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

Apps must not appear confusingly similar to Apple products

High severity Explicitdocumentlanguage Common · 256 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 2585 other provisions on other platforms.

How other platforms handle this

Microsoft Medium

If you publish Your Content in areas of the Service where it is available broadly online without restrictions, Your Content may appear in demonstrations or materials that promote the Service.

Google Medium

AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE AVC VIDEO.

Netflix Medium

you do so with the understanding that no additional consideration of any sort will be provided to you, and you are waiving any claim against Netflix and its affiliates regarding the use of such materials and ideas...

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
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.

Excerpt from Apple's App Store Review Guidelines

Applicable regulations

DMCA
United States Federal

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-019094
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-019094
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-019094/apps-must-not-appear-confusingly-similar-to-apple-products/
Accessed: July 27, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple's Apps must not appear confusingly similar to Apple products clause do?

The clause states: “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.”

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 256 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.