App Store Review Guidelines
Apps are changing the world, enriching people’s lives and enabling developers
like you to innovate like never before. As a result, the App Store has grown into an
exciting and vibrant ecosystem for millions of developers and more than a billion
users. Whether you are a first-time developer or a large team of experienced
programmers, we are excited that you are creating apps for the App Store and
want to help you understand our guidelines so you can be confident your app
will!get through the review process quickly.

June 2023

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Introduction  4
Before You Submit  5
1. Safety  6
1.1 Objectionable Content  6
1.2 User-Generated Content  7
1.2.1 Creator Content  7
1.3 Kids Category  8
1.4 Physical Harm  8
1.5 Developer Information  9
1.6 Data Security  9
1.7 Reporting Criminal Activity  9
2. Performance  9
2.1 App Completeness  9
2.2 Beta Testing  10
2.3 Accurate Metadata  10
2.4 Hardware Compatibility  12
2.5 Software Requirements  13
3. Business  15
3.1 Payments  16
3.1.1 In-app Purchase  16
3.1.2 Subscriptions  17
3.1.2(a) Permissible uses  17
3.1.2(b) Upgrades and Downgrades  18
3.1.2(c) Subscription Information  18
3.1.3 Other Purchase Methods  18
3.1.3(a) “Reader” Apps  18
3.1.3(b) Multiplatform Services  19
3.1.3(c) Enterprise Services  19
3.1.3(d) Person-to-Person Services  19
3.1.3(e) Goods and Services Outside of the App  19
3.1.3(f) Free Stand-alone Apps  19
3.1.3(g) Advertising Management Apps  19
3.1.4 Hardware-Specific Content  20
3.1.5 Cryptocurrencies  20
3.1.6 Apple Pay  20

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3.2 Other Business Model Issues  21
3.2.1 Acceptable  21
3.2.2 Unacceptable  22
4. Design  23
4.1 Copycats  23
4.2 Minimum Functionality  23
4.2.7 Remote Desktop Clients  24
4.3 Spam  25
4.4 Extensions  25
4.5 Apple Sites and Services  26
4.6 Alternative App Icons  27
4.7 HTML5 Games, Bots etc.  27
4.8 Sign in with Apple  28
4.9 Streaming games  29
5. Legal  29
5.1 Privacy  29
5.1.1 Data Collection and Storage  29
5.1.2 Data Use and Sharing  31
5.1.3 Health and Health Research  32
5.1.4 Kids  33
5.1.5 Location Services  33
5.2 Intellectual Property  33
5.3 Gaming, Gambling and Lotteries  34
5.4 VPN Apps  35
5.5 Mobile Device Management  35
5.6 Developer Code of Conduct  35
5.6.1 App Store Reviews  36
5.6.2 Developer Identity  36
5.6.3 Discovery Fraud  36
5.6.4 App Quality  36
After You Submit 37

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Introduction
The guiding principle of the App Store is simple – we want to provide a safe experience for users to get
apps and a great opportunity for all developers to be successful. We do this by offering a highly curated
App Store where every app is reviewed by experts and an editorial team helps users discover new apps
every day. For everything else, there is always the open Internet. If the App Store model and guidelines are
not best for your app or business idea, that’s OK – we provide Safari for a great web experience too.

On the following pages you will find our latest guidelines arranged into five clear sections: Safety,
Performance, Business, Design and Legal. The App Store is always changing and improving to keep up
with the needs of our customers and our products. Your apps should change and improve as well in order
to stay in the App Store.

A few other points to bear in mind:

• We have lots of kids downloading lots of apps. Parental controls work great to protect kids, but you have
to do your part too. So know that we’re keeping an eye out for the kids.

• The App Store is a great way to reach hundreds of millions of people around the world. If you build an app
that you just want to show to family and friends, the App Store isn’t the best way to do that. Consider using
Xcode to install your app on a device for free or use Ad Hoc distribution available to Apple Developer
Program members. If you’re just getting started, find out more about the Apple Developer Program.

• We strongly support all points of view being represented in the App Store, as long as the apps are
respectful to users with differing opinions and the quality of the app experience is great. We will reject apps
for any content or behaviour that we believe is over the line. What line, you ask" Well, as a Supreme Court
Justice once said, “I’ll know it when I see it.” And we think that you will also know it when you cross it.

• If you attempt to cheat the system (for example, by trying to trick the review process, steal user data,
copy another developer’s work, manipulate ratings or App Store discovery), your apps will be removed
from the store and you will be expelled from the Apple Developer Program.

• You are responsible for making sure everything in your app complies with these guidelines, including ad
networks, analytics services and third-party SDKs, so review and choose them carefully.

• Some features and technologies that are not generally available to developers may be offered as an
entitlement for limited use cases. For example, we offer entitlements for CarPlay Audio, HyperVisor and
Privileged File Operations. Review our documentation on developer.apple.com to find out more about
entitlements.

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https://developer.apple.com/programs/

We hope these guidelines help you sail through the App Review process, and that approvals and
rejections remain consistent across the board. This is a living document; new apps presenting new
questions may result in new rules at any time. Perhaps your app will trigger this. We love this stuff too,
and honour what you do. We’re really trying our best to create the best platform in the world for you
to!express your talents and make a living too.

Before You Submit
To help your app approval go as smoothly as possible, review the common missteps listed below that can
slow down the review process or trigger a rejection. This doesn’t replace the guidelines or guarantee
approval, but making sure you can tick every item on the list is a good start. If your app no longer
functions as intended or you’re no longer actively supporting it, it will be removed from the App Store.
Find out more about App Store Improvements.

Make sure you:
• Test your app for crashes and bugs
• Ensure all app information and metadata is complete and accurate
• Update your contact information in case App Review needs to reach you
• Provide App Review with full access to your app. If your app includes account-based features, provide

either an active demo account or fully featured demo mode, plus any other hardware or resources
that!may be needed to review your app (e.g. login credentials or a sample QR code)

• Enable backend services so that they’re live and accessible during review
• Include detailed explanations of non-obvious features and in-app purchases in the App Review

notes,!including supporting documentation where appropriate
• Check whether your app follows guidance in other documentation, such as:

Development Guidelines
# UIKit
# AppKit
# WatchKit
# App Extensions
# iOS Data Storage Guidelines
# Apple File System
# App Store Connect Help
# Developer Account Help

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https://developer.apple.com/support/app-store-improvements/

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/uikit/

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/appkit/

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/watchkit/

https://developer.apple.com/app-extensions/

https://developer.apple.com/icloud/documentation/data-storage/

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/foundation/file_system/about_apple_file_system

https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/

https://developer.apple.com/help/account/

Design Guidelines
# Human Interface Guidelines

Brand and Marketing Guidelines
# Marketing Resources and Identity Guidelines
# Apple Pay Marketing Guidelines
# Add to Apple Wallet Guidelines
# Guidelines for Using Apple Trademarks and Copyrights

1. Safety
When people install an app from the App Store, they want to feel confident that it’s safe to do so – that
the app doesn’t contain upsetting or offensive content, won’t damage their device and isn’t likely to
cause!physical harm from its use. We’ve outlined the major pitfalls below, but if you’re looking to
shock!and offend people, the App Store isn’t the right place for your app.

1.1 Objectionable Content
Apps should not include content that is offensive, insensitive, upsetting, intended to disgust,
in!exceptionally poor taste or just plain creepy. Examples of such content include:

1.1.1 Defamatory, discriminatory or mean-spirited content, including references or commentary about
religion, race, sexual orientation, gender, national/ethnic origin or other targeted groups, particularly if the
app is likely to humiliate, intimidate or harm a targeted individual or group. Professional political satirists
and humourists are generally exempt from this requirement.

1.1.2 Realistic portrayals of people or animals being killed, maimed, tortured or abused, or content that
encourages violence. “Enemies” within the context of a game cannot solely target a specific race, culture,
real government, corporation or any other real entity.

1.1.3 Depictions that encourage illegal or reckless use of weapons and dangerous objects, or facilitate
the!purchase of firearms or ammunition.

1.1.4 Overtly sexual or pornographic material, defined as “explicit descriptions or displays of sexual
organs or activities intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings”. This includes
“hookup” apps and other apps that may include pornography or be used to facilitate prostitution,
or!human trafficking and exploitation.

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https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/marketing/guidelines/

https://developer.apple.com/apple-pay/marketing/

https://developer.apple.com/wallet/add-to-apple-wallet-guidelines/

https://www.apple.com/legal/intellectual-property/guidelinesfor3rdparties.html

1.1.5 Inflammatory religious commentary or inaccurate or misleading quotations of religious texts.

1.1.6 False information and features, including inaccurate device data or trick/joke functionality, such as
fake location trackers. Stating that the app is “for entertainment purposes” won’t overcome this guideline.
Apps that enable anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS/MMS messaging will be rejected.

1.1.7 Harmful concepts which capitalise or seek to profit on recent or current events, such as violent
conflicts, terrorist attacks and epidemics.

1.2 User-Generated Content
Apps with user-generated content present particular challenges, ranging from intellectual property
infringement to anonymous bullying. To prevent abuse, apps with user-generated content or social
networking services must include:

• A method for filtering objectionable material from being posted to the app
• A mechanism to report offensive content and timely responses to concerns
• The ability to block abusive users from the service
• Published contact information so users can easily reach you

Apps with user-generated content or services that end up being used primarily for pornographic content,
Chatroulette-style experiences, objectification of real people (e.g. “hot-or-not” voting), making physical
threats or bullying do not belong on the App Store and may be removed without notice. If your app includes
user-generated content from a web-based service, it may display incidental mature “NSFW” content,
provided that the content is hidden by default and only displayed when the user turns it on via your website.

