Getting an app into the Apple App Store isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Apple has, due to the rejection rate of apps, for the first time released information regarding the most common reasons why so many fail to gain the Apple stamp of approval.
At the top of its ten-strong list, Apple explains that, more often than not, “more information is needed”. The company needs certain details to review any app, which includes providing valid demo account username and passwords, whether there are any special configurations that need to be set, and if additional hardware is required.If you do fill in the required information, make sure that it’s accurate and appropriate to your app. Indeed, apps with names, descriptions, or screenshots not relevant to the app content will find it hard to pass the test.
Further to that point, apps containing false, fraudulent or misleading representations or usenames or icons similar to other apps will be, you guessed it, rejected.
‘Guideline 2.2’ states that “apps exhibiting bugs will be rejected”. It’s shocking that so many apps haven’t been thoroughly tested before submission: this is an essential step. Make sure that all links in your app are functional. Not to mention that “a link to user support with up-to-date contact information is required for all apps”, including a provided link to your privacy policy. And all images and text must be in their final stages. Applications still in progress, containing “placeholder text” will be deemed as “not ready to be distributed”. So it stands to reason that any ‘beta’,’demo’, ‘trial’, or ‘test’ versions will also be rejected. Apple explains that a high bar is set when it comes to user interface (UI). They place value on “simple, refined, creative, well thought through interfaces”. Thankfully, the company has a UI dos and don’ts guide.But lets not forget that app names in iTunes Connect and as displayed on device should be similar, “so as not to cause confusion”, and that you are responsible for assigning the appropriate rating for submitted apps. Apple makes it clear that “inappropriate ratings may be changed/deleted”.
By Shané Schutte Image sourceShare this story