| Before | After | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Make sure you: Test your app for crashes and bugs Ensure that all app information and metadata is complete and accurate Update your contact information in case App Review needs to reach you Provide App Review with full access to your app. | 41 | Make sure you: Test your app for crashes and bugs. |
| 42 | If your app includes account-based features, provide either an active demo account or fully-featured demo mode, plus any other hardware or resources that might be needed to review your app (e.g. login credentials or a sample QR code) Enable backend services so that they're live and accessible during review Include detailed explanations of non-obvious features and in-app purchases in the App Review notes, including supporting documentation where appropriate Check whether your app follows guidance in other documentation, such as: Developer Documentation SwiftUI UIKit AppKit App extensions Optimizing Your App's Data for iCloud Backup Apple File System App Store Connect Help Developer Account Help Design Guidelines Human Interface Guidelines Brand and Marketing Guidelines Marketing Resources and Identity Guidelines Apple Pay Marketing Guidelines Add to Apple Wallet Guidelines Guidelines for Using Apple Trademarks and Copyrights Guidelines that include apply to Notarization for iOS and iPadOS apps. 1. | 42 | Learn more about testing your app on compatible devices and configuring In‑App Purchases for review. |
| 43 | Ensure that all app information and metadata is complete and accurate. | ||
| 44 | Update your contact information in case App Review needs to reach you. | ||
| 45 | Provide App Review with full access to your app. | ||
| 46 | If your app includes account-based features, provide either an active demo account or fully-featured demo mode, plus any other hardware or resources that might be needed to review your app (such as login credentials or a sample QR code). | ||
| 47 | Learn more about providing information for a complete review. | ||
| 48 | Enable backend services so that they're live and accessible during review. | ||
| 49 | Include detailed explanations of non-obvious features and in-app purchases in the App Review notes, including supporting documentation where appropriate. | ||
| 50 | Provide required documentation for apps and features that require regulatory approval. | ||
| 51 | Check whether your app follows guidance in other documentation, such as: Developer Documentation SwiftUI UIKit AppKit App extensions Optimizing Your App's Data for iCloud Backup Apple File System App Store Connect Help App Review Help Developer Account Help Design Guidelines Human Interface Guidelines Brand and Marketing Guidelines Marketing Resources and Identity Guidelines Apple Pay Marketing Guidelines Add to Apple Wallet Guidelines Guidelines for Using Apple Trademarks and Copyrights Guidelines that include apply to Notarization for iOS and iPadOS apps. 1. | ||
| 50 | Apps that enable anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS/MMS messaging will be rejected. 1.1.7 Harmful concepts which capitalize or seek to profit on recent or current events, such as violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, and epidemics. 1.2 User-Generated Content Apps with user-generated content present particular challenges, ranging from intellectual property infringement to anonymous bullying. | 59 | Apps that enable anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS/MMS messaging will be rejected. 1.1.7 Harmful concepts which capitalize or seek to profit on recent or current events, such as violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, and epidemics. 1.2 User-Generated Content Apps that enable users to create, generate, upload, share, or otherwise contribute content present particular challenges, including intellectual property infringement, nonconsensual intimate imagery, and anonymous bullying. |
| 51 | To prevent abuse, apps with user-generated content or social networking services must include: A method for filtering objectionable material from being posted to the app A mechanism to report offensive content and timely responses to concerns The ability to block abusive users from the service Published contact information so users can easily reach you Apps with user-generated content or services that end up being used primarily for pornographic content, Chatroulette-style experiences, random or anonymous chat, objectification of real people (e.g. "hot-or-not" voting), making physical threats, or bullying do not belong on the App Store and may be removed without notice. | 60 | This includes social media, user-generated content platforms, and AI content creation apps. |
| 61 | To prevent abuse, such apps must include: A method for filtering objectionable material from being posted to the app A mechanism to report offensive content and timely responses to concerns The ability to block abusive users from the service Published contact information so users can easily reach you Apps with user-generated content or services that end up being used primarily for pornographic content, Chatroulette-style experiences, random or anonymous chat, objectification of real people (such as "hot-or-not" voting), making physical threats, or bullying do not belong on the App Store and may be removed without notice. | ||
