtitle, icon, screenshots or description that suggest the primary viewers for the app is youngsters.

    • 5.1.5 Location CompaniesUse Location providers in your app solely when it’s immediately related to the options and providers supplied by the app. Location-based APIs shouldn’t be used to offer emergency providers or autonomous management over automobiles, plane, and different units, aside from small units reminiscent of light-weight drones and toys, or distant management automobile alarm programs, and so on. Be sure that you notify and procure consent earlier than amassing, transmitting, or utilizing location knowledge. In case your app makes use of location providers, be sure you clarify the aim in your app; consult with the Human Interface Tips for greatest practices on doing so.
  • 5.2 Mental PropertyBe sure your app solely contains content material that you simply created or that you’ve got a license to make use of. Your app could also be eliminated in the event you’ve stepped over the road and used content material with out permission. In fact, this additionally means another person’s app could also be eliminated in the event that they’ve “borrowed” out of your work. For those who imagine your mental property has been infringed by one other developer on the App Retailer, submit a declare by way of our internet type. Legal guidelines differ in several nations, however on the very least, be sure to keep away from the next widespread errors:
    • 5.2.1 Typically: Don’t use protected third-party materials reminiscent of emblems, copyrighted works, or patented concepts in your app with out permission, and don’t embrace deceptive, false, or copycat representations, names, or metadata in your app bundle or developer title. Apps needs to be submitted by the particular person or authorized entity that owns or has licensed the mental property and different related rights.
    • 5.2.2 Third-Get together Websites/Companies: In case your app makes use of, accesses, monetizes entry to, or shows content material from a third-party service, guarantee that you’re particularly permitted to take action beneath the service’s phrases of use. Authorization have to be supplied upon request.
    • 5.2.3 Audio/Video Downloading: Apps mustn’t facilitate unlawful file sharing or embrace the flexibility to save lots of, convert, or obtain media from third-party sources (e.g. Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo, and so on.) with out specific authorization from these sources. Streaming of audio/video content material may additionally violate Phrases of Use, so be sure you verify earlier than your app accesses these providers. Documentation have to be supplied upon request.
    • 5.2.4 Apple Endorsements: Don’t counsel or suggest that Apple is a supply or provider of the App, or that Apple endorses any specific illustration relating to high quality or performance. In case your app is chosen as an “Editor’s Alternative,” Apple will apply the badge routinely.
    • 5.2.5 Apple Merchandise: Don’t create an app that seems confusingly just like an present Apple product, interface (e.g. Finder), app (such because the App Retailer, iTunes Retailer, or Messages) or promoting theme. Apps and extensions, together with third-party keyboards and Sticker packs, could not embrace Apple emoji. iTunes music previews is probably not used for his or her leisure worth (e.g. because the background music to a photograph collage or the soundtrack to a recreation) or in another unauthorized method. In case your app shows Exercise rings, they need to not visualize Transfer, Train, or Stand knowledge in a approach that resembles the Exercise management. The Human Interface Tips have extra data on tips on how to use Exercise rings.
  • 5.3 Gaming, Playing, and LotteriesPlaying, gaming, and lotteries will be tough to handle and are typically probably the most regulated choices on the App Retailer. Solely embrace this performance in the event you’ve absolutely vetted your authorized obligations in every single place you make your app obtainable and are ready for further time through the assessment course of. Some issues to bear in mind:
    • 5.3.1 Sweepstakes and contests have to be sponsored by the developer of the app.
    • 5.3.2 Official guidelines for sweepstakes, contests, and raffles have to be offered within the app and clarify that Apple isn’t a sponsor or concerned within the exercise in any method.
    • 5.3.3 Apps could not use in-app buy to buy credit score or forex to be used along side actual cash gaming of any form, and will not allow folks to buy lottery or raffle tickets or provoke fund transfers within the app.
    • 5.3.4 Apps that supply actual cash gaming (e.g. sports activities betting, poker, on line casino video games, horse racing) or lotteries should have obligatory licensing and permissions within the places the place the App is used, have to be geo-restricted to these places, and have to be free on the App Retailer. Unlawful playing aids, together with card counters, usually are not permitted on the App Retailer. Lottery apps should have consideration, likelihood, and a prize.
  • 5.4 VPN AppsApps providing VPN providers should make the most of the NEVPNManager API and will solely be supplied by builders enrolled as a corporation. You could make a transparent declaration of what consumer knowledge can be collected and the way it will likely be used on an app display screen previous to any consumer motion to buy or in any other case use the service. Apps providing VPN providers could not promote, use, or disclose to 3rd events any knowledge for any function, and should decide to this of their privateness coverage. VPN apps should not violate native legal guidelines, and in the event you select to make your VPN app obtainable in a territory that requires a VPN license, you will need to present your license data within the App Evaluate Notes subject. Parental management, content material blocking, and safety apps, amongst others, from authorized suppliers may additionally use the NEVPNManager API. Apps that don’t adjust to this guideline can be faraway from the App Retailer and you could be faraway from the Apple Developer Program.
  • 5.5 Cell Machine AdministrationCell Machine Administration Apps that supply Cell Machine Administration (MDM) providers should request this functionality from Apple. Such apps could solely be supplied by business enterprises (reminiscent of enterprise organizations, instructional establishments, or authorities businesses), and in restricted circumstances, firms utilizing MDM for parental management providers or system safety. You could make a transparent declaration of what consumer knowledge can be collected and the way it will likely be used on an app display screen previous to any consumer motion to buy or in any other case use the service. MDM apps should not violate any relevant legal guidelines. Apps providing MDM providers could not promote, use, or disclose to 3rd events any knowledge for any function, and should decide to this of their privateness coverage. In restricted circumstances, third-party analytics could also be permitted supplied that the providers solely acquire or transmit knowledge in regards to the efficiency of the developer’s MDM app, and never any knowledge in regards to the consumer, the consumer’s system, or different apps used on that system. Apps providing configuration profiles should additionally adhere to those necessities. Apps that don’t adjust to this guideline can be faraway from the App Retailer and you could be faraway from the Apple Developer Program.
  • 5.6 Developer Code of ConductPlease deal with everybody with respect, whether or not in your responses to App Retailer critiques, buyer assist requests, or when speaking with Apple, together with your responses in Decision Middle. Don’t interact in harassment of any form, discriminatory practices, intimidation, bullying, and don’t encourage others to have interaction in any of the above.Buyer belief is the cornerstone of the App Retailer’s success. Apps ought to by no means prey on customers or try to rip-off prospects, trick them into making undesirable purchases, power them to share pointless knowledge, elevate costs in a tough method, cost for options or content material that aren’t delivered, or interact in another manipulative practices inside or outdoors of the app.
    • 5.6.1 App Retailer CritiquesApp Retailer buyer critiques will be an integral a part of the app expertise, so it’s best to deal with prospects with respect when responding to their feedback. Preserve your responses focused to the consumer’s feedback and don’t embrace private data, spam, or advertising and marketing in your response.Use the supplied API to immediate customers to assessment your app; this performance permits prospects to offer an App Retailer score and assessment with out the inconvenience of leaving your app, and we are going to disallow customized assessment prompts.

