Apple has a very strict approval process thus a small percentage of the apps that are uploaded will be initially Rejected or Denied. Below you will find how to check why your app was rejected and the most common rejections with their solutions.
Here you will find Apple's notes on why they have initially rejected your app. If they're not clear or do not provide screen shots of the issues you can reply to the rejection note to get more details.
MOST COMMONLY SEEN REJECTIONS & THEIR FIXES
MARKETING 2.13: Apps that are primarily marketing materials or advertisements will be rejected
Causes- This means that Apple found that your app provides a limited set of features and functionality, and focuses primarily on marketing or promoting your business, which is not in compliance with their Guidelines.
Fixes- Try to remove some of or condense your website and info tier tabs. Add in as many native functionality tabs as possible while still being relevant to the business. Make sure there's a purpose to the app and it contains useful and dynamic content such as Tips, coupons, etc.
INTERFACE 10.6: Apple and our customers place a high value on simple, refined, creative, well thought through interfaces. They take more work but are worth it. Apple sets a high bar. If your user interface is complex or less than very good it may be rejected.
Causes-This means Apple found the user interface of your app to not be of sufficient quality to be appropriate for the App Store. Apps that provide a poor user experience are not in compliance with their Guidelines. This typically means the layout/ navigation is poor, the pictures are highly pixelated or it just looks like the app wasn't really refined.
Fixes- Try to remove some of or condense your website and info tier tabs. If the app is on iPad remove it for the time being. Poor images will only look worse on the iPad. Next make sure all images are highly quality and retina display if possible. Also make sure to spend time on the individual tabs. A background color or image can go a long way.
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE 2.12: Apps that are not very useful, are simply web sites bundled as apps, or do not provide any lasting entertainment value may be rejected.
Causes- This means Apple found that the features and/or content of your app were not useful or entertaining enough, or your app did not appeal to a broad enough audience, to be in compliance with their Guidelines. These rejections are typically associated with a No-Go Industry app.
Fixes- Avoid making apps for a No-Go Industry, we will not upload them. Think, "who would use this app, what they would use it for and what would make them use it more than once". There must be useful and dynamic content in every app submitted to Apple.
WEB CLIPPINGS 12.3: Apps that are simply web clippings, content aggregators, or a collection of links, may be rejected
Causes-This means that Apple found that your app provides a limited set of features and functionality and is basically a web congregate within an app shell. Basically you have too many website tabs within your app.
Fixes- Immediately condense or remove a good portion of your website tabs. Keep in mind that even though the Youtube, wufoo and RSS tabs are not named website tabs that they're essentially the same thing. Add in as many native functionality tabs as possible while still being relevant to the business.
TEST or BETA 2.9: Apps that are “beta”, “demo”, “trial”, or “test” versions will be rejected.
Causes- Somewhere within your app there is text that displays, beta, test, demo, trial, coming soon etc.
Fixes- Remove this text and put in real content regarding the business. There can be zero test or demo text within an app when being submitted to Apple.
GIVING 21.2: The collection of charitable donations must be done via a web site in Safari or an SMS.
Causes - Apple does not allow charitable organizations to receive donations within their apps. This is why we have the Giving module which opens up your donation link in Safari rather than inside the app. Even if you used the Giving module, however, you may also have a link to your website in some other place, which can be navigated to reach your donations page inside the app.
Fixes - The Resolution Center will tell you where Apple found a donations page inside your app. However, there may be others as well, and Apple will go through any future resubmissions with a fine-tooth comb after your app has been rejected once for in-app donations. Carefully review all your links, and whichever ones might be navigated to find in-app donations need to either be removed or changed to the Giving module. Links that you remove for the approval process can be added back in after the app is live.
If your App is rejected by Apple or you do not believe it can pass their requirements it can still be uploaded to the Android market and you are more than welcome to shoot us an email.
