Submitting the iOS app that you have been working on ages for approval is exhilarating. However, Apple expects a lot from an iOS app developer. They have high standards, and it can be hard to get your app approved. This article is all about to make your day easy while submitting your app on Apple App Store.
Fortunately for you, here is a concise compiled list of things that you should keep in mind as an iOS app developer :
Run a safety check
Apple adheres to high standards when it comes to the safety of the users using the app. Here's what you need to know:
Dicey content
Anything that can be construed as defamatory, discriminatory, explicit or harmful is not allowed. The app shouldn't target a specific culture, government or person as the enemy.' Trump's favourite "Fake News" for entertainment purposes also won’t make the cut.
- For apps that have content by users: Apps that have a touch of social media in them wherein users can exchange information should make sure that no one is being bullied.
- Filtering: Have an algorithm that filters out dicey content as listed above.
- Reporting: Make sure users can report offensive comments
- Block: Add a provision wherein users can block other users
- Designing for kids: When developers create apps for kids, they should tread carefully. Here are a few points to consider.
- Age: Consider the age of the children before designing the app.
- Content: The content should be suitable for that age category
- Outside Links: There should not be any external links on the app asking them to purchase merchandise.
- Apps that encourage physical harm: The content of your app should in no way encourage anyone to harm themselves.
- Example – Blue Whale. This app told users to carry out a bunch of tasks, 50 to be exact. In the process, kids hurt themselves and committed suicide on the last day.
- Make sure your app does not condone physical or mental harm.
- Provide your details: Your contact information should be updated in case someone needs to reach you.
- Include a support URL
- Mention the different ways you can be reached, i.e., website, customer care or email
- Update your contact information
Do check the Performance
It all comes down to this. An app that doesn’t perform well or has lags isn’t going to make it to the App Store. Top app developers know this for a fact. And as a person about to launch or relaunch your app, you should bear this in mind as well.
- Is your app complete? Use this checklist to ensure that it is.
- Check Metadata
- Functioning URLs
- Check for stability
- Check for bugs
- Check the in-app purchase options
- Beta testing: Don’t send an app that is in still in beta mode for submission. In addition to that, don’t mention the word beta anywhere in the description, images or content.
- Compatibility:
- Apps for iPhone must work on the iPad as well.
- The device should not get overheated
- The app should not need users to restart their devices
- An Apple TV app should not use anything apart from the Siri remote or game controllers.
- Software Specs:
- Only use public APIs
- Should work on current OS version
- Self-contained app
- Shouldn’t contain virus, programs or files
- Remind users about battery if an app is running in the background
- Compatible with IPv6 addressing
- Apps that require the web should only use WebKit Javascript and WebKit framework
- Apps shouldn’t create an alternate desktop
For business
Apps that include in-app purchases or are paid apps need to follow a few guidelines.
- Payment:
- Only in-app purchase can be used as a payment mode
- Credits bought previously should not expire
- Users should be able to access content purchased previously
- Cryptocurrency if used should follow all the laws and regulations
- All branding elements should be used appropriately
- Apps that use Apple Pay should let users peruse through the material purchase data
- Design:
- Should not be copied
- Should be a standalone app
- Apps that use ARKit should offer a genuine AR experience
- Shouldn’t ask users to install another app to function
- Shouldn’t be developed from a commercial template
- Push Notifications should not be compulsory for the functioning of the app.
Legal check
Apple cares about security a lot. Make sure your app follows all the legalities before you submit it to the App Store.
- Privacy:
- Complete transparency about what information is being collected
- Access should not be dependent on social media if possible
- Apps that discover passwords get rejected
- User information should not be sent to third parties.
- Health data should not be collected
- Kids’ apps should comply with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act laws.
- Only use location services if it is an absolute need.
- Intellectual property:
- You should have all the legal rights to use the content on your app
- There shouldn’t be an illegal sharing of files
- No mention of Apple endorsement
- Design of the app shouldn’t mimic an Apple product
Post the beta testing mode, some other things that should be considered are listed below:
- Character Limit: The app’s name should be within 30 characters
- Preview: This is optional but always good to have.
- Description: This allows your app to be searched for using keywords and also enlightens users about your app.
- Screenshots: Include screenshots to show off the UI/UX
- Keywords: Include relevant keywords. Avoid repeating the same word in singular and plural.
This checklist and guideline can be the difference between success and failure. Developing a great app is not good enough unless you know what guidelines you should follow. Stay on top of all the changes in the criteria by Apple to ensure that your app does not get rejected. Overall, Apple rewards developers that build a user-centric, safe and useful app. By following this guideline, as a developer, you must not have any problem in future and this is assured, your app must publish on App Store with a great success.
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