Hello Apple Team, We're reaching out as part of a wider group of developers and businesses who have seen repeated App Store rejections under Guideline 5.0 - Legal, specifically related to U.S. sanctions on Syria. However, as of July 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC) has officially lifted those sanctions for commercial activities. This is clearly stated in the latest OFAC FAQ. Also visiting the link that we get from apple reviewers https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/pages/syria.aspx is not any more there and dose not include Syria at all. Despite this, rejections continue for those apps :( . Question: Has the App Review system been updated to reflect the July 1 OFAC decision? If not, is there a timeline for when Apple will begin processing these changes in the review flow? Our community is trying hard to work and build apps for middle east zones and Syria is part, this rejections brin heavy burdens on our community and makes unable to bring great apps for those markets. Thank you for your support.

Hello Apple Developer Team and Community, I’m writing to raise a serious concern regarding my app (App ID: 6744330283) which is now being repeatedly rejected under Guideline 4.3 (A) – Spam, despite being previously approved and published for at least two earlier versions. We have had multiple rounds of communication with the App Review team in the past, carefully addressing every request and making adjustments accordingly. These previous versions were reviewed and approved without any reference to 4.3 issues. However, since a recent update, we’ve been receiving rejections citing Spam 4.3 (A) — without any specific explanation or detailed reasoning. Even more frustrating: Each review now takes over a week to process, making our release cycle extremely difficult to manage. It required dozens of phone calls and emails just to get the app reviewed at all. I even had a meeting with an App Review team member, where I was told: “The recent updates are considered Spam 4.3, while the earlier versions that were approved are not.” But I am truly confused by this, because all the updates share the exact same codebase — there are no material differences between the approved versions and the ones now being rejected. This inconsistency and lack of clarity is making it impossible for us to move forward. We respectfully request: A clear and actionable explanation for why the recent versions are now considered Spam 4.3 (A), while earlier versions were not. Specific guidance or examples to help us understand what triggered this new interpretation. Transparency about what exactly changed — either in review criteria or policy enforcement — so that we can comply properly. We are committed to fully adhering to the App Store Review Guidelines and improving the app accordingly, but we can’t do that without transparency and fair communication. Any insights from the Apple team or other developers who’ve faced similar issues would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Dear Apple reviewer: We are a social media app that has been submitted for review for the first time. I have been waiting for 2 weeks in the 'awaiting review' status. We have applied for expedited review, but have not made any progress; Our users have been anxiously asking when we will launch, and they are very eager to use these features. Apple ID：6746186652. Looking forward to your reply, thank you!

Hello Apple Developer Community, We’re running into a challenge with App Review related to Guideline 5.1.1 (Data Collection and Storage), and are hoping to get insights from others who may have encountered something similar. Our app is built entirely around account-specific functionality. Each user is issued a unique QR code tied to their account, which enables and disables core functionality. This QR code is not generic - it’s unique to the user and is securely stored in our Firebase backend to support cross-device use and persistent access. App Review has flagged that requiring login violates Guideline 5.1.1, despite the fact that we have already moved the login step to occur after the user completes an in-app purchase, as per their previous guidance. Login is not used to gate purchasing, but it is critical for generating and linking the unique QR code to the user’s account. Beyond the QR code, our product roadmap includes multiple account-dependent features like usage tracking, goal setting, emergency unlocks, and cross-device sync. None of this is technically possible without a persistent user account. We’re struggling to understand how to reconcile this rejection with the way our app is fundamentally architected. Account-bound functionality seems essential for delivering a secure and reliable user experience. Is anyone else facing similar confusion with this guideline? Thank you for your time and assistance.

We submitted our apps on June 26th 2025, in order to make them available to our customers. To date, we have heard nothing from the AppStore Connect team. The availability of these apps on the store is vital to the operation of our company, since our customers are eagerly awaiting their use, which is a drag on our sales. It's frustrating not to have a faster service, especially as we pay an annual fee, without having more information on potential slowdowns such as during the Christmas period. Any help or visibility would be appreciated Wishing you a good day and good luck to my fellow developers if you're in the same situation. Best regards,

Hello, I seem to be in the same situation as this developer here. My account is pending termination with the following accusation: App submissions from your account have engaged in concept or feature switch schemes to evade the review process, such as dynamically populating different app content after review, submitting apps with hidden features, repeatedly submitting misleading apps, and/or submitting apps with concrete references to content that you are not authorized to provide or is otherwise not appropriate for the App Store. I believe this to be a mistake, however I'm happy to make changes to the app to remedy this. I'm an open book - there's nothing I'm "hoping you won't notice". I'm aiming for full compliance with all the App Store requirements and if I'm not compliant I'll make the required changes. If the App Review team monitors this could you please take a look? Thanks, Matt