| 64 | Developers who fail to implement appropriate safeguards or fail to remediate identified violations after notice may be considered in violation of the Developer Code of Conduct. | ||
| 98 | To learn more, visit the TestFlight Beta Testing page. 2.3 Accurate Metadata Customers should know what they're getting when they download or buy your app, so make sure all your app metadata, including privacy information, your app description, screenshots, and previews accurately reflect the app's core experience and remember to keep them up-to-date with new versions. 2.3.1 (a) Don't include any hidden, dormant, or undocumented features in your app; your app's functionality should be clear to end users and App Review. | 109 | To learn more, visit the TestFlight Beta Testing page. 2.3 Accurate Metadata Customers should know what they're getting when they download or buy your app, so make sure all your app metadata, including privacy information, your app description, screenshots, and previews accurately reflect the app's core experience and remember to keep them up-to-date with new versions. 2.3.1 (a) All new features, functionality, and product changes must be described with specificity in the Notes for Review section of App Store Connect (generic descriptions will be rejected) and accessible for review. |
| 99 | All new features, functionality, and product changes must be described with specificity in the Notes for Review section of App Store Connect (generic descriptions will be rejected) and accessible for review. | 110 | Similarly, marketing your app in a misleading way, such as by promoting content or services that it does not actually offer (such as iOS-based virus and malware scanners) or promoting a false price, whether within or outside of the App Store, is grounds for removal of your app from the App Store or a block from installing via alternative distribution and termination of your developer account. |
| 100 | Similarly, marketing your app in a misleading way, such as by promoting content or services that it does not actually offer (e.g. iOS-based virus and malware scanners) or promoting a false price, whether within or outside of the App Store, is grounds for removal of your app from the App Store or a block from installing via alternative distribution and termination of your developer account. | — | Removed |
| 104 | They may also include text and image overlays (e.g. to demonstrate input mechanisms, such as an animated touch point or Apple Pencil) and show extended functionality on device, such as Touch Bar. 2.3.4 Previews are a great way for customers to see what your app looks like and what it does. | 114 | They may also include text and image overlays (for example, to demonstrate input mechanisms, such as an animated touch point or Apple Pencil) and show extended functionality on device, such as Touch Bar. |
| 115 | Learn more about showing your app in use in screenshots. 2.3.4 Previews are a great way for customers to see what your app looks like and what it does. | ||
| 110 | If your app includes media that requires the display of content ratings or warnings (e.g. films, music, games, etc.), you are responsible for complying with local requirements in each territory where your app is available. 2.3.7 Choose a unique app name, assign keywords that accurately describe your app, and don't try to pack any of your metadata with trademarked terms, popular app names, pricing information, or other irrelevant phrases just to game the system. | 121 | If your app includes media that requires the display of content ratings or warnings (such as films, music, games, etc.), you are responsible for complying with local requirements in each territory where your app is available. 2.3.7 Choose a unique app name, assign keywords that accurately describe your app, and don't try to pack any of your metadata with trademarked terms, popular app names, pricing information, or other irrelevant phrases just to game the system. |
| 121 | If you make material changes to the app (e.g. change business models), you should restart your pre-order sales. 2.3.12 Apps must clearly describe new features and product changes in their "What's New" text. | 132 | If you make material changes to the app (such as changing business models), you should restart your pre-order sales. 2.3.12 Apps must clearly describe new features and product changes in their "What's New" text. |
| 128 | Read In-App Events for detailed guidance on acceptable event metadata and event deep links. 2.4 Hardware Compatibility 2.4.1 To ensure people get the most out of your app, iPhone apps should run on iPad whenever possible. | 139 | Read In-App Events for detailed guidance on acceptable event metadata and event deep links. 2.3.14 Creative assets allow you to highlight the value of your app in new ways compared to app-in-use screenshots and preview videos, and can be used across the App Store, including the product page header and in search results. |
