App Store Rejection: Common Reasons and Fixes
Why Apple and Google reject apps and how to avoid it. Metadata issues, missing privacy policies, crashers, guideline violations — the complete list from an engineer who shipped 4 apps.
The Problem
You've spent weeks building your app. You submit to the App Store. Then you wait. Then you get this:
"Your app has been rejected."
Apple's review process is opaque. Google's is faster but equally frustrating. After shipping 4 apps through both stores, here are the actual reasons apps get rejected — and how to avoid all of them.
Most Common Rejection Reasons
1. Incomplete Metadata
Apple rejects if:
- Screenshots don't match the actual app
- App description is vague or misleading
- Support URL returns 404
- Privacy policy URL is missing or broken
Fix: AI App Factory includes metadata templates and a checklist that covers every field Apple and Google require.
2. Crashes on Launch
The #1 technical rejection. Usually caused by:
- Missing environment variables in the production build
- Incorrect bundle identifier
- Expired provisioning profiles
Fix: The EAS Build automation scripts validate all of these before submission.
3. Guideline 4.3 — Spam
Apple flags apps that are "too similar" to existing apps. This happens when:
- Your app uses a generic template without customization
- The UI is identical to another submitted app
- There's no unique value proposition
Fix: AI App Factory produces unique code per project. The AI agents generate custom screens, not cloned templates.
4. In-App Purchase Issues
Google rejects if:
- You use external payment links for digital goods
- Subscription terms aren't clearly displayed
- Restore purchases doesn't work
Fix: RevenueCat integration handles all billing compliance. Restore is automatic.
5. Privacy Policy Violations
Both stores now require:
- Data collection disclosure
- Third-party SDK disclosure
- Account deletion capability (Apple)
Fix: Privacy policy template included. Account deletion endpoint pre-built.
Time Wasted Per Rejection Cycle
| Store | Review Time | Fix + Resubmit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | 1-3 days | 1 day | 2-4 days |
| 1-7 days | 1 day | 2-8 days | |
| Per rejection | 2-8 days lost |
Most first-time developers go through 2-3 rejection cycles. That's 1-3 weeks of lost time.
How AI App Factory Helps
The automation scripts include pre-submission validation that checks for all common rejection reasons before you submit. The metadata templates ensure nothing is missing. The RevenueCat integration handles billing compliance.
Result: Most AI App Factory users pass review on the first submission.
Related
- Code Signing & Provisioning — another major friction point
- Expo EAS Build — the automation that prevents rejections
- How to Submit to App Store — step-by-step guide
How AI App Factory solves this
Pre-submission validation scripts check for all common rejection reasons before you submit. Metadata templates, privacy policy, billing compliance — all pre-configured.
Skip this problem entirely.
AI App Factory handles the boring infrastructure so you can build the product.