Hi, I'd like to have a button in my app that links to a website where users can donate to the project. I've tried "Donate to the Project" and "Support the Developer," but both of them were rejected because of: Guideline 3.1.1 - Business - Payments - In-App Purchase: "We notice that your app allows users to contribute donations to the development of your app with a mechanism other than in-app purchase. Although these donations may be optional, they must use in-app purchase since they are associated with receiving digital content or services." Is there a specific label I could use that complies with "3.2.1 (vii) Apps may enable individual users to give a monetary gift to another individual without using in-app purchase, provided that (a) the gift is a completely optional choice by the giver, and (b) 100% of the funds go to the receiver of the gift. However, a gift that is connected to or associated at any point in time with receiving digital content or services must use in-app purchase." But is still understandable as a donations website? I thought that was implied with the two labels I submitted, but I guess not. Thanks, Henry

on Apple Store Connect, i have set language to Australia English, app availability in Aus and NZ only, but the age rating shows Brazil. This gives more errors like requesting me to submit documents related to Brazil.

Message from Apple review team- Guideline 2.1 - Performance - App Completeness Issue Description The app exhibited one or more bugs that would negatively impact users. Bug description: Unable to launch app on iPhone. Review device details: Device type: iPhone 13 mini OS version: iOS 18.5 Next Steps Test the app on supported devices to identify and resolve bugs and stability issues before submitting for review. If the bug cannot be reproduced, try the following: For new apps, uninstall all previous versions of the app from a device, then install and follow the steps to reproduce. For app updates, install the new version as an update to the previous version, then follow the steps to reproduce.

Message from Apple review team- Guideline 2.1 - Performance - App Completeness Issue Description The app exhibited one or more bugs that would negatively impact users. Bug description: Unable to launch app on iPhone. Review device details: Device type: iPhone 13 mini OS version: iOS 18.5 Next Steps Test the app on supported devices to identify and resolve bugs and stability issues before submitting for review. If the bug cannot be reproduced, try the following: For new apps, uninstall all previous versions of the app from a device, then install and follow the steps to reproduce. For app updates, install the new version as an update to the previous version, then follow the steps to reproduce. My rely on top of this message- Hello, The same build I’m able to launch and run through TestFlight in our iPhones. If it is working on my iPhone 11, iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 then it should work in every iPhone. And there is nothing got changed in launch screens, only intro screen I’ve changed as you mentioned that it is not perfect in iPad, since its first release. And this is not the first there’s. This is the third release of the app. Why this much problem is coming in review?

Section 1: Our game was developed using Cocos Creator 3.8.5, written in TypeScript. The team spent nearly two years completing it. Initially, our submission wasn't classified under Guideline 4.3(a). The first four reviews provided normal feedback, which we addressed. However, after a subsequent rejection citing 4.3(a), we considered whether similarities in gameplay concepts, narrative, or art assets might exist. In response, our team introduced unique features not found in other App Store applications. We completely redesigned our original art assets to ensure originality and extensively modified aspects potentially resembling other developers’ work. This included removing all third-party SDK modules except Apple Pay and Sign in with Apple. Despite these significant efforts, we still received a 4.3(a) rejection. We have now iterated over 20 versions but continue to face this issue.  Section 2: Our game’s business logic code (excluding the Cocos engine code) is entirely original and should not duplicate others' work. Could the rejection stem from similarities in compiled JSC files or binaries generated from JavaScript? Would it be possible for the review team to examine our source code for verification? We are deeply committed to launching on the App Store and can provide comprehensive proof of originality, including but not limited to: Full GIT commit history and source code from inception to present  Documentation proving original art creation  Evidence demonstrating unique gameplay mechanics distinct from other developers  Cocos Creator Engine: https://www.cocos.com/creator-download Games developed with Cocos have successfully launched on platforms like WeChat Mini Games and Android app stores in China, where they are well-received by users. Honorable Review Team, could you please conduct a manual inspection of our source code and evaluate the gameplay? We believe Apple—the world’s most innovative technology company—employs highly professional and insightful experts dedicated to delivering unique, high-quality experiences for players. However, the persistent 4.3(a) rejections are concerning, especially since numerous Cocos-based games are approved globally. We’ve revised the game over six months across 20+ versions, yet each rejection cites identical reasoning:  Apple's Rejection Message Translation: Hello, The issues we previously identified still require your attention. If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Please reply to this message in App Store Connect. Review Details Submission ID: 68 bd1e 18-6 EAA-4a 19-976 e-c 7 B2 E1 ff 0 e 44 Date Reviewed: June 28, 2025 Version Reviewed: 2.3.0 Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam We continue to find that your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as other apps submitted to the App Store with only minor differences. Submitting similar or repackaged apps constitutes spam, creates clutter, and diminishes user discovery of genuinely new applications. Next Steps Since we do not accept spam apps on the App Store, we encourage you to review your app concept and submit a truly original application with distinct content and functionality. Support Reply in your preferred language if you need assistance. For further support, use the Contact Us module.  Seek advice from fellow developers and Apple engineers on the Apple Developer Forums.  Request an App Review consultation via Meet with Apple (availability varies based on local hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays).  Provide feedback on this process and your review experience by completing a brief survey.