1.2.1 Creator Content
Apps which feature content from a specific community of users called “creators” are a great opportunity
if!properly moderated. These apps present a singular, unified experience for customers to interact with various
kinds of creator content. They offer tools and programmes to help this community of non-developer creators
to author, share and monetise user-generated experiences. These experiences must not change the core
features and functionality of the native app – rather, they add content to those structured experiences. These
experiences are not native “apps” coded by developers – they are content within the app itself and are treated
as user-generated content by App Review. Such creator content may include video, articles, audio and even
casual games. The App Store supports apps offering such user-generated content as long as they follow all
Guidelines, including Guideline 1.2 for moderating user-generated content and Guideline 3.1.1 for payments
and in-app purchases. Creator apps should share the age rating of the highest age-rated creator content
available in the app, and communicate to users which content requires additional purchases.

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1.3 Kids Category
The Kids Category is a great way for people to easily find apps that are designed for children. If you want to
participate in the Kids Category, you should focus on creating a great experience specifically for younger
users. These apps must not include links out of the app, purchasing opportunities or other distractions to
kids unless reserved for a designated area behind a parental gate. Bear in mind that once customers expect
your app to follow the Kids Category requirements, it will need to continue to meet these guidelines in
subsequent updates, even if you decide to deselect the category. Find out more about parental gates.

You must comply with applicable privacy laws around the world relating to the collection of data from
children online. Make sure you review the Privacy section of these guidelines for more information. In
addition, Kids Category apps may not send personally identifiable information or device information to
third parties. Apps in the Kids Category should not include third-party analytics or third-party advertising.
This provides a safer experience for kids. In limited cases, third-party analytics may be permitted
provided that the services do not collect or transmit the IDFA or any identifiable information about
children (such as name, date of birth, email address), their location or their devices. This includes any
device, network or other information that could be used directly or combined with other information to
identify users and their devices. Third-party contextual advertising may also be permitted in limited cases
provided that the services have publicly documented practices and policies for Kids Category apps that
include human review of ad creatives for age appropriateness.

1.4 Physical Harm
If your app behaves in a way that risks physical harm, we may reject it. For example:

1.4.1 Medical apps that could provide inaccurate data or information, or that could be used for
diagnosing!or treating patients, may be reviewed with greater scrutiny.

• Apps must clearly disclose data and methodology to support accuracy claims relating to health
measurements, and if the level of accuracy or methodology cannot be validated, we will reject your app.
For example, apps that claim to take x-rays, measure blood pressure, body temperature, blood glucose
levels or blood oxygen levels using only the sensors on the device are not permitted.

• Apps should remind users to check with a doctor in addition to using the app and before making
medical decisions.

If your medical app has received regulatory clearance, please submit a link to that documentation
with!your app.

1.4.2 Drug dosage calculators must come from the drug manufacturer, a hospital, university, health
insurance company, pharmacy or other approved entity, or receive approval by the FDA or one of its
international counterparts. Given the potential harm to patients, we need to make sure the app will
be!supported and updated over the long term.

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https://developer.apple.com/app-store/kids-apps/

1.4.3 Apps that encourage consumption of tobacco and vape products, illegal drugs or excessive
amounts of alcohol are not permitted on the App Store. Apps that encourage minors to consume
any!of!these substances will be rejected. Facilitating the sale of controlled substances (except for
licensed pharmacies and licensed or otherwise legal cannabis dispensaries) or tobacco is not allowed.

1.4.4 Apps may only display DUI checkpoints that are published by law enforcement agencies,
and!should never encourage drunk driving or other reckless behaviour such as excessive speed.

1.4.5 Apps should not urge customers to participate in activities (such as bets, challenges etc.)
or!use!their devices in a way that risks physical harm to themselves or others.

1.5 Developer Information
People need to know how to reach you with questions and support issues. Make sure your app and its
Support URL include an easy way to contact you; this is particularly important for apps that may be used
in the classroom. Failure to include accurate and up-to-date contact information not only frustrates
customers, but may violate the law in some countries or regions. Also ensure Wallet passes include valid
contact information from the issuer and are signed with a dedicated certificate assigned to the brand or
trademark owner of the pass.

1.6 Data Security
Apps should implement appropriate security measures to ensure proper handling of user information
collected pursuant to the Apple Developer Program Licence Agreement and these Guidelines (see
Guideline 5.1 for more information) and prevent its unauthorised use, disclosure or access by third parties.

1.7 Reporting Criminal Activity
Apps for reporting alleged criminal activity must involve local law enforcement, and can only be offered in
countries or regions where such involvement is active.

2. Performance

2.1 App Completeness
Submissions to App Review, including apps you make available for pre-order, should be final versions
with!all necessary metadata and fully functional URLs included; placeholder text, empty websites and
other temporary content should be scrubbed before submission. Make sure your app has been tested on-
device for bugs and stability before you submit it, and include demo account info (and turn on your back-

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end service$) if your app includes a login. If you are unable to provide a demo account due to legal or
security obligations, you may include a built-in demo mode in lieu of a demo account with prior approval
by Apple. Ensure the demo mode exhibits your app’s full features and functionality. If you offer in-app
purchases in your app, make sure they are complete, up to date and visible to the reviewer, or that you
explain why not in your review notes. Please don’t treat App Review as a software testing service.
We!will!reject incomplete app bundles and binaries that crash or exhibit obvious technical problems.

2.2 Beta Testing
Demos, betas and trial versions of your app don’t belong on the App Store – use TestFlight instead. Any
app submitted for beta distribution via TestFlight should be intended for public distribution and should
comply with the App Review Guidelines. Note, however, that apps using TestFlight cannot be distributed
to testers in exchange for compensation of any kind, including as a reward for crowd-sourced funding.
Significant updates to your beta build should be submitted to TestFlight App Review before being
distributed to your testers. To find out more, visit the TestFlight Beta Testing page.

2.3 Accurate Metadata
Customers should know what they’re getting when they download or buy your app, so make sure all your
app metadata, including privacy information, your app description, screenshots and previews accurately
reflect the app’s core experience and remember to keep them up to date with new versions.

2.3.1 Don’t include any hidden, dormant or undocumented features in your app; your app’s functionality
should be clear to end users and App Review. All new features, functionality and product changes must be
described with specificity in the Notes for Review section of App Store Connect (generic descriptions will be
rejected) and accessible for review. Similarly, marketing your app in a misleading way, such as by promoting
content or services that it does not actually offer (e.g. iOS-based virus and malware scanners) or promoting
a false price, whether within or outside of the App Store, is grounds for removal of your app from the App
Store and termination of your developer account. Egregious or repeated behaviour is grounds for removal
from the Apple Developer Program. We work hard to make the App Store a trustworthy ecosystem and
expect our app developers to follow suit; if you’re dishonest, we don’t want to do business with you.

2.3.2 If your app includes in-app purchases, make sure your app description, screenshots and previews
clearly indicate whether any featured items, levels, subscriptions etc. require additional purchases. If you
decide to promote in-app purchases in the App Store, ensure that the in-app purchase Display Name,
Screenshot and Description are appropriate for a public audience, that you follow the guidance found in
Promoting Your In-App Purchases and that your app properly handles the SKPaymentTransactionObserver
method so that customers can seamlessly complete the purchase when your app launches.

2.3.3 Screenshots should show the app in use, and not merely the title art, login page or splash screen.
They may also include text and image overlays (e.g. to demonstrate input mechanisms, such as an
animated touch point or Apple Pencil) and show extended functionality on device, such as Touch Bar.

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https://developer.apple.com/testflight/

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/promoting-in-app-purchases/

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/storekit/skpaymenttransactionobserver/2877502-paymentqueue

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/storekit/skpaymenttransactionobserver/2877502-paymentqueue

2.3.4 Previews are a great way for customers to see what your app looks like and what it does. To ensure
people understand what they’ll be getting with your app, previews may only use video screen captures of
the app itself. Stickers and iMessage extensions may show the user experience in the Messages app. You
can add narration and video or textual overlays to help explain anything that isn’t clear from the video alone.

2.3.5 Select the most appropriate category for your app, and check out the App Store Category Definitions
if you need help. If you’re way off base, we may change the category for you.

2.3.6 Answer the age rating questions in App Store Connect honestly so that your app aligns properly
with parental controls. If your app is mis-rated, customers might be surprised by what they get, or it could
trigger an inquiry from government regulators. If your app includes media that requires the display of
content ratings or warnings (e.g. films, music, games etc.), you are responsible for complying with
local!requirements in each territory where your app is available.

2.3.7 Choose a unique app name, assign keywords that accurately describe your app and don’t try to
pack any of your metadata with trademarked terms, popular app names, pricing information or other
irrelevant phrases just to game the system. App names must be limited to 30 characters. Metadata such
as app names, subtitles, screenshots and previews should not include prices, terms or descriptions that
are not specific to the metadata type. App subtitles are a great way to provide additional context for your
app; they must follow our standard metadata rules and should not include inappropriate content,
reference other apps or make unverifiable product claims. Apple may modify inappropriate
keywords!at!any time or take other appropriate steps to prevent abuse.

2.3.8 Metadata should be appropriate for all audiences, so make sure your app and in-app purchase
icons, screenshots and previews adhere to a 4+ age rating even if your app is rated higher. For example,
if!your app is a game that includes violence, select images that don’t depict a gruesome death or
a!gun!pointed at a specific character. Use of terms like “For Kids” and “For Children” in app metadata
is!reserved for the Kids Category. Remember to ensure your metadata, including app name and icons
(small, large, Apple Watch app, alternate icons etc.), are similar to avoid creating confusion.

