Apple App Store Submission Checklist

Steps (97)

• App Completeness & Technical Quality

  Guideline 2.1 — Submissions must be final, fully functional versions. Betas, demos, and placeholders will be rejected.

  • Build tested on-device (not only simulator) — no crashes, hangs, or obvious bugs

    ~15m

  • All advertised features are functional — no placeholder or stub functionality

    ~10m

  • All in-app purchases are complete, up-to-date, and functional for the reviewer

    ~5m

  • Demo account credentials included in App Review Notes (if login is required)

    ~5m

  • Back-end services are active and accessible during the review window

    ~3m

  • All URLs in metadata and within the app are live and functional

    ~5m

  • No placeholder text, empty website links, or temporary content remains

    ~5m

  • App does not download, install, or execute code that adds features or changes functionality post-install (Guideline 2.5.2)

    ~5m

  • App is self-contained — does not require installation of another separate app to function

    ~3m

  • App functions correctly on IPv6-only networks (Guideline 2.5.5)

    ~5m

  • App does not rapidly drain battery, generate excessive heat, or mine cryptocurrency (Guideline 2.4.2)

    ~5m

• Metadata & Store Listing

  Guideline 2.3 — All metadata must be accurate, honest, and appropriate for a public audience.

  • App Name & Keywords

    • App name is unique and does not exceed 30 characters

      ~3m

    • App name does not impersonate another app or developer

      ~3m

    • Keywords accurately describe the app — no trademarked terms, competitor names, pricing info, or irrelevant phrases

      ~5m

    • Metadata does not use 'For Kids' or 'For Children' unless submitting to the Kids Category

      ~2m

  • Description

    • Description clearly and accurately describes the game's features and content

      ~5m

    • Any in-app purchases are clearly disclosed in the description — indicate if levels, items, or subscriptions require additional purchase

      ~5m

    • All new features described specifically in 'What's New' text for updates — significant changes may not use generic descriptions

      ~5m

  • Screenshots & Previews

    • Screenshots show the game in use — not title art, login screens, or splash screens only

      ~5m

    • Preview videos use only actual video screen captures of the game itself

      ~3m

    • App icons, screenshots, and previews are appropriate for all audiences (4+ rating) even if the game itself is rated higher

      ~5m

  • Category & Age Rating

    • Most appropriate App Store category selected

      ~3m

    • Age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect answered honestly — game aligns with parental controls for the selected rating

      ~10m

    • All required content ratings and warnings for local markets (e.g., specific regional requirements) are in place

      ~5m

  • Contact & Support

    • Support URL is live and provides an easy way to contact the developer

      ~3m

    • Privacy policy URL is live and linked in App Store Connect metadata

      ~3m

• In-App Purchases & Monetisation

  Guideline 3.1 — In-app purchase must be used to unlock content or features. Clear disclosures required for all purchase types.

  • In-App Purchase Implementation

    • All content/feature unlocks use Apple In-App Purchase — no alternative unlock mechanisms (QR codes, license keys, external currency)

      ~5m

    • Restore purchase mechanism implemented for all restorable (non-consumable) IAPs

      ~5m

    • SKPaymentTransactionObserver implemented correctly so purchases complete seamlessly

      ~5m

    • Purchased in-game currencies/credits do not expire (Guideline 3.1.1)

      ~3m

  • Subscriptions

    • Subscription terms (renewal period, price, what's included, cancellation method) are clearly disclosed before the user subscribes

      ~5m

    • Existing paid users who unlocked features are not locked out when switching to a subscription model

      ~5m

    • Subscriptions work on all devices where the app is available

      ~3m

  • Loot Boxes & Randomised Purchases

    • Odds of receiving each item type from any randomised purchase (loot box) are disclosed to the player before purchase (Guideline 3.1.1)

      ~5m

  • App Icon & In-Game Ads

    • Game does not force users to rate, review, or download other apps to access content or functionality (Guideline 3.2.2)

      ~3m

    • Interstitial ads clearly indicate they are ads, do not manipulate users into tapping, and have easily accessible close/skip buttons (Guideline 2.5.18)

      ~5m

    • Ads displayed are appropriate for the game's age rating

      ~3m

    • Users can report inappropriate or age-inappropriate ads from within the game

      ~3m

• User-Generated Content & Online Safety

  Guideline 1.2 — Games with UGC or social features must include moderation, reporting, and blocking tools.