| 140 | Creative assets must pertain to your app's content and functionality or overarching brand, follow standard metadata guidelines, and be appropriate for all audiences. | ||
| 141 | They should not include inappropriate content, references to other apps with an intent to mislead, unverifiable product claims, or specific or discounted pricing information. | ||
| 142 | Read App Store asset best practices for detailed guidance on acceptable recommendations. 2.4 Hardware Compatibility 2.4.1 To ensure people get the most out of your app, iPhone apps should run on iPad whenever possible. | ||
| 135 | They should also only use the appropriate macOS APIs for modifying user data stored by other apps (e.g. bookmarks, Address Book, or Calendar entries). | 149 | They should also only use the appropriate macOS APIs for modifying user data stored by other apps (such as bookmarks, Address Book, or Calendar entries). |
| 144 | (viii) Apps should run on the currently shipping OS and may not use deprecated or optionally installed technologies (e.g. Java) (ix) Apps must contain all language and localization support in a single app bundle. 2.5 Software Requirements 2.5.1 Apps may only use public APIs and must run on the currently shipping OS. | 158 | (viii) Apps should run on the currently shipping OS and may not use deprecated or optionally installed technologies (such as Java). |
| 159 | (ix) Apps must contain all language and localization support in a single app bundle. 2.5 Software Requirements 2.5.1 Apps may only use public APIs and must run on the currently shipping OS. | ||
| 158 | Only request a disambiguation when required to complete the task (e.g. asking the user to specify a particular type of workout). 2.5.12 Apps using CallKit or including an SMS Fraud Extension should only block phone numbers that are confirmed spam. | 173 | Only request a disambiguation when required to complete the task (such as asking the user to specify a particular type of workout). 2.5.12 Apps using CallKit or including an SMS Fraud Extension should only block phone numbers that are confirmed spam. |
| 160 | You may not use the data accessed via these tools for any purpose not directly related to operating or improving your app or extension (e.g. you may not use, share, or sell it for tracking purposes, creating user profiles, etc.). 2.5.13 Apps using facial recognition for account authentication must use LocalAuthentication (and not ARKit or other facial recognition technology) where possible, and must use an alternate authentication method for users under 13 years old. 2.5.14 Apps must request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual and/or audible indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity. | 175 | You may not use the data accessed via these tools for any purpose not directly related to operating or improving your app or extension (for example, you may not use, share, or sell it for tracking purposes, create user profiles, etc.). 2.5.13 Apps using facial recognition for account authentication must use LocalAuthentication (and not ARKit or other facial recognition technology) where possible, and must use an alternate authentication method for users under 13 years old. 2.5.14 Apps must request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual and/or audible indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity. |
| 165 | Ads displayed in an app must be appropriate for the app's age rating, allow the user to see all information used to target them for that ad (without requiring the user to leave the app), and may not engage in targeted or behavioral advertising based on sensitive user data such as health/medical data (e.g. from the HealthKit APIs), school and classroom data (e.g. from ClassKit), or from kids (e.g. from apps in the App Store's Kids Category), etc. | 180 | Ads displayed in an app must be appropriate for the app's age rating, allow the user to see all information used to target them for that ad (without requiring the user to leave the app), and may not engage in targeted or behavioral advertising based on sensitive user data such as health/medical data (such as from the HealthKit APIs), school and classroom data (such as from ClassKit), or from kids (such as from apps in the App Store's Kids Category), etc. |
| 167 | Apps that contain ads must also include the ability for users to report any inappropriate or age-inappropriate ads. 3. | 182 | Apps that contain ads must also include the ability for users to report any inappropriate or age-inappropriate ads. 2.5.19 Don't include any hidden, dormant, or undocumented features in your app; your app's functionality should be clear to end users and App Review. |
| 183 | Attempting to hide undocumented features in your app binary, such as through code obfuscation or other methods, is grounds for removal of your app from the App Store and termination of your developer account. 3. | ||