2.3.9 You are responsible for securing the rights to use all materials in your app icons, screenshots
and!previews, and you should display fictional account information instead of data from a real person.

2.3.10 Make sure your app is focused on the iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS or watchOS experience,
and!don’t include names, icons or imagery of other mobile platforms in your app or metadata,
unless!there is!specific, approved interactive functionality. Make sure your app metadata
is!focused!on!the app!itself and its experience. Don’t include irrelevant information.

2.3.11 Apps you submit for pre-order on the App Store must be complete and deliverable as submitted.
Ensure the app you ultimately release is not materially different from what you advertise while the app
is!in a pre-order state. If you make material changes to the app (e.g. change business models),
you!should!restart your pre-order sales.

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https://developer.apple.com/app-store/categories/

2.3.12 Apps must clearly describe new features and product changes in their “What’s New” text. Simple
bug fixes, security updates and performance improvements may rely on a generic description, but more
significant changes must be listed in the notes.

2.3.13 In-app events are timely events that happen within your app. To feature your event on the App
Store, it must fall within an event type provided in App Store Connect. All event metadata must be
accurate and pertain to the event itself, rather than the app more generally. Events must happen at the
times and dates you select in App Store Connect, including across multiple storefronts. You may monetise
your event so long as you follow the rules set forth in Section 3 on Business. And your event deep link
must direct users to the proper destination within your app. Read In-App Events for detailed guidance
on!acceptable event metadata and event deep links.

2.4 Hardware Compatibility

2.4.1 To ensure people get the most out of your app, iPhone apps should run on iPad whenever possible.
We encourage you to consider building universal apps so customers can use them on all of their devices.
Find out more about Universal apps.

2.4.2 Design your app to use power efficiently and be used in a way that does not risk damage to the device.
Apps should not rapidly drain battery, generate excessive heat or put unnecessary strain on device resources.
For example, apps should not encourage placing the device under a mattress or pillow while charging or
perform excessive write cycles to the solid state drive. Apps, including any third-party advertisements
displayed within them, may not run unrelated background processes, such as cryptocurrency mining.

2.4.3 People should be able to use your Apple TV app without the need for hardware inputs beyond the
Siri Remote or third-party game controllers, but feel free to provide enhanced functionality when other
peripherals are connected. If you require a game controller, make sure you clearly explain that in your
metadata so customers know they need additional equipment to play.

2.4.4 Apps should never suggest or require a restart of the device or modifications to system settings
unrelated to the core functionality of the app. For example, don’t encourage users to turn off Wi-Fi,
disable security features etc.

2.4.5 Apps distributed via the Mac App Store have some additional requirements to bear in mind:

(i) They must be appropriately sandboxed, and follow macOS File System Documentation.
They!should also only use the appropriate macOS APIs for modifying user data stored
by!other!apps!(e.g.!bookmarks, Address Book or Calendar entries).

(ii) They must be packaged and submitted using technologies provided in Xcode; no third-party
installers allowed. They must also be self-contained, single app installation bundles and cannot
install!code or resources in shared locations.

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https://developer.apple.com/app-store/in-app-events/

https://developer.apple.com/go/?id=xcode-universal

https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/FileManagement/Conceptual/FileSystemProgrammingGuide/Introduction/Introduction.html#/apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40010672

(iii) They may not auto-launch or have other code run automatically at startup or login without
consent, nor spawn processes that continue to run without consent after a user has quit the app.
They should not automatically add their icons to the Dock or leave shortcuts on the user desktop.

(iv) They may not download or install standalone apps, kexts, additional code or resources to
add!functionality or significantly change the app from what we see during the review process.

(v) They may not request escalation to root privileges or use setuid attributes.

(vi) They may not present a licence screen at launch, require licence keys or implement their
own!copy protection.

(vii) They must use the Mac App Store to distribute updates; other update mechanisms are not allowed.

(viii) Apps should run on the currently shipping OS and may not use deprecated or optionally
installed technologies (e.g. Java)

(ix) Apps must contain all language and localisation support in a single app bundle.

2.5 Software Requirements

2.5.1 Apps may only use public APIs and must run on the currently shipping OS. Find out more
about!public APIs. Keep your apps up to date and make sure you phase out any deprecated features,
frameworks or technologies that will no longer be supported in future versions of an OS. Apps should use
APIs and frameworks for their intended purposes and indicate that integration in their app description.
For!example, the HomeKit framework should provide home automation services; and HealthKit should
be!used for health and fitness purposes and integrate with the Health app.

2.5.2 Apps should be self-contained in their bundles, and may not read or write data outside the
designated container area, nor may they download, install or execute code which introduces or changes
features or functionality of the app, including other apps. Educational apps designed to teach, develop or
allow students to test executable code may, in limited circumstances, download code provided that such
code is not used for other purposes. Such apps must make the source code provided by the app
completely viewable and editable by the user.

2.5.3 Apps that transmit viruses, files, computer code or programs that may harm or disrupt the normal
operation of the operating system and/or hardware features, including Push Notifications and Game
Center, will be rejected. Egregious violations and repeat behaviour will result in removal from the
Apple!Developer Program.

2.5.4 Multitasking apps may only use background services for their intended purposes: VoIP,
audio!playback, location, task completion, local notifications etc.

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https://developer.apple.com/documentation/

2.5.5 Apps must be fully functional on IPv6-only networks.

2.5.6 Apps that browse the web must use the appropriate WebKit framework and WebKit JavaScript.

2.5.7 Video streaming content over a mobile network longer than 10 minutes must use HTTP Live
Streaming and include a baseline 192 kbps HTTP Live stream.

2.5.8 Apps that create alternative desktop/home screen environments or simulate multi-app widget
experiences will be rejected.

2.5.9 Apps that alter or disable the functions of standard switches, such as the Volume Up/Down and
Ring/Silent switches, or other native user interface elements or behaviours will be rejected. For example,
apps should not block links out to other apps or other features that users would expect to work a certain
way. Find out more about proper handling of links.

2.5.10 Apps should not be submitted with empty ad banners or test advertisements.

2.5.11 SiriKit and Shortcuts

(i) Apps integrating SiriKit and Shortcuts should only sign up for intents they can handle without the
support of an additional app and that users would expect from the stated functionality. For example,
if!your app is a meal planning app, you should not incorporate an intent to start a workout, even if the
app shares integration with a fitness app.

(ii) Ensure the vocabulary and phrases in your plist pertains to your app and the Siri functionality
of!the intents the app has registered for. Aliases must relate directly to your app or company
name!and should not be generic terms or include third-party app names or services.

(iii) Resolve the Siri request or Shortcut in the most direct way possible and do not insert ads or other
marketing between the request and its fulfilment. Only request a disambiguation when required to
complete the task (e.g. asking the user to specify a particular type of workout).

2.5.12 Apps using CallKit or including an SMS Fraud Extension should only block phone numbers that are
confirmed spam. Apps that include call-, SMS- and MMS- blocking functionality or spam identification
must clearly identify these features in their marketing text and explain the criteria for their blocked and
spam lists. You may not use the data accessed via these tools for any purpose not directly related to
operating or improving your app or extension (e.g. you may not use, share or sell it for tracking purposes,
creating user profiles etc.).

2.5.13 Apps using facial recognition for account authentication must use LocalAuthentication (and not
ARKit or other facial recognition technology) where possible, and must use an alternative authentication
method for users under 13 years old.

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https://developer.apple.com/design/

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/localauthentication/

2.5.14 Apps must request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual and/or audible indication
when!recording, logging or otherwise making a record of user activity. This includes any use
of!the!device!camera, microphone, screen recordings or other user inputs.

2.5.15 Apps that enable users to view and select files should include items from the Files app and the
user’s iCloud documents.

2.5.16 App Clips, widgets, extensions and notifications should be related to the content and functionality
of your app. Additionally, all App Clip features and functionality must be included in the main app binary.
App Clips cannot contain advertising.

2.5.17 Apps that support Matter must use Apple’s support framework for Matter to initiate pairing. In addition,
if you choose to use any Matter software component in your app other than the Matter SDK provided by Apple,
the software component must be certified by the Connectivity Standards Alliance for the platform it runs on.

2.5.18 Display advertising should be limited to your main app binary, and should not be included in
extensions, App Clips, widgets, notifications, keyboards, watchOS apps etc. Ads displayed in an app must
be appropriate for the app’s age rating, allow the user to see all information used to target them for that
ad (without requiring the user to leave the app) and may not engage in targeted or behavioural
advertising based on sensitive user data such as health/medical data (e.g. from the HealthKit APIs),
school and classroom data (e.g. from ClassKit) or from kids (e.g. from apps in the Kids Category) etc.
Interstitial ads or ads that interrupt or block the user experience must clearly indicate that they are an ad,
must not manipulate or trick users into tapping into them, and must provide easily accessible and visible
close/skip buttons large enough for people to easily dismiss the ad. Apps that contain ads must also
include the ability for users to report any inappropriate or age-inappropriate ads.

3. Business
There are many ways to monetise your app on the App Store. If your business model isn’t obvious, make
sure you explain it in its metadata and App Review notes. If we can’t understand how your app works or
your in-app purchases aren’t immediately obvious, it will delay your review and may trigger a rejection.
And while pricing is up to you, we won’t distribute apps and in-app purchase items that are clear rip-offs.
We’ll reject expensive apps that try to cheat users with irrationally high prices.