  • Method to filter objectionable material from being posted is implemented

    ~5m

  • In-game mechanism to report offensive content with timely developer response is available

    ~5m

  • Ability to block abusive users from the service is available

    ~5m

  • Published contact information is accessible so users can reach the developer

    ~3m

  • Game does not allow communication features (text/voice) when user's privacy settings prohibit it

    ~5m

• Privacy & Data

  Guideline 5.1 — Privacy policy must be complete and accurate. Data collection requires explicit consent. Applies to all platforms — extra care required for kids' data.

  • Privacy Policy

    • Privacy policy is live, linked in App Store Connect, and linked within the game

      ~3m

    • Policy clearly identifies what data is collected, how it's collected, and all uses of that data

      ~5m

    • Policy names all third parties data is shared with (analytics, ad networks, SDKs) and confirms they provide equivalent data protection

      ~5m

    • Policy explains data retention, deletion policies, and how users can revoke consent or request deletion

      ~5m

  • App Tracking Transparency

    • App Tracking Transparency (ATT) permission prompt implemented before any cross-app tracking (Guideline 5.1.2)

      ~5m

    • Game does not require users to enable tracking, location, or push notifications to access core functionality or receive rewards

      ~5m

  • Data Minimisation & Permissions

    • Purpose strings (NSUsageDescription) for all requested permissions are clear and completely describe data use

      ~5m

    • Only permissions directly relevant to core game functionality are requested

      ~5m

    • Game does not build user profiles from collected data or attempt to reconstruct identity from anonymised data

      ~3m

  • Account Features

    • If game supports account creation, account deletion is also available from within the game

      ~5m

    • If third-party social login is used (e.g., Facebook, Google), Sign in with Apple is also offered as an alternative — unless an exemption applies (Guideline 4.8)

      ~5m

    • Social network credentials/tokens are not stored off-device

      ~3m

• Content Standards

  Guideline 1.1 — Games must not contain prohibited content. Enemies may not solely target real-world groups. Content must be consistent with the selected age rating.

  • No realistic depictions of people or animals being killed, maimed, or tortured in a gratuitous way (Guideline 1.1.2)

    ~3m

  • Enemies/factions do not solely target a specific real race, culture, government, or corporation (Guideline 1.1.2)

    ~3m

  • No depictions encouraging illegal or reckless use of weapons or dangerous objects (Guideline 1.1.3)

    ~3m

  • No overtly sexual or pornographic material (Guideline 1.1.4)

    ~3m

  • Game provides genuine entertainment value and is not merely a web clipping, marketing material, or spam clone (Guideline 4.2)

    ~5m

  • Game does not impersonate another app, developer, or Apple product/service (Guideline 4.1)

    ~3m

• Kids Category (if applicable)

  Guideline 1.3 — Additional requirements apply if submitting to the Kids Category or if the game's primary audience is children.

  • No links out of the app, purchases, or other distractions without a parental gate

    ~3m

  • No third-party analytics or third-party advertising (limited exceptions apply — see Guideline 1.3)

    ~3m

  • Does not send personally identifiable information or device information to third parties

    ~5m

  • Complies with applicable children's privacy laws (COPPA, EU GDPR, etc.)

    ~5m

  • Privacy policy complies with all applicable children's privacy statutes

    ~5m

• Real-Money Gaming & Gambling (if applicable)

  Guideline 5.3 — Real-money gaming requires licensing and geo-restriction. Must be free on the App Store.

  • Necessary gambling/gaming licences held for all regions where the app is available

    ~5m

  • App is geo-restricted to regions where real-money gaming is legally permitted

    ~5m

  • App is free on the App Store — real-money gaming apps may not charge for download (Guideline 5.3.4)

    ~3m

  • Sweepstakes/contests present official rules in-game and clearly state Apple is not a sponsor (Guideline 5.3.1–5.3.2)

    ~5m

  • In-app purchase is NOT used to purchase credits/currency for real-money gambling (Guideline 5.3.3)

    ~3m

• Legal & Intellectual Property

  Guideline 5.2 — All content in the game must be original or properly licensed.

  • Rights to all third-party content (art, music, code, fonts, trademarks) are secured and documented

    ~5m

  • Game does not use Apple trademarks, emoji, or branding in a way that implies endorsement (Guidelines 5.2.4, 4.5.6)

    ~3m

  • Audio/video streaming does not facilitate illegal file sharing or download of third-party media without authorisation (Guideline 5.2.3)

    ~3m

  • App icons, screenshots, and previews use fictional account information — not real people's data (Guideline 2.3.9)

    ~3m