Here is the English translation of your content:  Section 1: Our game was developed using Cocos Creator 3.8.5, written in TypeScript. The team spent nearly two years completing it. Initially, our submission wasn't classified under Guideline 4.3(a). The first four reviews provided normal feedback, which we addressed. However, after a subsequent rejection citing 4.3(a), we considered whether similarities in gameplay concepts, narrative, or art assets might exist. In response, our team introduced unique features not found in other App Store applications. We completely redesigned our original art assets to ensure originality and extensively modified aspects potentially resembling other developers’ work. This included removing all third-party SDK modules except Apple Pay and Sign in with Apple. Despite these significant efforts, we still received a 4.3(a) rejection. We have now iterated over 20 versions but continue to face this issue.  Section 2: Our game’s business logic code (excluding the Cocos engine code) is entirely original and should not duplicate others' work. Could the rejection stem from similarities in compiled JSC files or binaries generated from JavaScript? Would it be possible for the review team to examine our source code for verification? We are deeply committed to launching on the App Store and can provide comprehensive proof of originality, including but not limited to: Full GIT commit history and source code from inception to present  Documentation proving original art creation  Evidence demonstrating unique gameplay mechanics distinct from other developers  Cocos Creator Engine: https://www.cocos.com/creator-download Games developed with Cocos have successfully launched on platforms like WeChat Mini Games and Android app stores in China, where they are well-received by users. Honorable Review Team, could you please conduct a manual inspection of our source code and evaluate the gameplay? We believe Apple—the world’s most innovative technology company—employs highly professional and insightful experts dedicated to delivering unique, high-quality experiences for players. However, the persistent 4.3(a) rejections are concerning, especially since numerous Cocos-based games are approved globally. We’ve revised the game over six months across 20+ versions, yet each rejection cites identical reasoning:  Apple's Rejection Message Translation: Hello, The issues we previously identified still require your attention. If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Please reply to this message in App Store Connect. Review Details Submission ID: 68 bd1e 18-6 EAA-4a 19-976 e-c 7 B2 E1 ff 0 e 44 Date Reviewed: June 28, 2025 Version Reviewed: 2.3.0 Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam We continue to find that your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as other apps submitted to the App Store with only minor differences. Submitting similar or repackaged apps constitutes spam, creates clutter, and diminishes user discovery of genuinely new applications. Next Steps Since we do not accept spam apps on the App Store, we encourage you to review your app concept and submit a truly original application with distinct content and functionality. Support Reply in your preferred language if you need assistance. For further support, use the Contact Us module.  Seek advice from fellow developers and Apple engineers on the Apple Developer Forums.  Request an App Review consultation via Meet with Apple (availability varies based on local hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays).  Provide feedback on this process and your review experience by completing a brief survey.

