Five Common App Mistakes Keeping You Out Of The Appstore.

My App was declined 11 times before being accepted to the App store. Here’s how you can avoid making the same mistakes.

No matter how much you try to pretend it isn’t, your app is still a product of Apple. You may own the code, and all the intellectual property, but without the app store, your app is just a pile of code in — what is most likely — an Apple owned programme.

Think of it like this, if you go to a restaurant with a strict formal dress code wearing tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie, they will most likely escort you out. Although you ultimately decide what you wear, and how you want to present yourself, the restaurant have their brand and clear instructions about how they want to be approached. It is for that same reason, Apple refuse unfinished/guideline violating apps.

Yes, your app may only be intended for the iPhone x. But because you are submitting your app to the ios store, and Apple make it mandatory (more this), your app needs to be available for iPad's too.

This is the error message you should expect to receive.

API definition — a set of functions and procedures that allow the creation of applications which access the features or data of an operating system, application, or other service.

Sometimes your app will get declined because the reviewer for your app, will have no idea how to access certain features. Remember, with all decisions made by reviewers, you have the option to appeal any declines.

However, if you haven’t made it a fairly simply process, your app will decline almost 100% of the time. For example, If you are using ApplePay in your app, then make sure your end users know how to access Apple pay, and it isn’t too complicated to navigate to. You can test this with beta testers before launching the app (which I suggest you do).

Simple right? You would be surprised how many people (me) have submitted an app, and waited the average wait time (24–48 hours) only to receive a decline message because the reviewer is unable to log in.

Everything. If you need a customers email to log in, it sounds simple, but make sure you explain in the text box on ItunesConnect WHY you need their email. Every single field and sign in button needs to be explained, and most importantly essential to the usage of the app. If your app is a free weather app, and you require users to enter their card details, Apple are going to need an explanation and will decline your app immediately.

Just keep repeating your whys — there is nothing wrong with over-explaining.

If you have an app and you want it in the app store, Apple will happily accommodate you, if you play by their rules. I hear the Google Play Store are more lenient, but Apple are quite a uniformed company in everything they do.

Share your apps with me so I can give you feedback as soon as possible. I am open to being on Beta testing lists if it makes sense too.

Feel free to interact with me on Twitter.

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