| 187 | Apps may allow users to browse NFT collections owned by others, provided that, except for apps on the United States storefront, the apps may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase. 3.1.1(a) Link to Other Purchase Methods: Developers may apply for entitlements to provide a link in their app to a website the developer owns or maintains responsibility for in order to purchase digital content or services. | 203 | Apps may allow users to browse NFT collections owned by others, provided that, except for apps on the United States storefront, the apps may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase. 3.1.1(a) Link to Other Purchase Methods: Developers may apply for entitlements to provide a link in their app to a permitted destination in order to purchase digital content or services. |
| 190 | StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlements: apps on the App Store in specific regions may offer in-app purchases and also use a StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement to include a link to the developer's website that informs users of other ways to purchase digital goods or services. | 206 | StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlements: apps on the App Store in specific regions may offer in-app purchases and also use a StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement or, where permitted, a Music Streaming Services Entitlement to include a link to a permitted destination that informs users of other ways to purchase digital goods or services. |
| 207 | Approved destinations may vary by region. | ||
| 193 | The entitlements are limited to use only in the iOS or iPadOS App Store in specific storefronts. | 210 | The entitlements are limited to use only in specific storefronts of the App Store, and only on certain platforms in each of those storefronts. |
| 195 | Music Streaming Services Entitlements: music streaming apps in specific regions can use Music Streaming Services Entitlements to include a link (which may take the form of a buy button) to the developer's website that informs users of other ways to purchase digital music content or services. | — | Removed |
| 196 | These entitlements also permit music streaming app developers to invite users to provide their email address for the express purpose of sending them a link to the developer's website to purchase digital music content or services. | — | Removed |
| 197 | Learn more about these entitlements. | — | Removed |
| 198 | In accordance with the entitlement agreements, the link may inform users about where and how to purchase those in-app purchase items, and the price of such items. | — | Removed |
| 199 | The entitlements are limited to use only in the iOS or iPadOS App Store in specific storefronts. | — | Removed |
| 200 | In all other storefronts, streaming music apps and their metadata may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase. | — | Removed |
| 204 | In addition: Subscriptions may be offered alongside à la carte offerings (e.g. you may offer a subscription to an entire library of films as well the purchase or rental of a single movie). | 215 | In addition: Subscriptions may be offered alongside à la carte offerings (for example, you may offer a subscription to an entire library of films as well the purchase or rental of a single movie). |
| 209 | Subscriptions may include consumable credits, gems, in-game currencies, etc., and you may offer subscriptions that include access to discounted consumable goods (e.g. a platinum membership that exposes gem-packs for a reduced price). | 220 | Subscriptions may include consumable credits, gems, in-game currencies, etc., and you may offer subscriptions that include access to discounted consumable goods (such as a platinum membership that exposes gem-packs for a reduced price). |
| 231 | One-to-few and one-to-many real-time services must use in-app purchase. 3.1.3(e) Goods and Services Outside of the App: If your app enables people to purchase physical goods or services that will be consumed outside of the app, you must use purchase methods other than in-app purchase to collect those payments, such as Apple Pay or traditional credit card entry. 3.1.3(f) Free Stand-alone Apps: Free apps acting as a stand-alone companion to a paid web based tool (i.e. VoIP, Cloud Storage, Email Services, Web Hosting) do not need to use in-app purchase, provided there is no purchasing inside the app, or calls to action for purchase outside of the app. 3.1.3(g) Advertising Management Apps: Apps for the sole purpose of allowing advertisers (persons or companies that advertise a product, service, or event) to purchase and manage advertising campaigns across media types (television, outdoor, websites, apps, etc.) do not need to use in-app purchase. | 242 | One-to-few and one-to-many real-time services must use in-app purchase. 3.1.3(e) Goods and Services Outside of the App: If your app enables people to purchase physical goods or services that will be consumed outside of the app, you must use purchase methods other than in-app purchase to collect those payments, such as Apple Pay or traditional credit card entry. 3.1.3(f) Free Stand-alone Apps: Free apps acting as a stand-alone companion to a paid web-based tool for VoIP, Cloud Storage, Email Services, or Web Hosting do not need to use in-app purchase, provided there is no purchasing inside the app, or calls to action for purchase outside of the app. 3.1.3(g) Advertising Management Apps: Apps for the sole purpose of allowing advertisers (persons or companies that advertise a product, service, or event) to purchase and manage advertising campaigns across media types (television, outdoor, websites, apps, etc.) do not need to use in-app purchase. |
