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

Unilateral App Rejection and Removal Authority

High 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 establishes Apple's authority to unilaterally delist applications based on functional status and support criteria. The clause creates a mechanism by which apps may be removed without advance notice or developer remediation period.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Users may lose access to previously downloaded or installed applications if Apple determines the app no longer functions properly or is inadequately maintained. The terms authorize removal regardless of whether the user continues to use or rely upon the application.

How other platforms handle this

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.

Coinbase Medium

We may amend or modify this User Agreement at any time by posting the revised agreement on the Coinbase website and/or providing notice to you. The amended User Agreement shall be effective immediately upon posting or notice, as applicable. Your continued use of Coinbase Services after the effective...

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
If your app no longer functions as intended or you're no longer actively supporting it, it will be removed from the App Store. Apps that stop working or offer a degraded experience may be removed from the App Store at any time.

— 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-000224
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-000224
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:15:42 UTC
SHA-256: 877541265fefdbeb…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/apple/apple-app-store-review-guidelines/unilateral-app-rejection-and-removal-authority/
Accessed: May 20, 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 Unilateral App Rejection and Removal Authority clause do?

This provision establishes Apple's authority to unilaterally delist applications based on functional status and support criteria. The clause creates a mechanism by which apps may be removed without advance notice or developer remediation period.

How does this clause affect you?

Users may lose access to previously downloaded or installed applications if Apple determines the app no longer functions properly or is inadequately maintained. The terms authorize removal regardless of whether the user continues to use or rely upon the application.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Apple?

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