Many times, iOS developers find their apps rejected by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Getting straightforward access to iOS App Store is not simple, as there are many obstacles in the path. New app developers often face this problem, as they lack in experience and insight needed to make great mobile apps. It is very hard to pass the critical eye of Apple’s review procedure.
Ever since the inception of their first mobile App on its App Store, Apple is very particular about the superiority and finesse of the apps, when they are presented for review. Even a perfect app done by experienced developers and professional designers can be disapproved or held in a queue for approval. This happens due to the fact that the curation period for an app, with all the complex procedures involved, is quite lengthy, with total control in the hands of the multinational technology giant.
Let us throw some light on Apple’s review strategy for approval of apps on the Apple App Store, and a variety of reasons for rejection of an app that has been submitted for review:
- Bugs Issue– A quality app developer has to make certain that there are absolutely no bugs in that app that he has developed. They can face outright rejection by Apple if there are bugs or sudden crashes in the app. It is important to check and double check the app for crash issues and bugs before submission.
- Bad Links– Submitted apps should be thoroughly functional. All the support links and other subscription links should be in good working order. Broken or bad links can be rejected by Apple.
- Wrongful and Incomplete Information– According to Apple, almost 14% of app rejected are because of inaccurate or incomplete information. The developers have to provide all latest contact details and a valid username plus password for signing in the process. All these information are checked and cross checked by Apple while reviewing the app. One shouldn’t forget to incorporate required specifications to be included in the configuration category.
- Incomplete Content– App developers have to make sure, whether they have included complete images, videos and texts in the app. Apps with the ‘in progress’ sign are considered incomplete and not ready for placeholder content distribution. Such apps are naturally rejected.
- Misleading Content– Any app with misleading content that confuses users can be rejected. The app should necessarily mention only those functionalities that are accurate. An app should most essentially live up to the trust and expectations placed on them by the users.
- Sub Standard UI– Apple has the right to reject all sub-standard or average apps. A developed app should be crisp, neat, having the user-friendly interface with superior quality content.
- Violation of Rules– An app needs to abide by all the rules and regulations specified by Apple’s Design Guidelines. They should also be made in accordance with User Interface rules.
- Display of Ads– Apple is very particular about the proper display of advertisements and can reject any app that fails to display ads in a proper manner. Developers have to showcase ads and test them on several other devices before incorporating them into their apps. Apps should use Advertising Identifier for serving ads. If the app doesn’t indicate using IDFA (Advertising Identifier) and still does so, then Apple can reject the app by putting it on the ‘invalid binary’ status.
- Engaging Content– The apps should be fun, functional and engaging. The unique and varied features of iOS have to be exploited in a right way to create great and quality content with the best web interactive abilities. Boring and dull content can fear rejection by Apple.
- Similar Apps– If developers keep submitting similar kind of apps with same features or functions, they are sure to be rejected. Creating apps with different themes and functionalities is the key to Apple approval.
- Small Niche– If the apps appeal to only a small niche market field, it is hard to get approval. Apps should be able to attract a broad range of users.
Experts Feel Apple Plays Fair
Apple is always known to be just and fair in its operative tactics. In order to maintain their high standard and competitive edge in the technology industry, they take some tough stand. All apps are given fair chance and developers of rejected apps get mail, which includes the exact reasons for rejection. App developers can learn from their mistakes and resubmit their apps after working hard to eradicate those errors and adding quality quotient. Strict adherence to Apple’s review guidelines can also help save your app from being included in the rejected list.
To Wrap Up…
Apple app review group includes highly trained experts, who religiously follow strict policies. They adopt hybrid processing that includes manual and automated evaluation process. According to these experts, bugs are one of the main factors contributing to app rejection. Another crucial factor leading to app rejection is an inclusion of 3rd party SDK, which is a direct breach of their company policy.
About Author
Mehul Rajput is a CEO of Mindinventory, a leading mobile app development company. He does blogging as hobby and love to write on mobile technologies, app development and mobile app marketing.