| 233 | Digital purchases for content that is experienced or consumed in an app, including buying advertisements to display in the same app (such as sales of "boosts" for posts in a social media app) must use in-app purchase. 3.1.4 Hardware-Specific Content: In limited circumstances, such as when features are dependent upon specific hardware to function, the app may unlock that functionality without using in-app purchase (e.g. an astronomy app that adds features when synced with a telescope). | 244 | Digital purchases for content that is experienced or consumed in an app, including buying advertisements to display in the same app (such as sales of "boosts" for posts in a social media app) must use in-app purchase. 3.1.4 Hardware-Specific Content: In limited circumstances, such as when features are dependent upon specific hardware to function, the app may unlock that functionality without using in-app purchase (such as an astronomy app that adds features when synced with a telescope). |
| 236 | (ii) Mining: Apps may not mine for cryptocurrencies unless the processing is performed off device (e.g. cloud-based mining). | 247 | (ii) Mining: Apps may not mine for cryptocurrencies unless the processing is performed off device (such as cloud-based mining). |
| 240 | (ii) Displaying or recommending a collection of third-party apps that are designed for a specific approved need (e.g. health management, aviation, accessibility). | 251 | (ii) Displaying or recommending a collection of third-party apps that are designed for a specific approved need (such as health management, aviation, accessibility). |
| 242 | (iii) Disabling access to specific approved rental content (e.g. films, television programs, music, books) after the rental period has expired; all other items and services may not expire. | 253 | (iii) Disabling access to specific approved rental content (such as films, television programs, music, books) after the rental period has expired; all other items and services may not expire. |
| 263 | Apps that facilitate trading in contracts for difference ("CFDs") or other derivatives (e.g. FOREX) must be properly licensed in all jurisdictions where the service is available. | 274 | Apps that facilitate trading in contracts for difference ("CFDs") or other derivatives (such as FOREX) must be properly licensed in all jurisdictions where the service is available. |
| 267 | Apps may otherwise incentivize users to take specific actions within apps (e.g. completing a level, watching an ad). 4. | 278 | Apps may otherwise incentivize users to take specific actions within apps (such as by completing a level or watching an ad). 4. |
| 276 | (c) You cannot use another developer's icon, brand, or product name in your app's icon or name, without approval from the developer. 4.2 Minimum Functionality Your app should include features, content, and UI that elevate it beyond a repackaged website. | 287 | (c) You cannot use another developer's icon, brand, or product name in your app's icon or name, without approval from the developer. |
| 288 | Learn more about preventing copycat and impersonation rejections. 4.2 Minimum Functionality Your app should include features, content, and UI that elevate it beyond a repackaged website. | ||
| 298 | They must: Provide keyboard input functionality (e.g. typed characters); Follow Sticker guidelines if the keyboard includes images or emoji; Provide a method for progressing to the next keyboard; Remain functional without full network access and without requiring full access; Collect user activity only to enhance the functionality of the user's keyboard extension on the iOS device. | 310 | They must: Provide keyboard input functionality (such as typed characters); Follow Sticker guidelines if the keyboard includes images or emoji; Provide a method for progressing to the next keyboard; Remain functional without full network access and without requiring full access; Collect user activity only to enhance the functionality of the user's keyboard extension on the iOS device. |
| 299 | They must not: Launch other apps besides Settings; or Repurpose keyboard buttons for other behaviors (e.g. holding down the "return" key to launch the camera). 4.4.2 Safari extensions must run on the current version of Safari on the relevant Apple operating system. | 311 | They must not: Launch other apps besides Settings; or Repurpose keyboard buttons for other behaviors (such as holding down the "return" key to launch the camera). 4.4.2 Safari extensions must run on the current version of Safari on the relevant Apple operating system. |
