AppStore 2016 latest audit rules
AppStore 2016 latest audit rules
Recently, the official released the latest review rules of the App Store in 2016. The rules are stricter than last year.
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In the event of violation of the regulations, in addition to the possibility of rejection, there may also be delisting. According to the rules, developers who commit the following behaviors will be removed from Apple’s iOS Developer Program: attempting to manipulate or deceive user ratings, falsifying or paying for ratings, and other disproportionate behavior.
(The following are the latest audit rules)
1.1 To develop programs for the AppStore, the developer must abide by the Program License Agreement (PLA), Human-Computer Interaction Guidelines (HIG), and any agreements and contracts signed between the developer and Apple. The following rules and examples are intended to help the developer’s program to obtain
2.1 Crash programs will be rejected.
2.2 Programs with errors will be rejected.
2.3 Programs that do not conform to the developer’s promotion will be rejected.
2.4 Programs without application documents or hidden functions that do not match the description will be rejected.
2.5 Programs using non-public APIs will be rejected.
2.6 Programs that read and write data outside the scope of the specified container will be rejected.
2.7 Programs that download the code in any way or form will be rejected.
2.8 Programs that install or run other executable code will be rejected.
2.9 beta, demo, trial and beta programs will be rejected.
2.1 iPhone programs must run on iPad without modification at iPhone resolution and 2x iPhone 3GS resolution.
2.11 Apps that duplicate existing programs in the AppStore may be rejected, especially in large numbers, such as flashlight apps and Kama Sutra apps.
2.12 Applications that are not significantly useful, not unique, or applications that are simply bundled with the website may be rejected; programs that do not provide any lasting entertainment value may be rejected.
2.13 Programs that are primarily used for marketing or advertising will be rejected.
2.14 Apps that offer deceptive or fake features but are not clearly marked will be rejected.
2.15 Apps larger than 100MB (green used to be 50MB) cannot be downloaded via cellular network (AppStore will automatically ban them).
2.16 The use of background services by multitasking programs is limited to several purposes: VoIP, audio playback, geographic location, task completion, and local reminders, etc.
The 2.17 application is only allowed to browse web content using the iOSWebKit framework and WebKitJavascript.
2.18 Programs that encourage alcohol or illicit drug use, or induce youth to drink or smoke will be rejected.
2.19 Apps that provide incorrect system diagnostics or device data will be rejected.
2.2 Developers who upload a large number of similar versions of programs to the AppStore will be removed from the iOS Developer Program.
2.21 Simple song or video applications should be submitted to iTunesstore, and book applications should be submitted to iBookstore.
2.22 Apps that arbitrarily restrict the use of users based on circumstances (such as location or carrier) will be rejected.
2.23 Apps must comply with the iOS Data Storage Guidelines, otherwise the app will be rejected.
2.24 Applications stored in Newsstand must comply with Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3 of the Developer Program License Agreement, otherwise the application will be rejected.
2.25 Similar to AppStore, applications that display other applications for the purpose of purchase or promotion will be rejected, unless they are approved by special review (such as health management, aviation and other accessibility needs, etc.), or provide special groups of users with significant meaning value-added applications.
2.26 Only when the app is collected for special review needs, the app can display and recommend other apps other than its own, such as health management, aviation, and accessibility needs, otherwise the app will be rejected. (new)
3.1 Any other mobile platform mentioned in the application or metadata will be rejected.
3.2 Programs with placeholder text will be rejected
3.3 Applications with information not related to program content and functions in the description will be rejected.
3.4 In order not to confuse users, the app name in iTunesConnect should be the same as the app name displayed on the device
3.5 Appicons of different sizes should be consistent, otherwise it will cause confusion.
3.6 Programs whose icons and screenshots do not meet the 4+ age rating will be rejected.
3.7 Programs whose categories and types are not suitable for program content will be rejected.
3.8 It is the responsibility of the developer to assign an appropriate rating to his program. Disproportionate ratings may be revised by Apple.
3.9 It is the developer’s responsibility to specify appropriate keywords for his program. Inappropriate keywords may be modified/removed by Apple.
3.1 Developers who do the following will be removed from the iOS Developer Program by Apple: attempting to manipulate or deceive user ratings, falsifying or paying for ratings, and other disproportionate behavior.
