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

Prohibition on Duplicative and Low-Quality Apps

Low 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)

This provision functions as a gatekeeping mechanism for App Store distribution, enabling Apple to maintain quality thresholds and consistency between app representations and functionality. The criteria apply uniformly to all app submissions and directly determine eligibility for distribution through Apple's platform.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Developers must ensure their applications provide substantive functionality or entertainment and that all promotional materials (metadata, screenshots, marketing language) accurately reflect the app's actual capabilities and user experience. Non-compliance results in app rejection and inability to distribute through the App Store.

How other platforms handle this

OpenAI Medium

Don't claim to be human when directly and sincerely asked, use AI to deceive people about its fundamental nature, or impersonate real people or organizations in misleading ways.

Runway Medium

You may not use Runway's tools to build or support systems designed for mass surveillance, tracking of individuals without their consent, or the unlawful monitoring of protected groups or activities.

Midjourney Medium

Do not generate images for political campaigns or to try to influence the outcome of an election. Do not generate images to spread misinformation or disinformation.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
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.

— Excerpt from Apple's Apple App Store Review Guidelines

Applicable regulations

CFAA
United States Federal
DMCA
United States Federal
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-001971
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-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: May 20, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Low
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple's Prohibition on Duplicative and Low-Quality Apps clause do?

This provision functions as a gatekeeping mechanism for App Store distribution, enabling Apple to maintain quality thresholds and consistency between app representations and functionality. The criteria apply uniformly to all app submissions and directly determine eligibility for distribution through Apple's platform.

How does this clause affect you?

Developers must ensure their applications provide substantive functionality or entertainment and that all promotional materials (metadata, screenshots, marketing language) accurately reflect the app's actual capabilities and user experience. Non-compliance results in app rejection and inability to distribute through the App Store.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Apple?

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