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

Apps must offer meaningful functionality beyond a website

Medium severity Explicitdocumentlanguage Common · 296 of 352 platforms
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Recent Activity

This document changed recently

Medium Jun 9, 2026

The updated guidelines state that developers must ensure kids receive age-appropriate experiences within their apps and must remove user-generated content that violates the guidelines, terms of service, or community standards. Under the revised policy, if Apple identifies policy-violating content, the developer will be asked to remove it and provide a compliance improvement plan. Based on the developer's response, the app may be removed from the App Store until compliance is demonstrated. This establishes a formal escalation pathway where developer inaction or inadequate remediation can result in app suspension or removal.

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Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
4
Months Monitored
Jul 10, 2026
First Seen
Jul 10, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 6356 other provisions on other platforms.

How other platforms handle this

ActiveCampaign Medium

You must book your session for a date and time within thirty (30) days of the date of purchase, or if you are onboarding with ActiveCampaign for the Services, then within thirty (30) days after your onboarding is complete...

Revolut Medium

To meet our legal and regulatory requirements we, or someone acting for us, might sometimes need to ask for more information... Please provide this information quickly so that there is no disruption to your account...

Tinder Medium

If you believe we have taken action against your content or account in a way that does not comply with these Terms, you have the right to bring a claim for breach of contract under UK law.

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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.

Excerpt from Apple's App Store Review Guidelines

Provision details

Document information
Document
Apple App Store Review Guidelines
Entity
Apple
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
July 9, 2026
Last verified
July 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-018982
Document ID
CA-D-00025
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
4757c78422154f6dba5cf35af2a90cf427e5b7c56e974238344df717cb9eb93f
Analysis generated
July 9, 2026 03:44 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Apple
Document: Apple App Store Review Guidelines
Record ID: CA-P-018982
Captured: 2026-07-09 03:44:30 UTC
SHA-256: 4757c78422154f6d…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/apple/apple-app-store-review-guidelines/provision/CA-P-018982/apps-must-offer-meaningful-functionality-beyond-a-website/
Accessed: July 27, 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 Apps must offer meaningful functionality beyond a website clause do?

The clause states: “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.”

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 296 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Apple?

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