10 Ways to Avoid App Store Rejection When Publishing Your iOS App

🍏 1. Add “Sign in with Apple” for Social Logins#

If you offer third-party sign-in options, Apple requires you to include their authentication method:

• Required if you offer other social logins (Google, Facebook, etc.)
• Provides users with privacy-focused authentication

🔒 2. Use Secure HTTPS Connections (SSL) for Backend APIs#

Apple’s App Transport Security (ATS) strictly requires all network connections to be secure. If your backend server or API does not have a valid SSL certificate (HTTPS), Apple will reject your app because the APIs will fail to load or function correctly:

• Enforce HTTPS: Ensure all API endpoints, image assets, and external links use https:// instead of http://.
• Avoid ATS bypasses: While you can theoretically disable ATS in your Info.plist file, Apple reviewers will scrutinize this and will likely reject your app unless you have a highly specific, justified reason.

🗑️ 3. Include a “Delete Account” Option#

If your app includes any form of user account creation (email, social login, etc.), you must provide an in-app account deletion option:

• Should completely remove user data in compliance with privacy regulations

🚪 4. Allow Users to Skip Login (When Possible)#

Don’t force users to create an account right away:

• Allow guest access when possible
• Only require sign-up when absolutely necessary
• Explain the benefits of creating an account

🔑 5. Provide a Working Demo / Test Account for Reviewers#

If your app requires users to log in, Apple reviewers must be able to access the app’s features to test them. If they encounter a login screen with no working credentials, they will reject your submission immediately:

• Provide active credentials: In App Store Connect under the “App Review Information” section, enter a working username/email and password.
• Keep test data clean: Ensure the test account has access to all premium or restricted features so the reviewer can test the full capabilities of your app.

📄 6. Link a Valid, Live Privacy Policy#

Apple holds user privacy in high regard. Missing, broken, or generic privacy policy URLs are one of the most common reasons for rejection:

• Provide a public URL: Ensure your privacy policy is hosted on a live, accessible website. It cannot point to a local file or a placeholder page.
• Link it inside the app: The privacy policy must also be easily accessible within the app itself (for example, on the account registration page or the settings menu).

⚙️ 7. Write Clear Permission Explanations in Info.plist#

When requesting access to device sensors or personal data (such as the camera, photos, location, or microphone), your app must prompt the user with a description. If the description is vague or missing, your build will be automatically rejected or rejected during review:

• Be specific: Vague messages like “This app needs camera access” are not allowed. Write a clear, user-facing reason (e.g., “This app requires camera access to allow you to take and upload a profile picture”).
• Configure keys in Info.plist: Ensure you configure the proper keys, such as NSCameraUsageDescription, NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription, and NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription.

💳 8. Add Apple In-App Purchase for Digital Content#

If your app includes any form of digital content, subscriptions, or premium features that can be purchased, you must use Apple’s In-App Purchase system:

• Required for all digital content (premium features, subscriptions, etc.)
• Not Allowed: Direct links to external payment methods (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)

⚠️ Important: Even if you use third-party payment processors like Stripe or PayPal for physical goods or services, any digital content must go through Apple’s In-App Purchase system.

🌍 9. Include English in “What’s New” Section#

If your app supports non-Latin languages (Arabic, Kurdish, Chinese, etc.), Apple requires that the “What’s New” section includes English or another Latin-based language. (Note: While this is usually required, they may sometimes allow other languages if you provide additional context or translation details in your App Review notes):

• Always include English first, followed by your native language
• Never use only non-Latin scripts (Arabic, Kurdish, RTL languages, etc.) in release notes
• App reviewers need to understand the changes you’re making

Example format:

1
✅ Correct: (English and Kurdish)
2
- Bug fixes and performance improvements
3
-  چاککردن وە باشترکردنی تواناکانی
4

5
❌ Wrong:
6
- چاککردن وە باشترکردنی تواناکانی (only kurdish)

💡 Pro Tip: Even if your app is primarily for a specific region, always provide English translations in your release notes to ensure smooth review process.

🔍 10. Use Correct Device Screenshots#

Apple takes this seriously. Ensure your screenshots match the actual device type (though note that requirements can change over time—for example, as of March 2026, only two display sizes are strictly required, such as iPad and iPhone 17):

• For iPhone apps: Use iPhone-sized screenshots
• For iPad apps: Use iPad-sized screenshots
• Important: Never stretch or resize iPhone images to fit iPad requirements