3.11 Apps that recommend users to restart their iOS device before installing and downloading will be rejected.
3.12 During the submission review process, applications should include functioning URLs, such as support URLs and privacy policy URLs.
3.13 If the screenshots and marketing text of the app do not clearly identify content or items that require additional separate purchases (such as using IAP), then the app will be rejected.
3.14 App preview can use only video screen, narration, text and designoverlays captured from the app, otherwise the app will be rejected.
3.15 Apps that add app previews and display personal information of real people without permission will be rejected.
3.16 App previews may only include music licensed for this purpose in all selected territories.
3.17 App Previews Apps that contain unlicensed content played through the app (such as iTunesplaylist and YouTube streaming) will be rejected.
4.1 Programs that do not notify and obtain user consent prior to the collection, transmission or use of location data will be rejected.
4.2 Applications that use location-based APIs to automatically control vehicles, aircraft or other devices will be rejected.
4.3 Programs that use location-based APIs for dispatch, fleet management or emergency services will be rejected.
4.4 Location data may be used when closely related to app features or services, or for authorized advertising.
5.1 Programs that do not use the Apple Push Notification (APN) API to provide push notifications will be rejected.
5.2 Apps that do not use the Apple Push Notification (APN) API to provide push notifications will be rejected.
5.3 Apps that do not get the user’s permission before the first push message or require push notification to run will be rejected.
5.4 Programs that use push notifications to send sensitive personal or confidential information will be rejected.
5.5 Programs that use push notifications to send unsolicited messages or for phishing or mass spam purposes will be rejected.
5.6 Apps may not use push notifications to send advertisements, promotions or any type of direct marketing.
5.7 Apps cannot charge users for using the push notification service.
5.8 Programs that use push notifications excessively utilize the network traffic or bandwidth of the APN service or place an excessive burden on the device will be rejected.
5.9 If the application transmits viruses, files, computer code or programs and causes damage or interruption to the normal operation of the APN service, the program will be rejected.
6.1 Programs that display player IDs to end users or any third party will be rejected.
6.2 Programs that use the Player ID for any purpose not approved by the Game Center Terms will be rejected.
6.3 Developers who attempt to reverse search, track, associate, mine, obtain or use player IDs, aliases, or other information through Game Center will be removed from the iOS Developer Program.
6.4 Game Center information (such as leaderboard scores) can only be used in the app through Game Center.
6.5 Programs that use the Game Center service to send unsolicited information or for phishing or mass spam will be rejected.
6.6 Programs that use the game center to take up too much network traffic or bandwidth will be rejected.
6.7 Programs will be rejected if they are capable of delivering viruses, files, computer code or programs and cause damage or interruption to the normal operation of the Game Center service.
7.1 Apps that manually brush the number of ad views or ad clicks will be rejected.
7.2 Apps that contain empty iAd ads will be rejected.
7.3 Apps that are primarily designed to display advertisements will be rejected.
8.1 Apps must comply with all terms and conditions stated in “Guidelines for UsingAppleTrademarksandCopyrights” and “AppleTrademarkList”.
8.2 Any application that misleads and implies that Apple is the source or provider of the application, or that Apple endorses its quality or functionality in any way, will be rejected.
8.3 Apps that look similar or confusing to existing Apple products or advertising themes will be rejected.
8.4 Apps that misspell the Apple product name in the app name (eg GPSforIphone, iTunes) will be rejected.
8.5 The use of protected third-party materials (trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, other proprietary content) requires a textual copyright confirmation when applying.
8.6 If the downloaded music or video uses resources provided by third parties without authorization, applications (such as tube, soundcloud, vimeo, etc.) will be rejected.
9.1 Apps that do not use the MediaPlayerFramework to obtain media content in the music library will be rejected.
9.2 Applications whose user interface mimics the interface of any iPod will be rejected.
9.3 Audio streaming content over cellular networks shall not exceed 5MB per 5 minutes.
9.4 Streaming video content over a cellular network for more than 10 minutes requires the use of HTTPLiveStreaming and includes an audio HTTPLiveStreaming with a baseline of 64kbps.
10.1 Apps must comply with all terms and conditions in Apple’s “iOSHumanInterfaceGuidelines”.
10.2 Apps that look similar to iPhone’s own apps (such as AppStore, iTunesStore, and iBookstore) will be rejected.
10.3 Apps that fail to properly use system-provided items (such as buttons, icons) as described in Apple’s “iOSHumanInterfaceGuidelines” will be rejected.
