In the process of iOS development and publishing, App Store review is a step that gives many developers headaches. Apple has extremely high standards for app quality, privacy security, and user experience, and any detail that does not meet the requirements may lead to "Rejection".
Understanding App Store submission requirements and mastering the compliant submission process can greatly improve the approval rate and avoid repeated submissions and wasted time.
This article will detail the submission requirements and, combined with the Appuploader tool, demonstrate how to successfully complete the submission on any operating system.
1. Basic Conditions Before Submitting an iOS App
Before submitting for review, ensure the following basic conditions are prepared:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Apple Developer Account | Must register for the Apple Developer Program ($99/year) |
| App ID and Signing Certificate | Unique app identifier and verification credentials |
| IPA File | Packaged installation file |
| Privacy Policy Link | Must comply with privacy declaration requirements |
| App Store Screenshots and Information | App display content |
| Tested and Functional Features | No crashes, freezes, or incomplete modules allowed |
These conditions are the foundation of Apple's systematic review; missing any one may lead to rejection.
2. Apple's Official Submission Review Standards (App Store Review Guidelines)
Apple's review rules are clear and detailed, mainly divided into the following five categories:
| Category | Core Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1. Safety | App must not contain malicious code, false functionality, or deceptive behavior |
| 2. Performance | Must not crash, must run stably, API calls must be compliant |
| 3. Business | Must comply with Apple's payment rules; virtual goods must use IAP |
| 4. Design | Interface must be aesthetically pleasing, icons clear, user experience consistent |
| 5. Legal | Must comply with GDPR, privacy declarations, and data collection standards |
Common reasons for rejection:
- Privacy pop-ups do not explain permission purposes (e.g., camera, location);
- Use of non-public APIs;
- Submission of duplicate apps (judged as "spam");
- App content includes promotions or gambling information.
3. Required Materials for App Store
Apple has strict specifications for the format of uploaded content.
| Item | Specification Requirements |
|---|---|
| App Icon | 1024×1024 PNG, no alpha channel |
| Screenshot Sizes | 6.5" (1242x2688), 5.5" (1242x2208) |
| App Name | Maximum 30 characters |
| Subtitle | Maximum 30 characters |
| Keywords | Maximum 100 characters |
| Privacy Policy URL | Must be accessible and content complete |
Preparing these materials in advance can avoid repeated modifications during submission.
4. Privacy Policy and Data Compliance Requirements
Since iOS 14.5, Apple has strengthened privacy compliance standards.
Permissions that must be declared:
- Location
- Camera and Photos
- Microphone
- HealthKit data
- Advertising tracking (IDFA)
When filling out the privacy form in App Store Connect, you must explain:
- Whether user data is collected;
- Whether it is used for advertising tracking;
- Whether third-party SDKs share data.
If the app does not provide a privacy policy link, the review will be directly rejected.
5. Technical Requirements and Packaging Specifications
Before submitting the app, the IPA package must meet the following technical requirements:
| Item | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minimum OS Version | Recommended to support iOS 13+ |
| 64-bit Architecture | Must include arm64 architecture |
| Package Signing | Must be signed with a valid distribution certificate |
| Bundle ID | Must match the certificate and provisioning profile |
| Version Number Management | Must increment with each submission (e.g., 1.0 → 1.0.1) |
6. System Limitations and Optimization Solutions for the Upload Process
Traditional Methods (Limited to Mac):
- Xcode Upload (requires Mac environment)
- Transporter App Upload (only available on macOS)
- altool Command Line Tool (deprecated)
These methods are very unfriendly to non-Mac developers, with high costs and complex deployment.
New Solution: Appuploader Command Line Upload
The new Appuploader CLI achieves true cross-platform, no-Mac-required upload, allowing developers to complete uploads on Windows / Linux / macOS systems.
You can also use the graphical interface:
Example command:
appuploader_cli -u ios@team.com -p xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx -c 2 -f ./build/MyApp.ipa
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
-u |
Apple Developer account |
-p |
App-specific password |
-c |
Upload channel (1=old, 2=new) |
-f |
IPA file path |
Features:
- No dependency on Mac;
- Supports old and new upload protocols;
- Compatible with App Store Connect automatic validation;
- Suitable for automation with Fastlane, Jenkins, GitLab CI.
7. Overview of the App Store Review Process
| Stage | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Upload App | Submit IPA and metadata | Instant |
| Automated Detection | Verify signing, API compliance | A few minutes |
| Manual Review | Reviewer tests app functionality | 1–3 days |
| Approval | App goes live | Immediately |
| Rejection (if any) | Check reason and resubmit | Varies |
Complying with privacy standards and UI guidelines in advance can significantly improve the approval rate.
8. Common Rejection Issues and Solutions
| Rejection Reason | Corresponding Solution |
|---|---|
| Privacy permissions not explained | Add fields like NSCameraUsageDescription in Info.plist |
| App icon not compliant | Provide 1024×1024 PNG with no transparent background |
| Insecure network requests | Enable HTTPS requests |
| Crash issues | Repackage and test on a real device |
| Keyword violations | Remove sensitive words like brand names, trademarks |
9. Automated Compliant Upload Solution (Fastlane + Appuploader CLI)
For team development, you can use Fastlane automation combined with Appuploader upload.
Example script:
fastlane gym --scheme "MyApp" --output_directory "./build"
appuploader_cli -u dev@icloud.com -p xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx -c 2 -f ./build/MyApp.ipa
Advantages:
- Automated build + upload;
- No manual intervention required;
- Available on all platforms;
- Highly repeatable, compliant with DevOps process standards.
Apple's iOS submission requirements are strict but transparent; as long as developers follow the specifications and prepare thoroughly, they can pass the review smoothly.
The new Appuploader breaks the system limitations of uploads, allowing developers to easily complete IPA uploads and version releases without a Mac.
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