Avoid App Store Rejection: Essential iOS Content and Submission Checklist

Based on 2015 data and Apple App Store Review Guidelines, the iOS pre‑review team divides the pre‑review work into three modules: client resource check, app content check, and submission resource check.

The previous article covered client resource check; this article focuses on app content check and submission resource check.

Step 2: App Content Review

The review ensures no pornographic, vulgar, violent, or weapon‑related content, and that announcements do not contain prohibited wording. Apps must not include CDKey redemption, friend invites, or bragging features prohibited by Apple.

1. Text Content Review

The review follows Apple’s guidelines and checks the following items:

Rejected Clause

Apps that are “beta”, “demo”, “trial”, or “test” versions will be rejected.

Rejected Example

We found that your app appears to be a pre‑release, test, or trial version with a very limited feature set…

Response

All app names, packages, and any UI must not contain words such as test, demo, beta, etc., otherwise the submission will be rejected.

Rejected Clause

Apps or metadata that mentions the name of any other mobile platform will be rejected.

Rejected Example

We found that your app and/or its metadata contains inappropriate or irrelevant platform information… specifically mentioning Android.

Response: Do not mention other platforms; use generic terms like “other platforms”. Ensure correct spelling of Apple product names.

2. App Content Review (UI)

Focuses on animation, login, logout, payment screens, etc.

Rejected Clause

Apps that present excessively objectionable or crude content will be rejected.

Rejected Example

We found that your app contains content many audiences would find objectionable… remove the “beauty” section.

Response: Remove or hide such content before submission.

Step 3: Submission Resources

1. Screenshot Review

Check that screenshots reflect the app’s functionality and meet Apple’s technical specs.

Rejected Clause

Apps with names, descriptions, screenshots, or previews not relevant to the content and functionality will be rejected.

Rejected Example

Screenshots do not reflect the app in use; revise to demonstrate actual functionality.

2. Preview Video Review

Check video content, text, size, compression, bitrate, frame rate, and appropriate rating.

Rejected Clause

Developers are responsible for assigning appropriate ratings; inappropriate ratings may be changed or deleted by Apple.

Rejected Example

Rating selected does not match app content; mature content requires a 17+ rating.

Response: Choose the correct rating based on content.

3. Submission Account Review

Provide a high‑level test account so reviewers can experience all app features.

Rejected Example: Test account level too low, reviewers cannot access full functionality.

Response: Supply a high‑level account.

4. IPA Package Review

Check IPA size, executable segment size, and individual file sizes.

5. Third‑Party License Review

Apple strictly checks trademarks, copyrights, and patents; provide authorization for any third‑party content.

Rejected Clause

Apps that allow downloading music or video from third parties without explicit authorization will be rejected.

Rejected Example

App allows downloading media without rights; provide documentation or remove the feature.

Response: Provide proper licenses or remove the functionality.

Summary

When preparing submission resources, pay attention to text, image, and video content, ensure high‑level test accounts, verify IPA size compliance, and provide third‑party licenses to greatly reduce the risk of rejection.