Apple · Apple App Store Review Guidelines · View original document ↗

Minimum Functionality and Quality Standards

Medium severity Unique · 0 of 325 platforms
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This analysis describes what Apple's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

The clause sets a gatekeeping requirement that Apple enforces during the review process to maintain App Store catalog standards. Applicants must demonstrate that their application meets these functional criteria to gain access to the distribution platform.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

This provision conditions app availability on meeting Apple's stated functionality benchmarks. Users access only those applications that App Store review determines satisfy the utility, uniqueness, or entertainment value requirements outlined in the clause.

How other platforms handle this

GitHub Medium

By setting your pages and repositories to be viewed publicly, you agree to allow others to view and fork your repositories within the GitHub Service. By setting your repositories to be viewed publicly, you agree to allow GitHub to display your User Content in ways to enable users to view, fork, and ...

Meta Medium

We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make changes that we believe will materially affect your rights or obligations, we will notify you by email or through our developer channels. Your continued use of the Platform after we post updated Terms constitutes your acceptance of those change...

Shopify Medium

Shopify reserves the right to modify this Acceptable Use Policy at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the website. Your continued use of the Shopify Services following the posting of changes will constitute your acceptance of such changes.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Your app should include features, content, and UI that elevate it beyond a repackaged website. If your app is not particularly useful, unique, or "app-like," it doesn't belong on the App Store. If your App doesn't provide some sort of lasting entertainment value or adequate utility, it may not be accepted.

— Excerpt from Apple's Apple App Store Review Guidelines

Applicable regulations

DMA
European Union
DSA
European Union

Provision details

Document information
Document
Apple App Store Review Guidelines
Entity
Apple
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-000225
Document ID
CA-D-00025
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
877541265fefdbebabcd1e30fe9651433f6b1dd3064ee4d811f9f9918e043f98
Analysis generated
March 6, 2026 20:15 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Apple
Document: Apple App Store Review Guidelines
Record ID: CA-P-000225
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:15:42 UTC
SHA-256: 877541265fefdbeb…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/apple/apple-app-store-review-guidelines/minimum-functionality-and-quality-standards/
Accessed: May 20, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple's Minimum Functionality and Quality Standards clause do?

The clause sets a gatekeeping requirement that Apple enforces during the review process to maintain App Store catalog standards. Applicants must demonstrate that their application meets these functional criteria to gain access to the distribution platform.

How does this clause affect you?

This provision conditions app availability on meeting Apple's stated functionality benchmarks. Users access only those applications that App Store review determines satisfy the utility, uniqueness, or entertainment value requirements outlined in the clause.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Apple?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Apple.