Apple rejected your app. Here's why and how to fix it.
App Store rejections have specific, documented causes. The most common: guideline 4.0 (design), 2.1 (incomplete information), and guideline 3.1 (in-app purchases). Understanding the rejection reason and addressing it directly is faster than appealing or guessing.
iOS App Store rejection — app submitted but rejected by Apple, with a rejection notice that may be vague or technical
Apple rejects apps for specific reasons, documented in the App Store Review Guidelines. The rejection email includes a reason code. Common rejections:
Guideline 4.0 — Design: The app doesn't provide enough functionality, has broken UI elements, or appears to be a website wrapper without app-like features. Fix: build native mobile interactions, not a webview wrapper.
Guideline 2.1 — App Completeness: The reviewer encountered a bug, couldn't log in with the provided demo credentials, or the app crashed during review. Fix: provide working demo credentials, test on the exact device configurations Apple reviews on (specific iPhone models, specific iOS versions).
Guideline 3.1.1 — In-App Purchase: The app sells digital content or subscriptions without using Apple's in-app purchase system. Fix: implement StoreKit for any digital purchases — Apple takes 15-30%.
Guideline 5.1 — Privacy: Missing privacy policy, or the app collects data not disclosed in the App Privacy section of App Store Connect. Fix: update the privacy policy and App Store privacy declarations.
Guideline 1.1 — Objectionable Content: Content that violates Apple's content policies (adult content without proper age gate, harmful topics). Fix: add age gates or remove the content.
Guideline 2.3 — Accurate Metadata: Screenshots don't match the actual app, or the app description is misleading. Fix: update screenshots to match current UI.
The appeal process: App Store appeal is available for disputed rejections. Success rate is low; directly fixing the cited guideline violation is almost always faster.
App resubmitted and approved after addressing the specific rejection reason — whether it's a guideline violation, incomplete app review information, or a technical issue
Rejection audit
reading the rejection notice and identifying the exact fix required
Code fix
for technical rejections (crash, broken feature, missing IAP implementation)
Submission guidance
for metadata and demo credential issues
Privacy compliance
review for data-related rejections
One honest number to start.
Fixed-scope, fixed-price. The number below is the starting point — final scope is built from your brief.
App resubmitted and approved after addressing the specific rejection reason — whether it's a guideline violation, incomplete app review information, or a technical issue
Three steps, every time.
The same repeatable engagement on every project. No surprises, no mystery, no billable ambiguity.
Brief & discovery.
We send you questions, then get on a call. Output: a written scope with every step, feature, and integration listed.
Build & ship.
Fixed schedule, weekly reviews. No scope creep unless you change the scope — and if you do, we reprice it transparently.
Warranty & retainer.
30-day warranty on every launch. Most clients stay on a monthly retainer for ongoing features and maintenance.
Why Fixed-Price Matters Here
App Store rejection fixes are scoped per the rejection reason. Small fixes are quick; architectural rejections (webview wrapper → native) are larger rebuilds.
Questions, answered.
Standard review: 1-3 days. Expedited review (available once per app per year for urgent issues): 24-48 hours.
Yes. Appeal the rejection through App Store Connect → My Apps → the specific rejection. Apple's review board reviews appeals. Success is more likely when the guideline interpretation is genuinely ambiguous, not when you clearly violated a clear rule.
Tell Ryel about your project.
Describe what you’re building and what outcome you need. You’ll have a written, fixed-price scope within the week.