10.4 Apps that create a multi-desktop/home screen environment or simulate a multi-App plug-in experience will be rejected.
10.5 Apps that modify standard switch functions such as volume level and ringer/silent switch will be rejected.
10.6 Simple, sophisticated, creative, and well-designed interfaces are highly valued by Apple and our customers. It takes more, but it’s well worth it. Apple has set a high bar. If your user interface is too complex or not of a high standard, it may be rejected.
10.7 Apps whose main function is just to watch the time will be rejected.
11.1 Apps that use channels other than the AppStore to unlock or enable additional properties and functions will be rejected.
11.2 Apps that use systems other than the in-app payment system (IAP) to purchase content, functions or services will be rejected.
11.3 The use of IAP to purchase physical goods and application software for services not intended for the software will be rejected.
11.4 Apps that use IAP to purchase credits (Credit) or other currencies must be consumed in this app.
11.5 Apps that use IAP to purchase expired credits (Credit) or other currencies will be rejected.
11.6 Content subscribed using IAP must last at least 7 days and be shared among the user’s other iOS devices.
11.7 Apps using IAP to purchase items must be assigned to the correct purchase type.
11.8 Apps that use IAP to purchase iOS built-in features (such as camera, gyroscope) will be rejected.
11.9 Apps that contain content or services that exceed the time limit will be rejected, except for specially approved content (such as films, TV show music, and books).
11.1 Insurance Apps must be free, comply with the laws of the region in which they are published, and must not use IAP.
11.11 In general, the more expensive your application, the more thorough our review will be.
11.12 Apps that provide subscription functions must use IAP, and Apple will share with the developer in a 30/70 ratio according to the agreement in the Developer Program License Agreement.
11.13 Apps that use in-app redirects to external purchase or subscription links will be rejected, such as a “buy” button that redirects to a web page for e-book purchases.
11.14 Apple allows these apps to read or display approved, out-of-app purchase or subscription content (in particular magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, video and cloud storage content). Apple only gets a portion of the revenue through in-app purchases.
11.15 Applications may only use auto-renewing subscription periodicals (newspapers, magazines), business applications (enterprise, productivity, professional creativity, and cloud storage) and media applications (video, audio, sound), otherwise the application will be rejected.
11.16 When used in conjunction with a specific vetted physical product (such as a toy), an app may use approved add-on functionality, as long as the add-on functionality is entirely reliant on the hardware product (such as an app for controlling a telescope) or It is also possible to use the app without using a physical product, such as as a reward for success or using an IAP.
11.17 The application may be used to facilitate the circulation of recognized virtual currencies if the application functions comply with state and federal laws. (new)
12.1 Apps that scrape any information from Apple’s websites (such as apple.com, iTunesStore, AppStore, iTunesConnect, and AppleDeveloperPrograms, etc.) or use Apple’s website content and services for ranking will be rejected absolutely.
12.2 Applications may use approved Apple RSSfeeds, such as iTunesStoreRSSfeeds.
12.3 Applications that simply cut web pages, synthesize content, or collect links may be rejected.
13.1 Applications that encourage users to use Apple devices in a way that may cause harm will be rejected.
13.2 Apps that quickly drain the device’s power or generate excessive heat will be rejected.
13.3 Apps that can cause personal injury to users will be rejected (new)
14.1 Applications involving defamation, personal attacks, and narrow and despicable content or applications targeting specific individuals or organizations will be rejected.
14.2 Professional political satirists and humorists are exempt from this clause.
14.3 EULA: Any app with content that can be generated by the user must include the content filtering function, or the user self-marking and blocking function, and the blackout function
15.1 Real pictures of people or animals being killed, maimed, and injuries such as shooting, stabbing, torture, etc. in the application will be rejected.
15.2 Apps that depict violence or child abuse, etc. will be rejected.
15.3 The “enemy” appearing in the game may not point to a specific race, culture, a real government, enterprise or any other entity in reality.
15.4 Apps that provide a realistic description of weapons to encourage the illegal use or misuse of those weapons will be rejected.
