Apple has published a list of the top 10 reasons why it rejects apps from the App Store, in order to help developers understand and prepare better for its tough review process.
The Cupertino-based giant released a guide titled ‘Common App Rejections‘ on its developer page, outlining some of the most common reasons why the company rejects apps from the App Store. They are notorious for it’s difficult review process, which can take around 5 days to process. It’s no wonder, then, that developers have flocked to the guide with reverance.
This guide explains the top 10 reasons for app rejections in the span of 7-days, ending on August 28, and how developers can avoid these mistakes altogether.
Some of the reasons are understandable. For example, Apps that exhibit bugs make up 8% of apps rejected. According to Apple, a developer should submit an app for review only when it is complete and ready to be published after thorough testing on devices, with all bugs rectified.
Submitted apps must feature a refined and user-friendly UI that follow the guidelines issued by the company. This accounts for 6% of apps being rejected. Apple has also provided design guides and UI design Dos and Don’ts on its developer page to facilitate user interface compliance. Design has always been the pride of Apple products, especially with the gift of a design overhaul we received in iOS 7.
Apple added that apps without enough lasting value will be rejected. Apps that does not offer much functionality or content, or only applies to a small niche market, may not be approved. Thank goodness for this rule, because otherwise we wouldn’t get the beautiful and great apps we now see in the Apple App Store.
On top of the functionality of the app, Apple also takes the presentation and the advertisement of the app very seriously. 5% of apps do not get approved when its description and screenshots did not clearly and accurately convey the app’s functionality, while the same number of apps are also not approved when they do not perform as advertised and give users the impression that the app is something it is not.
The most shocking statistics is that the number one reason for app rejection at 14% is simply – More information needed. That means almost twice as many apps are rejected for an incomplete App Review section than bugs or poor user interface. Apple adds that it is the developer’s onus to ensure that all information, credential and hardware required by the reviewer is available. If some features require signing in, provide a valid demo account username and password, and also to make sure your contact information is complete and up-to-date. What a sad way to get rejected.
While repeated submissions of similar apps may seem to improve your odds, the company has said to avoid doing so. It not only does not improve your odds, but it also ties up the review process, and may even increase of the risk of the app being rejected!
Developers are advised that , before creating the app, to take a look at the apps in the category on the App Store and consider how they can provide an even better user experience.
The above percentages in the top 10 list only add up to 58 percent. Apple explains that while 58 percent of all App Store rejections are because of the top 10 reasons, 42 percent are due to other reasons that account for less than 2 percent each.
Quality is the Brand
As thousands of developers each month struggle to understand why their apps were rejected, this guide gives them and the general public a better idea of why. Looking at this list also gives us a clearer idea of what goes on behind the scenes in making the apps we all know and love, and makes us realise how much work goes into it!
The company, by educating developers about the most common reasons for app rejection, is also ensuring developers make better, more compliant apps that do not tie-up Apple’s review process. At the same time, their strict protocol and archives of design guidelines ensures that us at the front-end get the best user experience we can possibly get no matter what app we use.
It is almost like showing us the quality that goes behind each app published on the App Store, making it the most indirect but intriguing marketing ploy. Touché, Apple, Touché.
Click here to review comprehensive versions of Apple’s App Review Guidelines, Design & Trademark Guidelines, License Agreements and FAQs.