If we find that you have attempted to manipulate reviews, inflate your chart rankings with paid, incentivised,
filtered or fake feedback, or engage with third-party services to do so on your behalf, we will take steps to
preserve the integrity of the App Store, which may include expelling you from the Apple Developer Program.

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https://csa-iot.org/

3.1 Payments

3.1.1 In-app Purchase
• If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-

game currencies, game levels, access to premium content or unlocking a full version), you must use
in-app purchase. Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as
licence keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets etc.
Apps and their metadata may not include buttons, external links or other calls to action that direct
customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase, except as set forth in 3.1.3(a).

• Apps may use in-app purchase currencies to enable customers to “tip” the developer or digital
content providers in the app.

• Any credits or in-game currencies purchased via in-app purchase may not expire, and you should
make sure you have a restore mechanism for any restorable in-app purchases.

• Apps may enable gifting of items that are eligible for in-app purchase to others. Such gifts may
only!be refunded to the original purchaser and may not be exchanged.

• Apps distributed via the Mac App Store may host plug-ins or extensions that are enabled with
mechanisms other than the App Store.

• Apps offering “loot boxes” or other mechanisms that provide randomised virtual items for purchase
must disclose the odds of receiving each type of item to customers prior to purchase.

• Digital gift cards, certificates, vouchers and coupons which can be redeemed for digital goods or
services can only be sold in your app using in-app purchase. Physical gift cards that are sold within
an app and then posted to customers may use payment methods other than in-app purchase.

• Non-subscription apps may offer a free time-based trial period before presenting a full unlock
option by setting up a Non-consumable IAP item at Price Tier 0 that follows the naming convention:
“XX-day Trial”. Prior to the start of the trial, your app must clearly identify its duration, the content or
services that will no longer be accessible when the trial ends, and any downstream charges the
user would need to pay for full functionality. Learn more about managing content access and the
duration of the trial period using Receipts and Device Check.

• Apps may use in-app purchase to sell and sell services related to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), such
as minting, listing and transferring. Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that NFT
ownership does not unlock features or functionality within the app. Apps may allow users to browse
NFT collections owned by others, provided that the apps do not include buttons, external links or
other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase.

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https://developer.apple.com/documentation/storekit/original_api_for_in-app_purchase/choosing_a_receipt_validation_technique

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/devicecheck/

3.1.2 Subscriptions
Apps may offer auto-renewing in-app purchase subscriptions, regardless of category on the App Store.
When incorporating auto-renewable subscriptions into your app, make sure you follow the guidelines below.

3.1.2(a) Permissible uses
If you offer an auto-renewing subscription, you must provide ongoing value to the customer, and the
subscription period must last at least seven days and be available across all of the user’s devices. While the
following list is not exhaustive, examples of appropriate subscriptions include: new game levels; episodic
content; multiplayer support; apps that offer consistent, substantive updates; access to large collections of,
or continually updated, media content; software as a service (“SAAS”); and cloud support. In addition:

• Subscriptions may be offered alongside à la carte offerings (e.g. you may offer a subscription to an
entire library of films as well the purchase or rental of a single film).

• You may offer a single subscription that is shared across your own apps and services.

• Games offered in a streaming game service subscription may offer a single subscription that is shared
across third-party apps and services; however, they must be downloaded directly from the App Store,
must be designed to avoid duplicate payment by a subscriber and should not disadvantage non-
subscriber customers.

• Subscriptions must work on all of the user’s devices where the app is available. Learn more about
sharing a subscription across your apps.

• Apps must not force users to rate the app, review the app, download other apps or other similar actions
in order to access functionality, content or use of the app.

• As with all apps, those offering subscriptions should allow a user to get what they’ve paid for without
performing additional tasks, such as posting on social media, uploading contacts, checking in to the
app a certain number of times etc.

• Subscriptions may include consumable credits, gems, in-game currencies etc., and you may offer
subscriptions that include access to discounted consumable goods (e.g. a platinum membership that
exposes gem-packs for a reduced price).

• If you are changing your existing app to a subscription-based business model, you should not take
away the primary functionality existing users have already paid for. For example, let customers who
have already purchased a “full game unlock” continue to access the full game after you introduce a
subscription model for new customers.

• Auto-renewing subscription apps may offer a free trial period to customers by providing the relevant
information set forth in App Store Connect. Find out more about providing subscription offers.

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https://developer.apple.com/documentation/storekit/in-app_purchase/original_api_for_in-app_purchase/subscriptions_and_offers/offering_a_subscription_across_multiple_apps

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/subscriptions/#providing-subscription-offers

• Apps that attempt to scam users will be removed from the App Store. This includes apps that attempt
to!trick users into purchasing a subscription under false pretences or engage in bait-and-switch
and!scam practices; these will be removed from the App Store and you may be removed from
the!Apple!Developer Program.

• Mobile network provider apps may include auto-renewing music and video subscriptions when
purchased in bundles with new mobile data plans, with prior approval by Apple. Other auto-renewing
subscriptions may also be included in bundles when purchased with new mobile data plans, with prior
approval by Apple, if the mobile network provider apps support in-app purchase for users. Such
subscriptions cannot include access to or discounts on consumable items, and the subscriptions
must!terminate coincident with the mobile data plan.

3.1.2(b) Upgrades and Downgrades
Users should have a seamless upgrade/downgrade experience and should not be able to inadvertently
subscribe to multiple variations of the same thing. Review best practices on managing your subscription
upgrade and downgrade options.

3.1.2(c) Subscription Information
Before asking a customer to subscribe, you should clearly describe what the user will get for the price.
How many issues per month" How much cloud storage" What kind of access to your service" Ensure you
clearly communicate the requirements described in Schedule 2 of the Apple Developer Program Licence
Agreement, found in Agreements, Tax and Banking.

3.1.3 Other Purchase Methods
The following apps may use purchase methods other than in-app purchase. Apps in this section cannot,
within the app, encourage users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase, except as set
forth in 3.1.3(a). Developers can send communications outside the app to their user base about
purchasing methods other than in-app purchase.

3.1.3(a) “Reader” Apps
Apps may allow a user to access previously purchased content or content subscriptions (specifically:
magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music and video). Reader apps may offer account creation for free
tiers, and account management functionality for existing customers. Reader app developers may apply
for the External Link Account Entitlement to provide an informational link in their app to a website the
developer owns or maintains responsibility for in order to create or manage an account. Find out more
about the External Link Account Entitlement.

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https://developer.apple.com/app-store/subscriptions/

https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/agreements/#

https://developer.apple.com/support/reader-apps/

3.1.3(b) Multiplatform Services
Apps that operate across multiple platforms may allow users to access content, subscriptions or features
they have acquired in your app on other platforms or your website, including consumable items in multi-
platform games, provided those items are also available as in-app purchases within the app.

3.1.3(c) Enterprise Services
If your app is only sold directly by you to organisations or groups for their employees or students
(for!example professional databases and classroom management tools), you may allow enterprise
users!to access previously purchased content or subscriptions. Consumer, single-user or family
sales!must use in-app purchase.

3.1.3(d) Person-to-Person Services
If your app enables the purchase of real-time person-to-person services between two individuals
(for!example, tutoring students, medical consultations, property tours or fitness training), you may use
purchase methods other than in-app purchase to collect those payments. One-to-few and one-to-many
real-time services must use in-app purchase.

3.1.3(e) Goods and Services Outside of the App
If your app enables people to purchase physical goods or services that will be consumed outside
of!the!app, you must use purchase methods other than in-app purchase to collect those payments,
such!as Apple Pay or traditional credit card entry.

3.1.3(f) Free Stand-alone Apps
Free apps acting as a stand-alone companion to a paid web-based tool (e.g. VOIP, Cloud Storage,
Email!Services, Web Hosting) do not need to use in-app purchase, provided there is no
purchasing!inside!the app, or calls to action for purchase outside the app.

3.1.3(g) Advertising Management Apps
Apps for the sole purpose of allowing advertisers (persons or companies that advertise a product,
service!or event) to purchase and manage advertising campaigns across media types (television,
outdoor,!websites, apps etc.) do not need to use in-app purchase. These apps are intended for campaign
management purposes and do not display the advertisements themselves. Digital purchases for content
that is experienced or consumed in an app, including buying advertisements to be displayed in the same
app (such as sales of “boosts” for posts in a social media app) must use in-app purchase.

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3.1.4 Hardware-Specific Content
In limited circumstances, such as when features are dependent upon specific hardware to function,
the!app may unlock that functionality without using in-app purchase (e.g. an astronomy app that adds
features when synced with a telescope). App features that work in combination with an approved physical
product (such as a toy) on an optional basis may unlock functionality without using in-app purchase,
provided that an in-app purchase option is available as well. You may not, however, require users to
purchase unrelated products or engage in advertising or marketing activities to unlock app functionality.

3.1.5 Cryptocurrencies

(i) Wallets: Apps may facilitate virtual currency storage, provided they are offered by developers
enrolled as an organisation.

(ii) Mining: Apps may not mine for cryptocurrencies unless the processing is performed off device
(e.g. cloud-based mining).

(iii) Exchanges: Apps may facilitate transactions or transmissions of cryptocurrency on an approved
exchange, provided they are offered only in countries or regions where the app has appropriate
licensing and permissions to provide a cryptocurrency exchange.

(iv) Initial Coin Offerings: Apps facilitating Initial Coin Offerings (“ICOs”), cryptocurrency futures
trading and other crypto-securities or quasi-securities trading must come from established banks,
securities firms, futures commission merchants (“FCM”) or other approved financial institutions and
must comply with all applicable law.

