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App Store Rejection: What to Do, Fix, or Appeal

Start with the cited guideline, then reply in App Store Connect. Clarify with evidence, fix and resubmit the rejected item, or appeal after replying.
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If your app is rejected by the App Store, start by reading the specific guideline in Apple’s notice and replying to App Review in App Store Connect. Then choose the right next step: clarify with evidence, correct the rejected item and resubmit, or appeal after you have tried to resolve the issue with App Review. Do not resubmit while cited problems remain unfixed.

What do I do if my app is rejected by the App Store?

Use the rejection notice as a list of issues to resolve, not as a prompt to make broad changes without knowing what Apple flagged. Apple says its messages explain how a submission violates the App Review Guidelines or Notarization Review Guidelines. Find the cited rule, then connect it to the app’s actual behavior, screen, metadata, or build.

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Collect the details that help explain the issue: relevant screenshots, reproduction steps, demo credentials, permission behavior, or other supporting documents. Apple’s App Review Guidelines cover technical, content, and design expectations, including reliability, performance, privacy, and objectionable content.

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Choose the next action based on what Apple needs

Action Use it when What happens
Reply in App Store Connect Apple needs clarification or evidence, or a metadata or server-side change resolves the concern. Continue the conversation without starting a new review.
Fix and resubmit The build or another rejected item needs a change. Submit the corrected build or item for review after resolving all cited issues.
Appeal After replying, you still believe the decision conflicts with the cited rule or was unfair or biased. Ask the App Review Board to investigate; reversal is not guaranteed.

Reply in App Store Connect when clarification can resolve the issue

Use the conversation attached to the submission to answer App Review’s questions and provide relevant evidence. Apple allows replies and file attachments until you resubmit. If Apple asks for more information and there are no other issues to fix, reply directly rather than submitting again. A metadata or server-side change can also be explained in the conversation when a new build is not needed. See Apple’s instructions for replying to App Review messages.

Fix the rejected item before resubmitting

If the problem is in the app build, make the necessary change, upload a new build, and submit that version. If the rejection concerns metadata alone, Apple says you can correct it and resubmit the same build. In either case, resolve all identified issues first. Apple warns that resubmitting while findings remain unresolved can delay review and lead to the same result. Its review-status guidance explains when to reply, make changes, and resubmit.

Example: make a permission purpose string specific

Apple’s guidance for Guideline 5.1.1(ii) says a purpose string should clearly explain how the app uses protected data or a device resource and what feature that use enables. “To use location” or “Your data will be used to provide a better experience” does not explain enough. A clearer location explanation might say that location determines a recommended route and provides turn-by-turn directions. Apple recommends a separate, concrete explanation for each protected resource. Read its purpose-string guidance.

Appeal only after you have replied to App Review

Apple says to reply to the rejection, removal, or termination message and provide clarification before filing an appeal. If the conversation does not resolve the issue, identify the exact guideline or agreement provision and explain point by point why the app complies. Address all cited violations in one appeal; Apple says to submit only one appeal per rejected or removed app.

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The App Review Board may request more information or arrange a call. A complete appeal does not guarantee that the decision will be reversed. Apple describes the process on its page for appealing to the App Review Board.

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Plan around Apple’s review goals, not a promised deadline

Apple says App Review works around the clock, with the goal of reviewing at least 50% of submissions in less than 24 hours and 90% in less than 48 hours. These are goals, not guarantees for an individual submission. Documentation checks and complex or novel issues can require additional verification time. Apple’s review-status page gives the current published targets and timing caveats.

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