| 302 | Safari extensions should not claim access to more websites than strictly necessary to function. 4.4.3 Intentionally omitted. 4.5 Apple Sites and Services 4.5.1 Apps may use approved Apple RSS feeds such as the iTunes Store RSS feed, but may not scrape any information from Apple sites (e.g. apple.com, the iTunes Store, App Store, App Store Connect, developer portal, etc.) or create rankings using this information. 4.5.2 Apple Music (i) MusicKit on iOS lets users play Apple Music and their local music library natively from your apps and games. | 314 | Safari extensions should not claim access to more websites than strictly necessary to function. 4.4.3 Intentionally omitted. 4.5 Apple Sites and Services 4.5.1 Apps may use approved Apple RSS feeds such as the iTunes Store RSS feed, but may not scrape any information from Apple sites (such as apple.com, the iTunes Store, App Store, App Store Connect, developer portal, etc.) or create rankings using this information. 4.5.2 Apple Music (i) MusicKit on iOS lets users play Apple Music and their local music library natively from your apps and games. |
| 304 | Users must initiate the playback of an Apple Music stream and be able to navigate using standard media controls such as "play," "pause," and "skip." Moreover, your app may not require payment or indirectly monetize access to the Apple Music service (e.g. in-app purchase, advertising, requesting user info, etc.). | 316 | Users must initiate the playback of an Apple Music stream and be able to navigate using standard media controls such as "play," "pause," and "skip." Moreover, your app may not require payment or indirectly monetize access to the Apple Music service (such as in-app purchase, advertising, requesting user info, etc.). |
| 307 | For example, if you want your app to play a specific song at a particular moment, or to create audio or video files that can be shared to social media, you'll need to contact rights-holders directly to get their permission (e.g. synchronization or adaptation rights) and assets. | 319 | For example, if you want your app to play a specific song at a particular moment, or to create audio or video files that can be shared to social media, you'll need to contact rights-holders directly to get their permission (such as synchronization or adaptation rights) and assets. |
| 332 | In extreme cases, such as apps that are found to facilitate human trafficking and/or the exploitation of children, appropriate authorities will be notified. 5.1 Privacy Protecting user privacy is paramount in the Apple ecosystem, and you should use care when handling personal data to ensure you've complied with privacy best practices, applicable laws, and the terms of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, not to mention customer expectations. | 344 | In extreme cases, such as apps that are found to facilitate human trafficking and/or the exploitation of children, appropriate authorities will be notified and the apps will be removed from the App Store and blocked from alternative distribution. 5.1 Privacy Protecting user privacy is paramount in the Apple ecosystem, and you should use care when handling personal data to ensure you've complied with privacy best practices, applicable laws, and the terms of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, not to mention customer expectations. |
| 353 | Learn more about writing clear purpose strings. | ||
| 352 | If your core app functionality is not related to a specific social network (e.g. Facebook, WeChat, Weibo, X, etc.), you must provide access without a login or via another mechanism. | 365 | If your core app functionality is not related to a specific social network (such as Facebook, WeChat, Weibo, X, etc.), you must provide access without a login or via another mechanism. |
| 368 | Your app may not require users to enable system functionalities (e.g. push notifications, location services, tracking) in order to access functionality, content, use the app, or receive monetary or other compensation, including but not limited to gift cards and codes. | 381 | Your app may not require users to enable system functionalities (such as push notifications, location services, tracking) in order to access functionality, content, use the app, or receive monetary or other compensation, including but not limited to gift cards and codes. |
| 374 | You must provide the user with a clear description of how the message will appear to the recipient before sending it (e.g. What will the message say? | 387 | You must provide the user with a clear description of how the message will appear to the recipient before sending it (for example, What will the message say? |
| 376 | (vi) Data gathered from the HomeKit API, HealthKit, Clinical Health Records API, MovementDisorder APIs, ClassKit or from depth and/or facial mapping tools (e.g. ARKit, Camera APIs, or Photo APIs) may not be used for marketing, advertising or use-based data mining, including by third parties. | 389 | (vi) Data gathered from the HomeKit API, HealthKit, Clinical Health Records API, MovementDisorder APIs, ClassKit or from depth and/or facial mapping tools (such as ARKit, Camera APIs, or Photo APIs) may not be used for marketing, advertising or use-based data mining, including by third parties. |