(v) Cryptocurrency apps may not offer currency for completing tasks, such as downloading other
apps, encouraging other users to download, posting to social networks etc.

3.1.6 Apple Pay
Apps using Apple Pay must provide all material purchase information to the user prior to sale of any good
or service and must use Apple Pay branding and user interface elements correctly, as described in the
Apple Pay Marketing Guidelines and Human Interface Guidelines. Apps using Apple Pay to offer recurring
payments must, at a minimum, disclose the following information:

• The length of the renewal term and the fact that it will continue until cancelled
• What will be provided during each period
• The actual charges that will be billed to the customer
• How to cancel

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https://developer.apple.com/apple-pay/marketing/

https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/apple-pay

3.2 Other Business Model Issues
The lists below are not exhaustive, and your submission may trigger a change or update to our policies,
but here are some additional dos and don’ts to bear in mind:

3.2.1 Acceptable

(i) Displaying your own apps for purchase or promotion within your app, provided the app is not
merely a catalogue of your apps.

(ii) Displaying or recommending a collection of third-party apps that are designed for a specific
approved need (e.g. health management, aviation, accessibility). Your app should provide robust
editorial content so that it doesn’t seem like a mere storefront.

(iii) Disabling access to specific approved rental content (e.g. films, television programmes, music,
books) after the rental period has expired; all other items and services may not expire.

(iv) Wallet passes can be used to make or receive payments, transmit offers or offer identification
(such as film tickets, coupons and VIP credentials). Other uses may result in the rejection of the
app!and the revocation of Wallet credentials.

(v) Insurance apps must be free, in legal compliance in the regions distributed and cannot
use!in-app purchase.

(vi) Approved non-profits may fundraise directly within their own apps or third-party apps, provided
those fundraising campaigns adhere to all App Review Guidelines and offer Apple Pay support. These
apps must disclose how the funds will be used, abide by all required local and federal laws, and
ensure appropriate tax receipts are available to donors. Additional information shall be provided to
App Review upon request. Non-profit platforms that connect donors to other non-profits must ensure
that every non-profit listed in the app has also gone through the non-profit approval process. Find out
more about becoming an approved non-profit.

(vii) Apps may enable individual users to give a monetary gift to another individual without using in-
app purchase, provided that (a) the gift is a completely optional choice by the giver, and (b) 100% of
the funds go to the receiver of the gift. However, a gift that is connected to or associated at any point
in time with receiving digital content or services must use in-app purchase.

(viii) Apps used for financial trading, investing or money management should be submitted by the
financial institution performing such services.

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https://developer.apple.com/apple-pay/nonprofits/

3.2.2 Unacceptable

(i) Creating an interface for displaying third-party apps, extensions or plug-ins similar to the
App!Store or as a general-interest collection.

(ii) Monetising built-in capabilities provided by the hardware or operating system,
such!as!Push!Notifications, the camera or the gyroscope; or Apple services,
such!as!Apple!Music!access!or!iCloud storage.

(iii) Artificially increasing the number of impressions or click-throughs of ads, as well as apps that are
designed predominantly for the display of ads.

(iv) Unless you are an approved non-profit or otherwise permitted under Section 3.2.1 (vi) above,
collecting funds within the app for charities and fundraisers. Apps that seek to raise money
for!such!causes must be free on the App Store and may only collect funds outside the app,
such!as!via!Safari or SMS.

(v) Arbitrarily restricting who may use the app, such as by location or network provider.

(vi) Apps should allow a user to get what they’ve paid for without performing additional tasks, such
as!posting on social media, uploading contacts, checking in to the app a certain number of times etc.
Apps!should not require users to rate the app, review the app, watch videos, download other apps, tap
on!advertisements, enable tracking or take other similar actions in order to access functionality, content,
use!the app or receive monetary or other compensation, including, but not limited to, gift cards and codes.

(vii) Artificially manipulating a user’s visibility, status or rank on other services unless permitted
by!that service’s Terms and Conditions.

(viii) Apps that facilitate binary options trading are not permitted on the App Store. Consider
a!web!app instead. Apps that facilitate trading in contracts for difference (“CFDs”) or other
derivatives!(e.g. FOREX) must be properly licensed in all jurisdictions where the service is available.

(ix) Apps offering personal loans must clearly and conspicuously disclose all loan terms, including,
but not limited to, equivalent maximum Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and payment due date. Apps
may not charge a maximum APR higher than 36%, including costs and fees, and may not require
repayment in full in 60 days or less.

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4. Design
Apple customers place a high value on products that are simple, refined, innovative and easy to use, and that’s
what we want to see on the App Store. Coming up with a great design is up to you, but the following are
minimum standards for approval to the App Store. And remember that even after your app has been approved,
you should update your app to ensure it remains functional and engaging to new and existing customers. Apps
that stop working or offer a degraded experience may be removed from the App Store at any time.

4.1 Copycats
Come up with your own ideas. We know you have them, so make yours come to life. Don’t simply copy the
latest popular app on the App Store, or make some minor changes to another app’s name or UI and pass it
off as your own. In addition to risking an intellectual property infringement claim, it makes the App Store
harder to navigate and just isn’t fair to your fellow developers. Submitting apps which impersonate other
apps or services is considered a violation of the Developer Code of Conduct and may result in removal
from the Apple Developer Program.

4.2 Minimum Functionality
Your app should include features, content and UI that elevate it beyond a repackaged website. If your
app!is not particularly useful, unique or “app-like”, it doesn’t belong on the App Store. If your App doesn’t
provide some sort of lasting entertainment value or adequate utility, it may not be accepted. Apps that are
simply a song or film should be submitted to the iTunes Store. Apps that are simply a book or game guide
should be submitted to the Apple Books Store.

4.2.1 Apps using ARKit should provide rich and integrated augmented reality experiences;
merely!dropping a model into an AR view or replaying animation is not enough.

4.2.2 Other than catalogues, apps shouldn’t primarily be marketing materials, advertisements,
web!clippings, content aggregators or a collection of links.

4.2.3

(i) Your app should work on its own without requiring installation of another app to function.

(ii) If your app needs to download additional resources in order to function on initial launch,
disclose!the size of the download and prompt users before doing so.

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4.2.4 Apple Watch apps that appear to be a watch face are confusing, because people will expect them
to work with device features such as swipes, notifications and third-party complications. Creative ways
of!expressing time as an app interface is great (for example, a tide clock for surfers), but if your app
comes too close to resembling a watch face, we will reject it.

4.2.5 Apps that are primarily iCloud and iCloud Drive file managers need to include additional app
functionality to be approved.

4.2.6 Apps created from a commercialised template or app generation service will be rejected unless
they are submitted directly by the provider of the app’s content. These services should not submit apps
on behalf of their clients and should offer tools that let their clients create customised, innovative apps
that provide unique customer experiences. Another acceptable option for template providers is to create
a single binary to host all client content in an aggregated or “picker” model, for example as a restaurant
finder app with separate customised entries or pages for each client restaurant, or as an event app with
separate entries for each client event.

4.2.7 Remote Desktop Clients
If your remote desktop app acts as a mirror of specific software or services rather than a generic mirror
of!the host device, it must comply with the following:

(a) The app must only connect to a user-owned host device that is a personal computer or dedicated
game console owned by the user, and both the host device and client must be connected on a local
and LAN-based network.

(b) Any software or services appearing in the client are fully executed on the host device, rendered
on the screen of the host device and may not use APIs or platform features beyond what is required
to stream the Remote Desktop.

(c) All account creation and management must be initiated from the host device.

(d) The UI appearing on the client does not resemble an iOS or App Store view, does not provide a
store-like interface or include the ability to browse, select or purchase software not already owned or
licensed by the user. For the sake of clarity, transactions taking place within mirrored software do not
need to use in-app purchase, provided the transactions are processed on the host device.

(e) Thin clients for cloud-based apps are not appropriate for the App Store.

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4.3 Spam
Don’t create multiple Bundle IDs of the same app. If your app has different versions for specific locations,
sports teams, universities etc., consider submitting a single app and provide the variations using in-app
purchase. Also avoid piling on to a category that is already saturated; the App Store has enough fart,
burp, torch, fortune telling, dating, drinking games and Kama Sutra apps etc. already. We will reject these
apps unless they provide a unique, high-quality experience. Spamming the store may lead to your
removal from the Apple Developer Program.

4.4 Extensions
Apps hosting or containing extensions must comply with the App Extension Programming Guide, the
Safari app extensions documentation or the Safari web extensions documentation and should include
some functionality, such as help screens and settings interfaces where possible. You should clearly
and!accurately disclose what extensions are made available in the app’s marketing text, and the
extensions may not include marketing, advertising or in-app purchases.

4.4.1 Keyboard extensions have some additional rules.

They must:
• Provide keyboard input functionality (e.g. typed characters);
• Follow Sticker guidelines if the keyboard includes images or emoji;
• Provide a method for progressing to the next keyboard;
• Remain functional without full network access and without requiring full access;
• Only collect user activity to enhance the functionality of the user’s keyboard

extension!on!the!iOS!device.

They must not:
• Launch other apps besides Settings; or
• Repurpose keyboard buttons for other behaviours (e.g. holding down the “return”

key!to!launch!the!camera).

4.4.2 Safari extensions must run on the current version of Safari on the relevant Apple operating system.
They may not interfere with System or Safari UI elements and must never include malicious or misleading
content or code. Violating this rule will lead to removal from the Apple Developer Program. Safari
extensions should not claim access to more websites than strictly necessary to function.

