So I survived the Apple App Store review process.
Have you ever been through this?
Ever had a app or an update to an app rejected?
The Apple App Review Team is a unique bunch that we’re all going to HAVEto work with to get our apps listed for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads.
We’ve seen apps rejected for simple bug fixes.
How could this be?
This can be a frustrating process.
Because programming an app is complicated. The last thing we need is another complication.
We’ve been through this ourselves.
This article has some tips to help you through the app review process.
The hope is that we can, with the least amount of attempts possible, help you get that majestic ‘Approved’ response and not the dreaded ‘Rejected’
Step 1. Know Who the Apple App Review Team is.
The Apple App Review Team consists of Apple employees in Cupertino. This is not the same team when you call the developer helpline. The developer helpline typically will have an Apple employee working from home. And there is a phone number to reach them at. The app review team has no phone number, but they can be messaged through iTunes connect, or the the developer support team.
Knowing what the Apple App Review Team wants…
Here are a few tips and tricks I can help you through the App Store App review process.
Step 2. Don’t be too self-promoting with your listing
Let’s get real for a sec. Getting a link to your website from Apple.com gives your website some SERIOUS SEO CREDIBILITY.
Very po
werful. This can make a big difference in your Google rankings.
You don’t want to take the generosity from apple too far by doing the following….
You don’t want to self promote yourself too much in your app listing. That can be a problem. We has an app listing rejected because we mentioned on our listing to call us at our phone number. Apple does not want to feel like you’re taking advantage of their listing. Apple wants the value to be provided through the app store.
They do allow your website link.
Promote yourself through your website and be happy for the chance.
Step 3. Don’t dare promote that your app is available elsewhere on your listing.
Of course most of us know that iPhones have a minority share in the smartphone market. But it’s an important portion (up to 1 in 3 smartphone users) and just because the review process can be frustrating doesn’t mean the iPhone should be ignored.
However, there’s a great chance that your app is available elsewhere. Google Play Store. Microsoft App Store. Website App. etc.
This is a great testament to your commitment to your audience.
Making it easier to interact regardless of what device they’re on.
But please, don’t mention it on Apple’s turf.
So much as saying the word ‘Android’ will often reject your listing because you mentioned a competitor to the iPhone.
I’m serious.
Can’t do it.
Why?
Because Apple does not want to use their own servers and service to even mention a competitor.
In some ways I don’t blame them.
So whe
n you’re describing your service, remember you’re on Apple’s territory.
And apples territory means their rules. You want your own rules? Write them on your own website. Or in our own storefront.
But the App Store uses not your rules. It’s Apple’s rules.
So please, don’t mention the other avenues that a user can get your app on your App Store listing.
Step 4. Point out your strengths.
If you are one of the few folks like us who were chosen to have a phone call with app, be sure to point out what your strengths are.
One thing we pointed out about our app is that we collect no personal data.
This is a big hot item with Apple.
Steve Jobs has done on record many times on how he doesn’t believe apps should collect data from the users unless is necessary and that they consent.
We all know how much that is NOT AT ALL similar to Google and Facebook’s philosophy.
This is a feature that is an asset to Apple’s customers.
And Apple guards this feature.
It seems standard today on a web contact form to require email address or phone number to opt in to things.
Apple by default would prefer you DO NOT try to do these things through your app.
Avoiding this through you app will give you a higher stance with the app Store review team.
Step 5. Always choose a phone call.
If you’re lucky, the Apple App Review team will schedule time to talk to you if you choose them to.
We’re told this RARELY happens on a rejection where the Apple team OFFERS to CALL YOU to discuss your app.
If you’re doing something really new, clarity is often sought out, and for good reason.
We suggest you always choose this option of a phone call.
Here’s why.
Often the reasoning behind rejections are a little vague.
If you could have a phone call, you can nail down EXACTLY what it is you need to do to make them happy and get your app listed.
Our issue was that we were applying bug fixing.
And it was a real issue.
The app was crashing in some cases.
Also, our graphics were getting cut off in some cases.
We’re actually surprised we got approved in the first place.
But Apple’s reasons for rejection were completely unrelated to this.
And this was curious because it was accepted months prior.
Here’s what we came to a common ground on.
No one wants a bad user experience.
We don’t want that, the user doesn’t want it, and Apple doesn’t want it.
So focusing on making the experience better for the user is key since focusing on performance and user experience is something that is everyone’s best interest.
Getting down the the exact things that are in need of being changed will help you get listed and be good to go moving forward.
We talked to the Apple app review team from Cupertino over 15 minute on a half. Before we did this we prepped a bit. We have two other people we know that have apps on the App Store and ask them if they’ve ever been through the process. We asked them what is it that we needed to do. They told us we weren’t sure if we understood. So the best thing to do is understand what it is that Apple wants from you.
Also, with our latest update, we employed Microsoft’s Code Push, which will allow us to apply future bug fixes and push those improvements directly to the phone without having to go through the frustrating review process again.
Want to learn more? Contact us at helpbyvinnie@gmail.com or call 727-776-9248
Are you ready to answer your customer’s call?
WestBay WebSites is a Palm Harbor based media tech company. We are heavily invested in taking care of your communications in the fast changing, distracting and noisy world that we share.
Vinnie Campagna ~ WestBay WebSites