App Store Review Guidelines Checker
Comprehensive guide for evaluating iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS app code against Apple's App Store Review Guidelines. This skill covers EVERY guideline point to identify potential rejection issues before submission.
Supports: Swift, Objective-C, React Native, and Expo apps
When to Apply
Use this skill when:
- Preparing an app for App Store submission
- Reviewing code for compliance issues
- Implementing features that may trigger review concerns
- Auditing existing apps for guideline violations
- Building features involving payments, user data, or sensitive content
Guideline Sections
Read individual rule files for detailed explanations, checklists, and code examples:
| Section | File | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Safety | rules/1-safety.md | Objectionable content, UGC moderation, Kids Category, physical harm, data security |
| 2. Performance | rules/2-performance.md | App completeness, metadata accuracy, hardware compatibility, software requirements |
| 3. Business | rules/3-business.md | In-app purchase, subscriptions, cryptocurrencies, other business models |
| 4. Design | rules/4-design.md | Copycats, minimum functionality, spam, extensions, Apple services, login |
| 5. Legal | rules/5-legal.md | Privacy, data collection, intellectual property, gambling, VPN, MDM |
Risk Levels by Category
| Risk Level | Category | Section | Common Rejection Reasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRITICAL | Privacy & Data | 5.1 | Missing privacy policy, unauthorized data collection |
| CRITICAL | Payments | 3.1 | Bypassing in-app purchase, unclear pricing |
| HIGH | Safety | 1.x | Objectionable content, inadequate UGC moderation |
| HIGH | Performance | 2.x | Crashes, incomplete features, deprecated APIs |
| MEDIUM | Design | 4.x | Copycat apps, minimum functionality issues |
| MEDIUM | Legal | 5.x | IP violations, gambling without license |
Quick Reference: High-Risk Rejection Patterns
Critical Issues (Immediate Rejection)
Swift:
// 🔴 Private API usage
let selector = NSSelectorFromString("_privateMethod")
// 🔴 Hardcoded secrets
let apiKey = "sk_live_xxxxx"
// 🔴 External payment for digital goods
func purchaseDigitalContent() {
openStripeCheckout() // Use StoreKit instead
}
React Native / Expo:
// 🔴 Hardcoded secrets in JS bundle
const API_KEY = 'sk_live_xxxxx'; // REJECTION
// 🔴 External payment for digital goods
Linking.openURL('https://stripe.com/checkout'); // Use react-native-iap
// 🔴 Dynamic code execution
eval(downloadedCode); // REJECTION
// 🔴 Major feature changes via CodePush/expo-updates
// OTA updates for bug fixes only, not new features!
High-Risk Issues
Swift:
// 🟡 Missing ATT when using ad SDKs
import FacebookAds // Without ATTrackingManager
// 🟡 Account creation without deletion
func createAccount() { } // But no deleteAccount()
React Native / Expo:
// 🟡 Missing ATT (use expo-tracking-transparency)
import analytics from '@react-native-firebase/analytics';
analytics().logEvent('event'); // Without ATT prompt = REJECTION
// 🟡 Account deletion via website only
Linking.openURL('https://example.com/delete'); // Must be in-app!
// 🟡 Social login without Sign in with Apple
<GoogleSigninButton /> // Must also offer Apple login!
Medium-Risk Issues
// 🟠 Vague purpose strings in Info.plist
"This app needs camera access" // Be specific!
// 🟠 WebView-only app (insufficient native functionality)
const App = () => <WebView source={{ uri: 'https://site.com' }} />;
// 🟠 References to Android in iOS app
const text = "Also available on Android"; // REJECTION
// 🟠 console.log in production
console.log('debug'); // Remove or wrap in __DEV__
Pre-Submission Checklist
Privacy (Section 5.1)
- Privacy policy link in App Store Connect
- Privacy policy link accessible within app
- All purpose strings are specific and accurate
- App Privacy details completed in App Store Connect
- ATT implemented if tracking users
- Account deletion available if accounts exist
- Data minimization - only requesting necessary permissions
- User consent obtained before data collection
Payments (Section 3.1)
- StoreKit used for all digital purchases
- Restore purchases implemented
- Subscription terms clearly displayed
- Loot box odds disclosed if applicable
- No external payment for digital goods (unless entitled)
- Credits/currencies don't expire
Safety (Section 1.x)
- No objectionable content
- UGC moderation implemented (filter, report, block, contact)
- Parental gates for Kids Category apps
- No false information or prank features
- Medical disclaimers if applicable
- No substance promotion
Performance (Section 2.x)
- No crashes or bugs
- All features complete and functional
- No placeholder content
- IPv6 tested and functional
- Demo account provided if needed
- Using only public APIs
- No deprecated APIs
- Proper background mode usage
Design (Section 4.x)
- Sufficient native functionality (not just web wrapper)
- No copycat concerns
- Original app name and branding
- Extensions comply with guidelines
- Login alternatives if using social login
- Not monetizing built-in capabilities
Legal (Section 5.x)
- No unlicensed third-party content
- Proper Apple trademark usage
- Gambling license if applicable
- VPN uses NEVPNManager API
- COPPA/GDPR compliance for kids