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https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/General/Conceptual/ExtensibilityPG/index.html#apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40014214/

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/safariservices/safari_app_extensions/

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/safariservices/safari_web_extensions

4.4.3 Stickers
Stickers are a great way to make Messages more dynamic and fun, letting people express themselves in
clever, funny, meaningful ways. Whether your app contains a sticker extension or you’re creating free-
standing sticker packs, its content shouldn’t offend users, create a negative experience or violate the law.

(i) In general, if it wouldn’t be suitable for the App Store, it doesn’t belong in a sticker.

(ii) Consider regional sensitivities, and do not make your sticker pack available in a country or region
where it could be poorly received or violate local law.

(iii) If we don’t understand what your stickers mean, include a clear explanation in your review notes
to avoid any delays in the review process.

(iv) Ensure your stickers have relevance beyond your friends and family; they should not be specific
to personal events, groups or relationships.

(v) You must have all the necessary copyright, trademark, publicity rights and permissions for the
content in your stickers, and shouldn’t submit anything unless you’re authorised to do so. Bear in
mind that you must be able to provide verifiable documentation upon request. Apps with sticker
content you don’t have rights to use will be removed from the App Store and repeat offenders will be
removed from the Apple Developer Program. If you believe your content has been infringed by
another provider, submit a claim here.

4.5 Apple Sites and Services

4.5.1 Apps may use approved Apple RSS feeds such as the iTunes Store RSS feed, but may not scrape
any information from Apple sites (e.g. apple.com/uk/, the iTunes Store, App Store, App Store Connect,
developer portal etc.) or create rankings using this information.

4.5.2 Apple Music

(i) MusicKit on iOS lets users play Apple Music and their local music library natively from your apps
and games. When a user provides permission to their Apple Music account, your app can create
playlists, add songs to their library and play any of the millions of songs in the Apple Music catalogue.
Users must initiate the playback of an Apple Music stream and be able to navigate using standard
media controls such as “play”, “pause” and “skip”. Moreover, your app may not require payment or
indirectly monetise access to the Apple Music service (e.g. in-app purchase, advertising, requesting
user info etc.). Do not download, upload or enable sharing of music files sourced from the MusicKit
APIs, except as explicitly permitted in MusicKit documentation.

(ii) Using the MusicKit APIs is not a replacement for securing the licences you may need for a deeper or
more complex music integration. For example, if you want your app to play a specific song at a particular
moment, or to create audio or video files that can be shared to social media, you’ll need to!contact

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https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/appstorenotices/#?lang=en

https://developer.apple.com/musickit/

rights holders directly to get their permission (e.g. synchronisation or adaptation rights) and assets.
Cover art and other metadata may only be used in connection with music playback or playlists
(including App Store screenshots displaying your app’s functionality), and should not be used in any
marketing or advertising without getting specific authorisation from rights-holders. Make sure you
follow the Apple Music Identity Guidelines when integrating Apple Music services in your app.

(iii) Apps that access Apple Music user data, such as playlists and favourites, must clearly disclose
this access in the purpose string. Any data collected may not be shared with third parties for any
purpose other than supporting or improving the app experience. This data may not be used to
identify users or devices, or to target advertising.

4.5.3 Do not use Apple Services to spam, phish or send unsolicited messages to customers, including
Game Center, Push Notifications etc. Do not attempt to reverse look up, trace, relate, associate, mine,
harvest or otherwise exploit Player IDs, aliases or other information obtained through Game Center,
or!you!will be removed from the Apple Developer Program.

4.5.4 Push Notifications must not be required for the app to function, and should not be used to send
sensitive personal or confidential information. Push Notifications should not be used for promotions or
direct marketing purposes unless customers have explicitly opted in to receive them via consent
language displayed in your app’s UI, and you provide a method in your app for a user to opt out of
receiving such messages. Abuse of these services may result in revocation of your privileges.

4.5.5 Only use Game Center Player IDs in a manner approved by the Game Center terms and do not
display them in the app or to any third party.

4.5.6 Apps may use Unicode characters that render as Apple emoji in their app and app metadata. Apple
emoji may not be used on other platforms or embedded directly in your app binary.

4.6 Alternative App Icons
Apps may display customised icons, for example, to reflect a sports team preference, provided that each change
is initiated by the user and the app includes settings to revert to the original icon. All icon variants must relate to
the content of the app and changes should be consistent across all system assets, so that the icons displayed in
Settings, Notifications etc. match the new springboard icon. This feature may not be used for dynamic, automatic
or serial changes, such as to reflect up-to-date weather information, calendar notifications etc.

4.7 HTML5 Games, Bots etc.
Apps may contain or run code that is not embedded in the binary (e.g. HTML5-based games, bots etc.),
as long as code distribution isn’t the main purpose of the app, the code is not offered in a store or store-
like interface, and provided that the software adheres to the additional rules that follow in 4.7.1 and 4.7.2.
These additional rules are important to preserve the experience that App Store customers expect, and to
help ensure user safety.

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https://www.apple.com/itunes/marketing-on-music/identity-guidelines.html

4.7.1 Software offered under this rule must:
• be free or purchased using in-app purchase;
• only use capabilities available in a standard WebKit view (e.g. it must open and run natively in Safari

without modifications or additional software); and use WebKit and JavaScript Core to run third-party
software and should not attempt to extend or expose native platform APIs to third-party software;

• be offered by developers that have joined the Apple Developer Program and signed the Apple
Developer Program Licence Agreement;

• not provide access to real-money gaming;
• adhere to the terms of these App Store Review Guidelines (e.g. do not include objectionable content); and
• not offer digital goods or services for sale.

4.7.2 Upon request, you must provide an index of software and metadata available in your app. It must
include Apple Developer Program Team IDs for the providers of the software, along with a URL which
App!Review can use to confirm that the software complies with the requirements above.

4.8 Sign in with Apple
Apps that use a third-party or social login service (such as Facebook Login, Google Sign-In, Sign in with
Twitter, Sign In with LinkedIn, Login with Amazon or WeChat Login) to set up or authenticate the user’s
primary account with the app must also offer Sign in with Apple as an equivalent option. A user’s primary
account is the account they establish with your app for the purposes of identifying themselves,
signing!in!and accessing your features and associated services.

Sign in with Apple is not required if:

• Your app exclusively uses your company’s own account setup and sign-in systems.

• Your app is an education, enterprise or business app that requires the user to sign in with an existing
education or enterprise account.

• Your app uses a government or industry-backed citizen identification system or electronic ID to
authenticate users.

• Your app is a client for a specific third-party service and users are required to sign in to their emails,
social media or other third-party account directly to access their content.

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4.9 Streaming games
Streaming games are permitted as long as they adhere to all guidelines – for example, each game update
must be submitted for review, developers must provide appropriate metadata for search, games must use
in-app purchase to unlock features or functionality etc. Of course, there is always the open internet and
web browser apps to reach all users outside the App Store.

4.9.1 Each streaming game must be submitted to the App Store as an individual app so that it has an
App!Store product page, appears in charts and search, has user ratings and review, can be managed
with!ScreenTime and other parental control apps, appears on the user’s device etc.

4.9.2 Streaming game services may offer a catalogue app on the App Store to help users sign up for the
service and find the games on the App Store, provided that the app adheres to all guidelines, including
offering users the option to pay for a subscription with in-app purchase and use Sign in with Apple.
All!the!games included in the catalogue app must link to an individual App Store product page.

5. Legal
Apps must comply with all legal requirements in any location where you make them available (if you’re not
sure, check with a lawyer). We know this stuff is complicated, but it is your responsibility to understand
and make sure your app conforms with all local laws, not just the guidelines below. And of course, apps
that solicit, promote, or encourage criminal or clearly reckless behaviour will be rejected. In extreme
cases, such as apps that are found to facilitate human trafficking and/or the exploitation of children,
appropriate authorities will be notified.

5.1 Privacy
Protecting user privacy is paramount in the Apple ecosystem, and you should use care when handling
personal data to ensure you’ve complied with privacy best practices, applicable laws and the terms of the
Apple Developer Program Licence Agreement, not to mention customer expectations. More particularly:

5.1.1 Data Collection and Storage

(i) Privacy Policies: All apps must include a link to their privacy policy in the App Store
Connect!metadata field and within the app in an easily accessible manner.
The!privacy!policy!must!clearly and explicitly:

• Identify what data, if any, the app/service collects, how it collects that data and all uses of that data.

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https://developer.apple.com/documentation/uikit/protecting_the_user_s_privacy

https://developer.apple.com/support/terms/

• Confirm that any third party with whom an app shares user data (in compliance with these Guidelines)
– such as analytics tools, advertising networks and third-party SDKs, as well as any parent, subsidiary
or other related entities that will have access to user data – will provide the same or equal protection
of user data as stated in the app’s privacy policy and required by these Guidelines.

• Explain its data retention/deletion policies and describe how a user can revoke consent and/or
request deletion of the user’s data.

(ii) Permission: Apps that collect user or usage data must secure user consent for the collection,
even if such data is considered to be anonymous at the time of or immediately following collection.
Paid functionality must not be dependent on or require a user to grant access to this data. Apps must
also provide the customer with an easily accessible and understandable way to withdraw consent.
Ensure your purpose strings clearly and completely describe your use of the data. Apps that collect
data for a legitimate interest without consent by relying on the terms of the European Union’s General
Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) or similar statute must comply with all terms of that law. Find out
more about Requesting Permission.

