Submitting an app to Apple for the first time can be a stressful experience. Despite following Apple’s rules to the best of your abilities (Apple do provide plenty of detailed and clear guidance), sometimes issues can slip past undetected. There are so many factors to be aware of, it’s not uncommon for developers new to the process to receive that dreaded “New message from App Review” email. 😱 😭
Below are six easily overlooked areas to double-check to make sure you instead see that “App is Ready for Sale” email in your inbox! 🎉 🍾
1. Incomplete Information
Make sure if there is any specific information the testers will require to use your app that you have provided it in the “App Review Information” section when preparing to submit your app. This can include usernames and passwords if you need to sign in to your app. Anything else that’s important can go in the “Notes” section here.
Also make sure the your privacy policy, support and marketing URLs are correct and working.
2. Bugs and crashes
Obviously bugs popping up and/or crashes during the testing process will result in a rejection from Apple. As Apple state: They are not your testing service! So make sure you’ve tested as thoroughly as possible on both simulated devices and a variety of actual devices. Ensure all likely (and unlikely) scenarios are covered including making sure you handle a loss of internet connectivity. (Our own visitor management app, Welcm can operate offline and sync data when it re-connects to the internet).
3. Inconsistent UI
Apple provide a comprehensive set of human interface guidelines that are worth paying careful attention to. Apple have done the hard work in developing their UI and UX so take advantage of it! In the case of business or productivity apps this can have an extra benefit of making an app more intuitive, leading to increased adoption and a more successful product.
4. Metadata
This can cover a wide range of issues, from your app description to screenshots to ensuring you are providing adequate privacy and purchase information. Make sure your app description is appropriate for all audiences and describes clearly what your app does. The same applies for your screenshots and app preview videos, they must show actual app functionality. If something is not immediately clear from a screenshot you can use captions of descriptive text on the images if necessary.
Make sure to include an explanation of any required permissions such as access to contacts or the device’s camera in your description.
If your app contains in-app purchases make sure you have the required information about this in your description (see 5. In-App Purchases, below).
5. In-App Purchases
You must use the App Store for your in-app purchases, you cannot redirect the user to another payment platform or provide links to alternative methods of payment.
If your app has in-app purchases or a paid subscription option, make sure you have provided the required information. Extra information is required for subscriptions, this can be found in your Paid Applications Agreement, specifically Schedule 2, Section 3.8(b).
This essentially includes information about the subscription length, price, renewal and cancellation terms.
The same information needs to be disclosed “clearly and conspicuously” in your actual app at the point the user can purchase a subscription. We’ve known of apps being rejected for only showing this information via an optional button tap, so it’s best to show it at all times on your subscription view in your app.
6. Broken Links
Check any links to your support or privacy policy pages to make sure they are working and up-to-date.
If your app links to an external website as part of its functionality Apple considers opening these links in Safari to be bad user experience, so it’s best to make use of the Safari View Controller API in your code which effectively embeds a browser in your app.
Summary
We hope this guide helps you to avoid some of the common pitfalls if you are working on submitting your first app.
If you have an app idea but don’t have the time or resources to turn it into a reality, why not get in touch with us at Welcm Software? Let us know your requirements and we can handle the rest.
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At Welcm we design, develop and support touch screen applications and systems.
If you have a project you would like to discuss please send an enquiry from our contact page, email us at enquiries@welcm.uk or call us on 01252 950 650.
We also make Visitor Management Easy at https://welcm.ly