After You Submit

When you’ve submitted your app and metadata in App Retailer Join and also you’re within the assessment course of, listed below are some issues to bear in mind:

  • Timing: App Evaluate will look at your app as quickly as we are able to. Nevertheless, in case your app is advanced or presents new points, it might require better scrutiny and consideration. And do not forget that in case your app is repeatedly rejected for a similar guideline violation otherwise you’ve tried to govern the App Evaluate course of, assessment of your app will take longer to finish. Study extra about App Review.
  • Standing Updates: The present standing of your app can be mirrored in App Retailer Join, so you possibly can keep watch over issues from there.
  • Expedite Requests: When you’ve got a vital timing difficulty, you possibly can request an expedited assessment. Please respect your fellow builders by looking for expedited assessment solely whenever you really want it. If we discover you’re abusing this method, we could reject your requests going ahead.
  • Launch Date: In case your launch date is about for the longer term, the app is not going to seem on the App Retailer till that date, even whether it is authorized by App Evaluate. And do not forget that it might probably take as much as 24-hours to your app to look on all chosen storefronts.
  • Rejections: Our objective is to use these pointers pretty and constantly, however no one’s excellent. In case your app has been rejected and you’ve got questions or wish to present extra data, please use the Decision Middle to speak immediately with the App Evaluate workforce. This will likely assist get your app on the shop, and it might probably assist us enhance the App Evaluate course of or establish a necessity for readability in our insurance policies. For those who nonetheless disagree with the result, or wish to counsel a change to the rule itself, please submit an enchantment.
  • Appeals: For those who disagree with the result of your assessment, or wish to counsel a change to the rule itself, please submit an enchantment. This will likely assist get your app on the shop, and it might probably assist us enhance the App Evaluate course of or establish a necessity for readability in our insurance policies.
  • Bug Repair Submissions: For apps which might be already on the App Retailer, bug fixes will now not be delayed over guideline violations aside from these associated to authorized points. In case your app has been rejected, and qualifies for this course of, please use the Decision Middle to speak immediately with the App Evaluate workforce indicating that you simply wish to benefit from this course of and plan to deal with the difficulty in your subsequent submission.
  • App store news hotspot in March: Apple allows pre-installed domestic App.

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