Apple · Apple App Store Review Guidelines

Prohibition on Duplicative and Low-Quality Apps

Low severity
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What it is

We have lots of apps on the App Store and don't need more Fart apps. If your App doesn't do something useful, unique or provide some form of lasting entertainment, or if your metadata is clearly marketing your app in a way that is not reflected in the app experience, or if your screenshots don't accurately represent your app, it may not be accepted.

Why it matters

This quality and accuracy standard protects consumers from downloading apps that do not perform as advertised, reducing the risk of deceptive app marketing and wasted purchases.

Consumer impact

Apple's App Review Guidelines directly affect what apps consumers can access, what data those apps may collect, and how they can pay for digital content — Apple's mandatory in-app purchase requirement means app developers cannot offer cheaper prices through external payment links on iOS. Consumers benefit from Apple's content and privacy review standards, which prohibit apps from collecting data beyond declared purposes and require age-gating for adult content, but have no direct appeal mechanism if Apple removes an app they rely upon. You can review an app's declared data practices by checking the App Privacy section on any App Store listing before downloading.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    Deceptive app descriptions and screenshots that misrepresent app functionality constitute deceptive advertising subject to FTC Act Section 5 enforcement.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Apple App Store Review Guidelines
Entity
Apple
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-001971
Document ID
CA-D-00025
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
877541265fefdbebabcd1e30fe9651433f6b1dd3064ee4d811f9f9918e043f98
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Apple | Document: Apple App Store Review Guidelines | Record: CA-P-001971
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:15:42 UTC | SHA-256: 877541265fefdbeb…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/apple/apple-app-store-review-guidelines/prohibition-on-duplicative-and-low-quality-apps/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
Low
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