Tips on Getting Your App Approved

Apple approval can be tough. Their guidelines are strict and change frequently, so it's important to keep up-to-date and constantly strive to gear your apps toward their likes and dislikes.

Below are some tips on what to do and what not to do, however, we review all iOS submissions before they are sent to Apple. We'll review your entire app and ensure it meets Apple's requirements and increase the likelihood of approval. We will contact you with any changes we deem necessary.


Design: 

  • Create a dynamic and clean Homescreen design.
  • If you are uploading your own images, make sure they are properly sized and high quality for both iOS and iPad. 
  • Utilize the various tools and features we provide, such as carousel images (particularly if they're transparent), unique layouts, pre-created colour schemes and images.
  • Check all text is visible and feature names are fully visible. Shorten any feature names if they are being cut off on the homescreen with ellipses.
Features:
  • Make sure your app has at least 5 features that utilise native functionality and place them at the top of the feature list. See here for an overview. Apple likes these features because they integrate with iOS's built-in functionality, like email, call, maps, etc.
  • Features should invite users back multiple times. Loyalty features are a great way to do that, for instance, users are encouraged to return to the app to complete their stamp card and earn a reward.
  • The features within your app should be fully built out and have a purpose, sometimes more isn't always better. Make sure to include no more than 2 Info-Tier features and 3 Web Site features, which Apple tends to dislike since they don't present any real functionality.
  • Opt for the More menu or Sliding Menu for a modern look and feel. 
  • Check all features have content and are accessible for the Apple review team. Apple will reject your app if you have any blank features or pages within your app. 
Publish Information:
  • Ensure all screenshots accurately represent your app and are properly sized. 
  • Screenshots that feature blank or loading features will cause your app to be rejected. 
  • These screenshots will represent your app in the Apple App Store and should be high quality. Check all images are crisp, clear and market your app accurately. 
  • The app description should highlight the functionality of the app and why it will benefit users.
Do Not:
  • Present information about the business, which comes off as purely marketing-geared. Info and Web Site features contribute to this, so keep them to a minimum.
  • Leave features or content incomplete. Make sure every button works and there is no filler content within your app. Apple frequently rejects for broken links and features, as well as messages like "coming soon" or "TBA," which indicate the app isn't complete.
  • Mention any other platforms or Apple copyrights anywhere. This includes in your Publish step info, like the app description and splash loading screens. If Apple sees a logo for Android, they will reject right away.
  • Include features that are irrelevant to the business. "Filler features" usually include the Notepad, Car Finder, and QR Scanner features. Though these are useful for many businesses, for the most part they come off as transparent attempts at adding functionality. (You can add these features back once your app has been approved)
  • Submit multiple apps for publishing at once. Apple views this behaviour as spamming the app store. If you have several apps you need to publish, plan to publish them one at a time. 
  • Use poorly designed, blurred or bad quality images. All images and screenshots should be properly sized for both iOS and iPad. If you are not optimizing your app for iPad, do not publish for iPad.