| 389 | (b) In limited cases, third-party analytics and third-party advertising may be permitted provided that the services adhere to the same terms set forth in Guideline 1.3. Moreover, apps in the Kids Category or those that collect, transmit, or have the capability to share personal information (e.g. name, address, email, location, photos, videos, drawings, the ability to chat, other personal data, or persistent identifiers used in combination with any of the above) from a minor must include a privacy policy and must comply with all applicable children's privacy statutes. | 402 | (b) In limited cases, third-party analytics and third-party advertising may be permitted provided that the services adhere to the same terms set forth in Guideline 1.3. Moreover, apps in the Kids Category or those that collect, transmit, or have the capability to share personal information (such as name, address, email, location, photos, videos, drawings, the ability to chat, other personal data, or persistent identifiers used in combination with any of the above) from a minor must include a privacy policy and must comply with all applicable children's privacy statutes. |
| 401 | Authorization must be provided upon request. 5.2.3 Audio/Video Downloading: Apps should not facilitate illegal file sharing or include the ability to save, convert, or download media from third-party sources (e.g. Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo, etc.) without explicit authorization from those sources. | 414 | Authorization must be provided upon request. 5.2.3 Audio/Video Downloading: Apps should not facilitate illegal file sharing or include the ability to save, convert, or download media from third-party sources (such as Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo, etc.) without explicit authorization from those sources. |
| 403 | Authorization must be provided upon request. 5.2.4 Apple Endorsements (a) Don't suggest or imply that Apple is a source or supplier of the App, or that Apple endorses any particular representation regarding quality or functionality. | 416 | Authorization must be provided upon request. 5.2.4 Apple Endorsements: (a) Don't suggest or imply that Apple is a source or supplier of the App, or that Apple endorses any particular representation regarding quality or functionality. |
| 404 | (b) If your app is selected as an "Editor's Choice," Apple will apply the badge automatically. 5.2.5 Apple Products: Don't create an app that appears confusingly similar to an existing Apple product, interface (e.g. Finder), app (such as the App Store, iTunes Store, or Messages) or advertising theme. | 417 | (b) If your app is selected as an "Editor's Choice," Apple will apply the badge automatically. 5.2.5 Apple Products: Don't create an app that appears confusingly similar to an existing Apple product, interface (such as Finder), app (such as the App Store, iTunes Store, or Messages) or advertising theme. |
| 406 | Music from iTunes and Apple Music previews may not be used for their entertainment value (e.g. as the background music to a photo collage or the soundtrack to a game) or in any other unauthorized manner. | 419 | Music from iTunes and Apple Music previews may not be used for their entertainment value (such as as the background music to a photo collage or the soundtrack to a game) or in any other unauthorized manner. |
| 412 | Some things to keep in mind: 5.3.1 Sweepstakes and contests must be sponsored by the developer of the app. 5.3.2 Official rules for sweepstakes, contests, and raffles must be presented in the app and make clear that Apple is not a sponsor or involved in the activity in any manner. 5.3.3 Apps may not use in-app purchase to purchase credit or currency for use in conjunction with real money gaming of any kind. 5.3.4 Apps that offer real money gaming (e.g. sports betting, poker, casino games, horse racing) or lotteries must have necessary licensing and permissions in the locations where the app is used, must be geo-restricted to those locations, and must be free on the App Store. | 425 | Some things to keep in mind: 5.3.1 Sweepstakes and contests must be sponsored by the developer of the app. 5.3.2 Official rules for sweepstakes, contests, and raffles must be presented in the app and make clear that Apple is not a sponsor or involved in the activity in any manner. 5.3.3 Apps may not use in-app purchase to purchase credit or currency for use in conjunction with real money gaming of any kind. 5.3.4 Apps that offer real money gaming (such as sports betting, poker, casino games, horse racing) or lotteries must have necessary licensing and permissions in the locations where the app is used, must be geo-restricted to those locations, and must be free on the App Store. |
| 459 | Learn more about tracking a submission's review status. | ||
| 463 | Learn more about expediting requests. | ||
| 469 | Learn more about contacting App Review for help with a submission. | ||
| 473 | Learn more about submitting complete appeals and suggesting guideline changes. | ||
| 476 | Learn more about accepting Bug Fix Submission offers. | ||
| 460 | Last Updated: June 8, 2026 | 478 | Last Updated: October 16, 2026 |
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