15.5 Games containing Russian roulette content will be rejected.
16.1 Content that is too objectionable or vulgar in the application will be rejected.
16.2 Applications that are designed to irritate the user or be disgusting will be rejected.
17.1 The application cannot transmit user data without the user’s prior permission, or without informing the user how and where the information is used.
17.2 Apps that require users to provide private information such as email address and date of birth in order to use their features will be rejected.
17.3 Apps may request the user’s date of birth (or use other age-gating mechanisms) solely for the purpose of complying with applicable children’s privacy regulations, but must include some useful functionality or entertainment value regardless of the user’s age.
17.4 The application collects, transmits and shares personal information of minor users (such as name, address, email, location, photos, videos, paintings, chats and other personal data, or permanent identifiers related to the above) must comply with the application Children’s privacy regulations and must include a privacy policy.
17.5 Applications that include account registration or access to a user’s existing account must include a privacy policy or will be rejected.
18.1 Programs that contain pornographic material, as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary “intended to arouse erotic desire, the explicit description or display of the genitals or sexuality, regardless of aesthetics or emotional feelings” will be rejected.
18.2 Applications that users frequently provide that generate pornographic content (such as the previous ChatRoulette program) will be rejected.
19.1 Apps that reference religious, cultural or racial groups contain defamatory, offensive or narrow-minded content, or that expose specific groups to harm or violence will be rejected.
19.2 The Program may contain or quote religious scriptures and the citations or translations provided by the Program must be accurate and not misleading. Comments should be educational and eye-opening, not inflammatory.
20.1 Gambling and contests must be initiated by the developer of the app or the company that owns the app.
20.2 Apps must display the official rules of gambling and contests and state that Apple is not the initiator and is not involved in the event in any way.
20.3 Developers operating an application with lottery properties must be permitted by law, and the lottery application must have the following characteristics: remuneration, opportunities and prizes.
20.4 Apps that allow users to purchase lottery tickets or lottery tickets directly within the app will be rejected.
20.5 Apps that offer games for real money (such as sports betting, poker, casino games, and horse racing) must have the necessary local licenses and permissions in the area where the application is used, must be restricted to those areas, and must be available for free download from the AppStore.
20.6 Use of IAP to purchase credit or currency combined with real money games will be rejected.
21.1 Apps that include the ability to donate to certified charities must be free.
21.2 The collection of donations must be done through Safari browser to visit the web page or mobile phone short message.
22.1 The application must comply with the local laws of all released regions, and the developer is obliged to understand and comply with all local laws
22.2 Programs that contain false, fraudulent or misleading statements will be rejected.
22.3 Any program that solicits, promotes or encourages criminal or manifestly reckless conduct will be rejected.
22.4 Programs that support illegal file sharing will be rejected.
22.5 Apps designed to use illegal gambling tools (including counting cards) will be rejected.
22.6 Programs with anonymous or prank calling or sending similar SMS/MMS functions will be rejected.
22.7 Any developer who develops programs that secretly collect user passwords or user private data will be removed from the iOS Developer Program.
22.8 Apps that contain DUI checkpoint information that is not published by law enforcement, or that encourage/assist DUI will be rejected.
22.9 Any application for calculating medicinal doses must be submitted to the manufacturer of the medicine or to an accreditation body (eg hospitals, insurance companies and universities).
22.1 Apps that use iTunes Music Preview without authorization will be rejected.
23.1 PassbookPasses may be used to make or receive payments, to transmit commercial information or to provide authentication (such as movie tickets, airline tickets, coupons, and others), while applications that use PassbookPasses for other purposes may be rejected and subject to Revoke Passbook certificates.
23.2 Passes must contain valid contact information of the valid pass issuer, otherwise the app will be rejected and the Passbook certificate will be revoked.
23.3 Passes must be physically signed and distributed based on their name, trademark or brand, otherwise the application will be rejected and the Passbook certificate may be revoked.
24.1 Apps that are primarily intended for use by children must include a privacy policy that must apply to the application’s children’s privacy laws.
24.2 Apps that are primarily intended for use by children are not allowed to include behavioral advertising (such as ads based on the user’s in-app activity), and any contextual advertising displayed in the app must be appropriate for children.
24.3 Apps intended primarily for use by children must have parental permission or use parentalgate in order to link or transact outside of the app.