(iii) Data Minimisation: Apps should only request access to data relevant to the core functionality of
the app and should only collect and use data that is required to accomplish the relevant task. Where
possible, use the out-of-process picker or a share sheet rather than requesting full access to
protected resources such as Photos or Contacts.

(iv) Access: Apps must respect the user’s permission settings and not attempt to manipulate, trick
or force people to consent to unnecessary data access. For example, apps that include the ability to
post photos to a social network must not also require microphone access before allowing the user to
upload photos. Where possible, provide alternative solutions for users who don’t grant consent. For
example, if a user declines to share Location, offer the ability to manually enter an address.

(v) Account Sign-In: If your app doesn’t include significant account-based features, let people use
it without a login. If your app supports account creation, you must also offer account deletion within
the app. Apps may not require users to enter personal information to function, except when directly
relevant to the core functionality of the app or required by law. If your core app functionality is not
related to a specific social network (e.g. Facebook, WeChat, Weibo, Twitter etc.), you must provide
access without a login or via another mechanism. Pulling basic profile information, sharing to the
social network or inviting friends to use the app are not considered core app functionality. The app
must also include a mechanism to revoke social network credentials and disable data access
between the app and social network from within the app. An app may not store credentials or tokens
to social networks off the device and may only use such credentials or tokens to directly connect to
the social network from the app itself while the app is in use.

(vi) Developers that use their apps to surreptitiously discover passwords or other private data will be
removed from the Apple Developer Program.

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https://developer.apple.com/documentation/uikit/protecting_the_user_s_privacy

https://developer.apple.com/support/offering-account-deletion-in-your-app/

https://developer.apple.com/support/offering-account-deletion-in-your-app/

(vii) SafariViewController must be used to visibly present information to users; the controller may not
be hidden or obscured by other views or layers. Additionally, an app may not use SafariViewController
to track users without their knowledge and consent.

(viii) Apps that compile personal information from any source that is not directly from the user or
without the user’s explicit consent, even public databases, are not permitted on the App Store.

(ix) Apps that provide services in highly regulated fields (such as banking and financial services,
healthcare, gambling, legal cannabis use and air travel) or that require sensitive user information should
be submitted by a legal entity that provides the services, and not by an individual developer. Apps that
facilitate the legal sale of cannabis must be geo-restricted to the corresponding legal jurisdiction.

(x) Apps may request basic contact information (such as name and email address) as long as the
request is optional for the user, features and services are not conditional on providing the information,
and it complies with all other provisions of these guidelines, including limitations on collecting
information from kids.

5.1.2 Data Use and Sharing

(i) Unless otherwise permitted by law, you may not use, transmit or share someone’s personal data
without first obtaining their permission. You must provide access to information about how and where
the data will be used. Data collected from apps may only be shared with third parties to improve the
app or serve advertising (in compliance with the Apple Developer Program Licence Agreement).
You!must receive explicit permission from users via the App Tracking Transparency APIs to track
their!activity. Learn more about tracking. Apps that share user data without user consent or otherwise
complying with data privacy laws may be removed from sale and may result in your removal from
the!Apple Developer Program.

(ii) Data collected for one purpose may not be repurposed without further consent unless otherwise
explicitly permitted by law.

(iii) Apps should not attempt to surreptitiously build a user profile based on collected data and may
not attempt, facilitate or encourage others to identify anonymous users or reconstruct user profiles
based on data collected from Apple-provided APIs or any data that you say has been collected in
an!“anonymised”, “aggregated” or otherwise non-identifiable way.

(iv) Do not use information from Contacts, Photos or other APIs that access user data to build a contact
database for your own use or for sale/distribution to third parties, and don’t collect information about
which other apps are installed on a user’s device for the purposes of analytics or advertising/marketing.

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https://developer.apple.com/support/terms/

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/user-privacy-and-data-use/

(v) Do not contact people using information collected via a user’s Contacts or Photos, except
at!the!explicit initiative of that user on an individualised basis; do not include a Select All option
or!default the selection of all contacts. You must provide the user with a clear description of how
the!message will appear to the recipient before sending it (e.g. What will the message say"
Who!will!appear to be the sender").

(vi) Data gathered from the HomeKit API, HealthKit, Clinical Health Records API, MovementDisorder
APIs, ClassKit or from depth and/or facial mapping tools (e.g. ARKit, Camera APIs or Photo APIs)
may!not be used for marketing, advertising or use-based data mining, including by third parties.
Find!out more about best practices for implementing CallKit, HealthKit, ClassKit and ARKit.

(vii) Apps using Apple Pay may only share user data acquired via Apple Pay with third parties to
facilitate or improve delivery of goods and services.

5.1.3 Health and Health Research
Health, fitness and medical data are especially sensitive and apps in this space have some additional
rules to make sure customer privacy is protected:

(i) Apps may not use or disclose to third parties data gathered in the health, fitness and medical
research context – including from the Clinical Health Records API, HealthKit API, Motion and Fitness,
MovementDisorder APIs or health-related human subject research – for advertising, marketing or
other use-based data mining purposes other than improving health management, or for the purpose
of health research, and then only with permission. Apps may, however, use a user’s health or fitness
data to provide a benefit directly to that user (such as a reduced insurance premium), provided that
the app is submitted by the entity providing the benefit, and the data is not shared with a third party.
You must disclose the specific health data that you are collecting from the device.

(ii) Apps must not write false or inaccurate data into HealthKit or any other medical research or health
management apps, and may not store personal health information in iCloud.

(iii) Apps conducting health-related human subject research must obtain consent from participants
or, in the case of minors, their parent or guardian. Such consent must include the (a) nature, purpose
and duration of the research; (b) procedures, risks and benefits to the participant; (c) information
about confidentiality and handling of data (including any sharing with third parties); (d) a point of
contact for participant questions; and (e) the withdrawal process.

(iv) Apps conducting health-related human subject research must secure approval from an
independent ethics review board. Proof of such approval must be provided upon request.

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https://developer.apple.com/documentation/callkit

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/healthkit

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/classkit

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/arkit

5.1.4 Kids
For many reasons, it is critical to use care when dealing with personal data from kids, and we encourage
you to carefully review all the requirements for complying with laws such as the Children’s Online Privacy
Protection Act (“COPPA”), the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and any
other applicable regulations or laws.

Apps may ask for date of birth and parental contact information only for the purpose of complying with these
statutes, but must include some useful functionality or entertainment value regardless of a person’s age.

Apps intended primarily for kids should not include third-party analytics or third-party advertising. This
provides a safer experience for kids. In limited cases, third-party analytics and third-party advertising may
be permitted provided that the services adhere to the same terms set forth in Guideline 1.3.

Moreover, apps in the Kids Category or those that collect, transmit or have the capability to share
personal information (e.g. name, address, email address, location, photos, videos, drawings, the ability to
chat, other personal data or persistent identifiers used in combination with any of the above) from a minor
must include a privacy policy and must comply with all applicable children’s privacy statutes. For the sake
of clarity, the parental gate requirement for the Kid’s Category is generally not the same as securing
parental consent to collect personal data under these privacy statutes.

As a reminder, Guideline 2.3.8 requires that use of terms such as “For Kids” and “For Children” in app
metadata is reserved for the Kids Category. Apps not in the Kids Category cannot include any terms in the
app name, subtitle, icon, screenshots or description that imply the main audience for the app is children.

5.1.5 Location Services
Only use Location services in your app when it is directly relevant to the features and services provided
by the app. Location-based APIs shouldn’t be used to provide emergency services or autonomous control
over vehicles, aircraft and other devices, except for small devices such as lightweight drones and toys,
or!remote control car alarm systems etc. Ensure you notify and obtain consent before collecting,
transmitting or using location data. If your app uses location services, make sure you explain the
purpose!in your app; refer to the Human Interface Guidelines for best practices for doing so.

5.2 Intellectual Property
Make sure your app only includes content that you created or that you have a licence to use. Your
app!may be removed if you’ve stepped over the line and used content without permission. Of course,
this!also!means someone else’s app may be removed if they’ve “borrowed” from your work. If you believe
your intellectual property has been infringed by another developer on the App Store, submit a claim via
our web form. Laws differ in different countries and regions, but at the very least, make sure you avoid
the!following common errors:

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https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/privacy

https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/appstorenotices/

5.2.1 Generally: Don’t use protected third-party material such as trademarks, copyrighted works
or!patented ideas in your app without permission, and don’t include misleading, false or copycat
representations, names or metadata in your app bundle or developer name. Apps should be submitted by
the person or legal entity that owns or has licensed the intellectual property and other relevant rights.

5.2.2 Third-party Sites/Services: If your app uses, accesses, monetises access to or displays content
from a third-party service, ensure you are specifically permitted to do so under the service’s terms of use.
Authorisation must be provided upon request.

5.2.3 Audio/Video Downloading: Apps should not facilitate illegal file sharing or include the ability
to!save, convert or download media from third-party sources (e.g. Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud,
Vimeo etc.) without explicit authorisation from those sources. Streaming of audio/video content may also
violate Terms of Use, so make sure you check before your app accesses those services. Authorisation
must be provided upon request.

5.2.4 Apple Endorsements: Don’t suggest or imply that Apple is a source or supplier of the App, or that
Apple endorses any particular representation regarding quality or functionality. If your app is selected as
an “Editor’s Choice”, Apple will apply the badge automatically.