Our game was written by Cocos Creator version 3.8.5 ‌TypeScript, which took the team nearly 2 years to complete. At the beginning, my application was not defined as 4.3a. The first four reviews were all normal feedback questions. We revised the questions. After the last review rejected 4.3A, we also suspected that the reasons such as game creativity, game copywriting and game art might be close to other applications. Then our team added functional innovations that other applications in the Apple Store didn't have, and the original art was original. We created new art again because of 4.3a, and also revised many places that may be similar to other developers, including that we removed all SDK modules except Apple Pay and Apple Login, and it also showed that 4.3a refused, and we have revised no less than 20 versions or failed. Our business code except the game engine code is newly developed by us and should not be duplicated with other developers' code. Is it because the JSC file and binary file output by JavaScript code are similar to those of other developers? Can we check our original code? We really want to put it on the Apple Store. We guarantee that the game was originally written. We can provide any proof, including but not limited to (GIT code submission records and codes from the beginning to today, art original proof, proof that the game mode innovation ability is not consistent with other developers' concepts, etc.) Cocos creator Engine Address: https://www.cocos.com/creator-download We have been put on the shelves in app stores such as WeChat applet and Android, and we are deeply loved by users in other channels. Dear audit, can you manually check our game code and look at the game to experience it? I believe that as the greatest technology company in the world, Apple's official staff are very professional, knowledgeable and innovative, so that Apple players can get a unique and high-quality experience. However, this repeated 4.3a refusal makes me very suspicious. So many games that use cocos game engine in the world are on the Apple store, why do we independently write the rest of the code except the game engine? Every time the reason for refusing is this passage, we have revised it for half a year, and no less than 20 game versions have been changed in half a year. Hello, The issues we previously identified still need your attention. If you have any questions, we are here to help. Reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know. Review Environment Submission ID: 68bd1e18-6eaa-4a19-976e-c7b2e1ff0e44 Review date: June 28, 2025 Version reviewed: 2.3.0 Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam We noticed your app still shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by other developers, with only minor differences. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps. Next Steps Since we do not accept spam apps on the App Store, we encourage you to review your app concept and submit a unique app with distinct content and functionality. Support Reply to this message in your preferred language if you need assistance. If you need additional support, use the Contact Us module. Consult with fellow developers and Apple engineers on the Apple Developer Forums. Request an App Review Appointment at Meet with Apple to discuss your app's review. Appointments subject to availability during your local business hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Provide feedback on this message and your review experience by completing a short survey.

Hello everyone, my app is designed to help people sleep. It has been rejected multiple times due to issues with version 1.4.1 during the submission process. However, the app simply evaluates users’ insomnia and anxiety status based on their responses to questions and provides some relaxation methods. It does not involve any medical-related content. The reviewer provided screenshots of the assessment results page and some relaxation techniques. How should I handle this issue?

Hello everyone, my app is designed to help people sleep. It has been rejected multiple times due to issues with version 1.4.1 during the submission process. However, the app simply evaluates users’ insomnia and anxiety status based on their responses to questions and provides some relaxation methods. It does not involve any medical-related content. The reviewer provided screenshots of the assessment results page and some relaxation techniques. How should I handle this issue?

Hello everyone, my app has been repeatedly rejected due to issue 1.4.1. However, the app merely assessed the state of insomnia and anxiety based on the user's responses, and then provided some relaxation methods. It did not involve any medical-related content. How can I solve this problem?

Hello Apple Team, Our app uses essential custom payment flows such as: One-time full payments Monthly recurring payments (up to 12 months) Custom 6 month recurring subscriptions Deposit + fixed date balance payments Deposit + monthly recurring payments Deposit + 6 month recurring payments These billing structures are currently not supported by In-App Purchase (IAP) due to technical limitations (e.g., split payments, custom intervals). We’d like to understand what approved alternatives are available for supporting such payment models within App Store guidelines. Could you please advise on any compliant options or architectures that would allow us to implement these flows? Thank you, Vidya

Went through several rounds of rejections this week and finally the app was approved. Unfortunately I just discovered that my Subscriptions and Localization are still "In Review" and "Waiting for Review". It's baffling to me that either the reviewer could overlook this or the system allows for this scenario. All issues flagged in the review process were addressed as requested too. I've already emailed and called about this but they have no eta on when it will be resolved. This seems entirely preventable and it's very frustrating as this has delayed my release. Is there anything else I can do to get this resolved?

Hi, One of my application doesn't get rating updates on AppStore. On https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/ Ratings and Reviews page I see that app got 19 Ratings with average 3.8 out of 5. But on AppStore it just have 5 ratings with average 3.4 out of 5. See attached screenshots: AppStore: AppStore Connect: . Please help me to figure out with this issue and hope we can fix rating on AppStore page accordingly to AppStore Connect. Thanks, Alex

So from the documentation of apple for implementing the in app review feature we can't test it without releasing our app to App Store since in test flight it doesn't approve the api call is there a way to test it where we can check if the rating or review entered is visible on a console so that we can test the end to end work flow? this happens in android in internal test track? is there any provision for this in iOS?