24.4 Apps in the Children category must be labeled “Under 5, 6-8 or 9-11”.
25.1 Applications that contain extensions must comply with the requirements of the AppExtensionProgrammingGuide (Chinese version, English version).
25.2 Apps containing extensions must provide certain functionality (assist screen, additional settings) or will be rejected.
25.3 If the extension’s view contains marketing promotions, advertisements or IAP content, then the application containing the extension will be rejected.
25.4 The keyboard extension must provide a way to switch to the next keyboard.
25.5 Keyboard extensions must have offline access or they will be rejected.
25.6 Keyboard extensions must provide the numeric and decimal keyboard types described in the AppExtensionProgrammingGuide, otherwise they will be rejected.
25.7 Apps that provide keyboard extensions must have a basic functional classification and privacy policy, or they will be rejected.
25.8 Apps that provide keyboard extensions are only allowed to collect user activity to enhance the functionality of keyboard extensions on iOS devices, otherwise they will be rejected.
26.1 Applications using the HomeKit framework must have the primary purpose of providing home automation services.
26.2 Apps using the HomeKit framework must state the purpose in the marketing text and must provide a privacy policy or they will be rejected.
26.3 The app does not allow data collected from the HomeKit API to be used for advertising or other usage-based data mining.
26.4 Applications that use the data collected from the HomeKit API for other purposes than to improve the user experience or hardware/software performance in home automation functions will be rejected.
27.1 Apps using the HealthKit framework must comply with the applicable laws in their region, as well as clauses 3.3.28 and 3.39 in the iOS Developer Program License Agreement.
27.2 Applications that write false or erroneous data to HealthKit will be rejected.
27.3 Apps that use the HealthKit framework to store user health information in iCloud will be rejected.
27.4 Apps are not permitted to use user data collected through HealthKitAPI for advertising or usage-based data mining purposes, except for health improvement, medical treatment, health management, and medical research purposes.
27.527.5 Apps that share user data obtained through the HealthKit API with third parties without the user’s permission will be rejected.
27.6 Apps using the HealthKit framework must describe the Healthapp integration in the marketing text and must clearly explain HealthKit functionality in the app user interface.
27.7 Apps using the HealthKit framework must provide a privacy policy or they will be rejected.
27.8 Applications that provide diagnostics, treatment recommendations, or control hardware to diagnose or treat disease without written regulatory approval upon request will be rejected.
27.9 The application of research on human health must obtain the consent of the participant or the parent or guardian of the minor, including (1) the nature, purpose and duration of the study; (2) the procedures, risks and benefits of the participant; (3) Confidentiality of information and processing of data (including sharing information with third parties); (4) Participant question contact (5) Exit process.
27.1 Applications for research related to human health must be approved and justified by an ethical review committee.
28.1 Apps may only use TestFlight for beta testing of apps intended for public release and must comply with the full AppReviewGuidelines.
28.2 Applications using TestFlight must submit for review when there are major changes in content or functionality included in a release.
28.3 Apps using TestFlight are not permitted to distribute to testers as compensation of any kind.
29.1 Apps using ApplePay must provide users with purchase information for all materials before selling any goods or services, otherwise they will be rejected.
29.2 Apps using ApplePay must correctly use the ApplePay logo and user interface elements in ApplePayHumanInterfaceGuidelines, otherwise they will be rejected.
29.3 Apps using ApplePay cannot provide goods or services for delivery that violate the laws of any field, nor can they be used for any illegal purpose.
29.4 Apps using ApplePay must provide a privacy policy or they will be rejected.
29.5 Applications using ApplePay may share data obtained through ApplePay with third parties only to facilitate or enhance the delivery of goods and services, or as required by law.
x.2 “You” and “Your” refers to the use of Apple software or the exercise of power by individuals or legal entities (including companies, organizations, educational institutions, or government agencies, departments) under this Agreement. You can authorize your contractor to develop applications on your behalf, but the developed applications must be submitted under your developer account. If you publish an app on behalf of a client, your client can participate in the iOS Developer Program, adding you to the developer team, which allows you to submit apps under their account.
x.3 If your app (and the third party that provides advertisements) wants to call IDFA or contain IDFA-related information, it must place advertisements in the app. If the user resets the IDFA, you cannot associate the reset IDFA with the pre-reset IDFA.