5.2.5 Apple Products: Don’t create an app that appears confusingly similar to an existing Apple product,
interface (e.g. Finder), app (such as the App Store, iTunes Store or Messages) or advertising theme. Apps
and extensions, including third-party keyboards and Sticker packs, may not include Apple emoji. Music
from iTunes and Apple Music previews may not be used for their entertainment value (e.g. as the
background music to a photo collage or the soundtrack to a game) or in any other unauthorised manner.
If!you provide music previews from iTunes or Apple Music, you must display a link to the corresponding
music in iTunes or Apple Music. If your app displays Activity rings, they should not visualise Move,
Exercise or Stand data in a way that resembles the Activity control. The Human Interface Guidelines
have!more information on how to use Activity rings. If your app displays Apple Weather data, it should
follow the attribution requirements provided in the WeatherKit documentation.

5.3 Gaming, Gambling and Lotteries
Gaming, gambling and lotteries can be tricky to manage and tend to be one of the most regulated offerings in
the App Store. Only include this functionality if you’ve fully vetted your legal obligations everywhere you make
your app available and are prepared for extra time during the review process. Some things to bear in mind:

5.3.1 Sweepstakes and contests must be sponsored by the developer of the app.

5.3.2 Official rules for sweepstakes, contests and raffles must be presented in the app and make clear
that Apple is not a sponsor or involved in the activity in any manner.

5.3.3 Apps may not use in-app purchase to purchase credit or currency for use in conjunction with real-
money gaming of any kind.

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https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/activity-rings

https://developer.apple.com/weatherkit/get-started/index.html#attribution-requirements

5.3.4 Apps that offer real-money gaming (e.g. sports betting, poker, casino games, horse racing) or
lotteries must have necessary licensing and permissions in the locations where the app is used, must be
geo-restricted to those locations and must be free on the App Store. Illegal gambling aids, including card
counters, are not permitted on the App Store. Lottery apps must have consideration, chance and a prize.

5.4 VPN Apps
Apps offering VPN services must utilise the NEVPNManager API and may only be offered by developers
enrolled as an organisation. You must make a clear declaration of what user data will be collected and how
it!will be used on an app screen prior to any user action to purchase or otherwise use the service. Apps
offering VPN services may not sell, use or disclose to third parties any data for any purpose, and must
commit to this in their privacy policy. VPN apps must not violate local laws, and if you choose to make your
VPN app available in a territory that requires a VPN licence, you must provide your licence information in the
App Review Notes field. Parental control, content blocking and security apps, among others, from approved
providers may also use the NEVPNManager API. Apps that do not comply with this guideline will be
removed from the App Store and you may be removed from the Apple Developer Program.

5.5 Mobile Device Management
Mobile Device Management Apps that offer Mobile Device Management (MDM) services must request
this capability from Apple. Such apps may only be offered by commercial enterprises, educational
institutions or government agencies, and in limited cases, companies using MDM for parental control
services or device security. You must make a clear declaration of what user data will be collected and how
it will be used on an app screen prior to any user action to purchase or otherwise use the service. MDM
apps must not violate any applicable laws. Apps offering MDM services may not sell, use or disclose to
third parties any data for any purpose, and must commit to this in their privacy policy. In limited cases,
third-party analytics may be permitted, provided that the services only collect or transmit data about
the!performance of the developer’s MDM app, and not any data about the user, the user’s device or other
apps used on that device. Apps offering configuration profiles must also adhere to these requirements.
Apps that do not comply with this guideline will be removed from the App Store and you may be removed
from the Apple Developer Program.

5.6 Developer Code of Conduct
Please treat everyone with respect, whether in your responses to App Store reviews, customer support
requests or when communicating with Apple, including your responses in App Store Connect. Do not
engage in harassment of any kind, discriminatory practices, intimidation, bullying and don’t encourage
others to engage in any of the above. Repeated manipulative or misleading behaviour or other fraudulent
conduct will lead to your removal from the Apple Developer Program.

Customer trust is the cornerstone of the App Store’s success. Apps should never prey on users
or!attempt to rip off customers, trick them into making unwanted purchases, force them to share
unnecessary data, raise prices in a tricky manner, charge for features or content that are not delivered,
or!engage in any other manipulative practices within or outside the app.

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https://developer.apple.com/documentation/networkextension/nevpnmanager/

Your Developer Program account will be terminated if you engage in activities or actions that are not in
accordance with the Developer Code of Conduct. To restore your account, you may provide a written
statement detailing the improvements you plan to make. If your plan is approved by Apple and we
confirm!the changes have been made, your account may be restored.

5.6.1 App Store Reviews
App Store customer reviews can be an integral part of the app experience, so you should treat customers
with respect when responding to their comments. Keep your responses targeted to the user’s comments
and do not include personal information, spam or marketing in your response.

Use the provided API to prompt users to review your app; this functionality allows customers to provide
an App Store rating and review without the inconvenience of leaving your app, and we will disallow
custom review prompts.

5.6.2 Developer Identity
Providing verifiable information to Apple and customers is critical to customer trust. Your representation
of yourself, your business and your offerings on the App Store must be accurate. The information you
provide must be truthful, relevant and up to date so that Apple and customers understand who they
are!engaging with and can contact you regarding any issues.

5.6.3 Discovery Fraud
Participating in the App Store requires integrity and a commitment to building and maintaining customer
trust. Manipulating any element of the App Store customer experience such as charts, search,
reviews!or!referrals to your app erodes customer trust and is not permitted.

5.6.4 App Quality
Customers expect the highest quality from the App Store, and maintaining high-quality content, services
and experiences promotes customer trust. Indications that this expectation is not being met include
excessive customer reports about concerns with your app, such as negative customer reviews, and
excessive refund requests. Inability to maintain high quality may be a factor in deciding whether
a!developer is abiding by the Developer Code of Conduct.

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After You Submit
Once you’ve submitted your app and metadata in App Store Connect and you’re in the review process,
here are some things to bear in mind:

• Timing: App Review will examine your app as soon as we can. However, if your app is complex
or!presents new issues, it may require greater scrutiny and consideration. And remember that if your
app is!repeatedly rejected for the same guideline violation or you’ve attempted to manipulate the
App!Review process, review of your app will take longer to complete. Learn more about App Review.

• Status Updates: The current status of your app will be reflected in App Store Connect,
so!you!can!keep an eye on things from there.

• Expedite Requests: If you have a critical timing issue, you can request an expedited review.
Please!respect your fellow developers by seeking expedited review only when you truly need it.
If!we!find you’re abusing this system, we may reject your requests going forwards.

• Release Date: If your release date is set for the future, the app will not appear in the App Store until
that date, even if it is approved by App Review. And remember that it can take up to 24 hours for your
app to appear on all selected storefronts.

• Rejections: Our goal is to apply these guidelines fairly and consistently, but nobody’s perfect. If your app
has been rejected and you have questions or would like to provide additional information, please use App
Store Connect to communicate directly with the App Review team. This may help get your app on the
store, and it can help us improve the App Review process or identify a need for clarity in our policies.

• Appeals: If you disagree with the outcome of your review, or would like to suggest a change to the
guideline itself, please submit an appeal. This may help get your app on the store, and it can help
us!improve the App Review process or identify a need for clarity in our policies.

• Bug Fix Submissions: For apps that are already in the App Store, bug fixes will no longer be delayed
over guideline violations except for those related to legal or safety issues. If your app has been rejected,
and qualifies for this process, please use App Store Connect to communicate directly with the App
Review team indicating that you would like to take advantage of this process and plan to address
the!issue in your next submission.

We’re excited to see what you come up with next$

Last Updated: 5 June 2023

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https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/

https://developer.apple.com/contact/app-store/?topic=expedite

https://developer.apple.com/contact/app-store/?topic=appeal

https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=3cwqvk28

App Store Review Guidelines

Introduction

Before You Submit

1. Safety

1.1 Objectionable Content

1.2 User-Generated Content

1.2.1 Creator Content

1.3 Kids Category

1.4 Physical Harm

1.5 Developer Information

1.6 Data Security

1.7 Reporting Criminal Activity

2. Performance

2.1 App Completeness

2.2 Beta Testing

2.3 Accurate Metadata

2.4 Hardware Compatibility

2.5 Software Requirements

3. Business

3.1 Payments

3.1.1 In-app Purchase

3.1.2 Subscriptions

3.1.2(a) Permissible uses

3.1.2(b) Upgrades and Downgrades

3.1.2(c) Subscription Information

3.1.3 Other Purchase Methods

3.1.3(a) “Reader” Apps

3.1.3(b) Multiplatform Services

3.1.3(c) Enterprise Services

3.1.3(d) Person-to-Person Services

3.1.3(e) Goods and Services Outside of the App

3.1.3(f) Free Stand-alone Apps

3.1.3(g) Advertising Management Apps

3.1.4 Hardware-Specific Content

3.1.5 Cryptocurrencies

3.1.6 Apple Pay

3.2 Other Business Model Issues

3.2.1 Acceptable

3.2.2 Unacceptable

4. Design

4.1 Copycats

4.2 Minimum Functionality

4.2.7 Remote Desktop Clients

4.3 Spam

4.4 Extensions

4.5 Apple Sites and Services

4.6 Alternative App Icons

4.7 HTML5 Games, Bots etc.

4.8 Sign in with Apple

4.9 Streaming games

5. Legal

5.1 Privacy

5.1.1 Data Collection and Storage

5.1.2 Data Use and Sharing

5.1.3 Health and Health Research

5.1.4 Kids

5.1.5 Location Services

5.2 Intellectual Property

5.3 Gaming, Gambling and Lotteries

5.4 VPN Apps

5.5 Mobile Device Management

5.6 Developer Code of Conduct

5.6.1 App Store Reviews

5.6.2 Developer Identity

5.6.3 Discovery Fraud

5.6.4 App Quality

After You Submit