Top Tips To Avoid App Store Rejection

3 months ago
Top Tips To Avoid App Store Rejection Image

After spending considerable resources to develop an app, no one wants to experience app store rejection. The app store application and review process can sometimes be murky, but many common issues cause apps to get rejected. If you’re familiar with the design, content, and tech requirements from the outset, it’ll help to demystify the process and ensure your app succeeds.

On that note, we recommend the following top tips to avoid app store rejection, which apply to both Apple and Google app store evaluations:

  • Follow submission guidelines from the start.
  • Consider common reasons for app store rejection and deploy fixes first.
  • Treat app development as an ongoing journey.

For further details, read on.

Avoiding App Store Rejection From the Start

Both Apple and Google provide step-by-step guides on submitting an app. Take advantage of this information to help ensure your success the first time.

The review after submitting your app is crucial. Apple’s guiding principles for acceptance or rejection are safety, performance, business, design, and legal considerations. Similarly, Google evaluates apps based on content, monetization, security, and other criteria.

There are reasons to develop an app on your own, but one benefit to working with an established app developer is expertise in this submission process. At InspiringApps, we think about these requirements from the beginning of our app development process to help ensure a smooth acceptance.

Possible Reasons for App Store Rejection

According to Apple, there are a few common reasons why they reject apps. Most of these are technical fixes, easily avoidable through testing your app to avoid crashes and bugs. The more complicated reasons for rejections involve app content, accuracy, and value.

Objectionable Content & User-Generated Content

Objectionable content can sometimes be challenging to define. It aligns with former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s quote, “I know it when I see it.” Yet, both Apple and Google are responsible for protecting their users from precisely that.

Apple has developed a reputation for being much more discriminating about objectionable content. Apple provides a non-exhaustive list of content that can be considered objectionable but leaves much to subjectivity. A controversial example involves Apple’s refusal to accept a ProtonVPN update based on objectionable content in Proton’s submitted description.

Along these same lines, user-generated content can quickly become objectionable. To avoid being rejected or removed, Apple requires apps with user-generated content to contain the following:

  • A method for filtering objectionable material
  • A mechanism to report offensive content
  • The ability to block abusive users
  • Published contact information for users to reach app owners

And while more relaxed than Apple, Google still offers its list of objectionable content and regulations around user-generated content that include many of the requirements Apple has listed.

Inaccurate or Misleading Descriptions

It’s essential to proofread your app’s description to ensure the description doesn’t claim false statements that could mislead users. Inaccurate descriptions can include everything from fake antivirus apps to undocumented features

To avoid rejection because the app doesn’t work as advertised, ensure the description is as exact and reliable as possible. Be explicit in stating what the app’s function is and avoid exaggeration. The less room for error, the less likely an app can be considered misleading to users.

Not Enough Lasting Value

The best way to ensure an app isn’t rejected based on value is to bring something new and exciting to the app store. It may not be approved if your app doesn’t offer new functionality or if it has only a niche market. Before creating your app, review the apps in your category and consider how you can provide an even better user experience. 

After App Store Acceptance

As the adage goes, it’s the journey, not the destination. After app store acceptance, you must still travel the app marketing road. Everything on the app store product page has the potential to grab new users and increase downloads, from the name to the preview and ratings and reviews.

Additional Information

For additional information to help you on your app development journey, please see:

  • How to Create a Great App Store Landing Page—First impressions mean everything, and your product page is just that for your app. This blog reveals the four top items to focus on to create a great product page experience for Apple and Google apps.
  • Managing User Feedback—It’s no secret that higher ratings attract more users. This resource provides tips on managing user feedback with Apple and Google’s frameworks for requesting ratings and reviews in your app.
  • InspiringApps: A Business Perspective on Building Mobile Apps—How do you evaluate ideas and turn the best ones into a genuinely successful app? This eBook describes an app development project’s business, marketing, and technical considerations.

And if you’re looking for an app development partner, please contact us if you have questions or need help!

Get the complete guide to the App Store & Google Play

Get the green light on your first attempt to submit your app. Explore our comprehensive playbook on marketplace submission and acceptance of your iOS and Android apps—with additional tips on monitoring marketplace performance and ensuring your app’s ongoing success.
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