What to Do to Avoid Apple Store Rejection
Apple is notorious for the stringent rules that it applies to its products' design. It is no surprise then to find the company applying that same stringency to its App Store and to the applications vying for an approval from the store.
Essential Designs Team
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July 6, 2015

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Avoid Apple Store Rejection
Apple is notorious for the stringent rules that it applies to its products' design. It is no surprise then to find the company applying that same stringency to its App Store and to the applications vying for an approval from the store. The process of getting an app approved into the Apple Store seems tedious and arbitrary from the outside. There exists, however, a specific set of guidelines for developers that will increase the chances of getting their apps (new or previously rejected) approved by Apple. If you're an app developer willing to stick by these admittedly involved guidelines, you are well on your way to getting Apple-approved.
1. Imitation
Apple thrives on original and innovative ideas, and they encourage app developers to go in the same direction. Tempting as it may be to borrow directly from Apple's design aesthetic or from the attempts of other developers, do not do it. It will undoubtedly result in your app getting rejected. If you ever plan on using another developer's idea for your app, make sure that your execution is an improvement of the original developer's idea. That way you can call it your own, and get one step closer to that badge of approval.
2. Lightweight
Minimize the footprint your app is taking up on the iOS. iOS users may still access your app from older devices, so don't require frequent and bulky downloads or command too much from the iOS file system. A power- and space-hungry app turns off users, edging your app closer to the rejection pile. Apple also has a problem with lengthy loading times. If your app does not load up within 10 seconds, consider your app nixed. It pays to be the hare in this metaphor.
3. Offline functionality
The app reviewers over at Apple appreciate an app that does not constantly need validation from a network connection. If your app functions just as fine without Wi-Fi as equipped with it, you get a thumbs up from the Apple Store. A quick note on your target audience: don't get too obscure or specific. In an ideal situation, your app should be useful to several hundred or more people. Your local book club will not cut it.
4. Payment Gateway
If you're selling something through your app, make sure to send app users Apple's way through its In-App payment API. Apple doesn't encourage third party payment systems. If you do, it's grounds for rejection. This goes the same for mentioning other app stores in relation to your app. (If you want to promote across platforms, consider setting up a website.) Overall, it is not impossible to get approved by the Apple Store. It just takes a lot of work, especially when it concerns quality. Apple wants the best for its users; therefore, there is a tendency to nitpick. Play by the rules and you should get your app's awaited stamp of approval: availability in the Apple Store.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]