App Store rejection reasons: the ones that catch first apps
Sources checked
Apple says that, on average, over 40% of unresolved App Review issues come under guideline 2.1, App Completeness, which covers crashes, placeholder content, incomplete information and similar problems. Beyond that, Apple's guidelines hold several rules that are easy to miss on a first submission: a login without a demo account, sign-up without account deletion, and a permission request without a clear reason.
Why it matters
App Completeness covers the basics. Apple wants final versions with working links and no placeholder text, tested on a real device, and it rejects builds that crash or show obvious technical problems. If your app has a login, guideline 2.1 asks for demo account details, with your backend switched on while the reviewer tests.
Account and privacy rules come next. An app that lets people create an account must let them delete it from inside the app. An app that offers Google, Facebook or another social login for the main account must also offer an equivalent option that limits data to a name and email and lets people keep their email private, and Sign in with Apple is one option that does. Every app needs a privacy policy link, and every permission request has to clearly and completely describe why the app wants the data.
Apple's list of common issues also names broken links, inaccurate screenshots, substandard user interfaces, apps that are mainly web clippings or collections of links, repeated submissions of similar apps, copycats and apps without enough lasting value. The guidelines also ask that iPhone apps run on iPad whenever possible, so a layout that breaks on an iPad can count against you.
Apple reviews at least half of submissions within 24 hours and 90% within 48 hours, so each rejection usually costs a day or two before the next answer. If you think the reviewer misunderstood your app, you can appeal to the App Review Board, once per rejected submission.
Who it applies to
It applies to every app and every update submitted to the App Store, including apps offered for pre-order.
Google Play has its own versions of the account deletion and privacy policy rules, so an app headed for both stores meets them twice.
Common questions
What is the most common App Store rejection reason?
Apple says over 40% of unresolved issues relate to guideline 2.1, App Completeness, which covers crashes, placeholder content and incomplete information.
Can I appeal an App Store rejection?
Yes. If you think Apple misunderstood your app or treated you unfairly, you can appeal to the App Review Board once per rejected submission, with specific reasons why your app follows the guidelines.
How long does App Review take?
Apple reviews at least half of submissions within 24 hours and 90% within 48 hours.
Where launchpad comes in
launchpad checks an iPhone or Android app before you submit for five of these that it can see in the code: Sign in with Apple, deletion inside the app, permission reasons, Apple's privacy manifest, and consent before personal data goes to an AI service. App Review can still reject an app for other reasons.
Sources
Each source was read on the vendor's own site on October 17, 2026.
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