Short answer:Most rejections are due to simple things: missing privacy policy, unclear description of how the app collects data, crashes during testing, or an app that feels "too thin". If you fix these before sending in, you will avoid most of the rounds back and forth.
Why do Apple and Google review apps?
Think of the App Store and Google Play as two large department stores. The department store does not want broken, misleading or dangerous products on the shelves, because then customers lose trust. Therefore, both Apple and Google check each app before it is allowed to enter. They test that it works, that it does not deceive the user and that it handles personal data in a nice way.
Apple is generally stricter and reviews more manually – a real human often tests the app. Google leans more towards automatic checks but reviews as well. For you, this means: expect Apple to take longer and make more demands.
How long does the review take?
Apple App Store:usually within 24–48 hours, but may take longer in case of problems.
Google Play:often a few hours to a few days; new developer accounts may take longer.
Plan in margin. Thinking that the app is out "the same day" you submit is a common mistake.
The most common reasons for rejection
Here are the traps we see most often - and which can almost always be avoided:
No Privacy Policy:If the app collects any kind of data, you need a clear privacy policy that is linked both in the app and in the store.
Unclear data collection:Apple requires a completed "privacy label" (App Privacy) that describes what you collect. If it does not match reality, it will be rejected.
Crashes and bugs:If the reviewer encounters a crash, the app is denied immediately. Please test carefully on real devices first.
"Thin" app:An app that is just a wrapped website with no value of its own is often rejected, especially by Apple.
Broken logins:If you use Facebook or Google login, Apple often requires that "Sign in with Apple" also be included.
Permissions without explanation:If you want the app to have access to the camera, location or contacts, you must explainwhy.
Incorrect store info:Screenshots that don't match the app, or a description that promises too much.
What do you need to have ready before submitting?
Developer account:Apple Developer ($99/year) and Google Play Console ($25 one time).
Privacy Policy:published on a web page and linked.
Correct privacy information:completed in both stores.
App icon and screenshotsin the right format and size.
Clear descriptionwhich matches what the app actually does.
Test accountif the app requires login – otherwise the reviewer cannot enter.
The most common simple mistake: you forget to send a test account, the reviewer is met with a login box and denies the app. Easy to avoid.
What do you do if the app is denied?
First of all: it's not done. Rejection is part of the process and happens to professionals too. Apple and Google always writewhythe app was denied. Read the rejection carefully, fix the specific problem and resubmit. If you disagree, you can reply and explain yourself - sometimes it's a misunderstanding.
The important thing is not to redo the app in a panic. Often it's a small detail that needs fixing, not the whole app.
A little about Apple's extra rules
Apple has some rules that often surprise. If you sell digital goods inside the app (eg a subscription or a locked feature), you usually have to use Apple's own payment system - and they charge a fee. On the other hand, you may charge for physical goods and services in your own way. This line of demarcation causes a lot of rejection, so it's worth sorting out before you build.
ZORC takes your app all the way out
At ZORC, we build apps for iOS and Android - and we handle the publishing for you. We know what Apple and Google are looking at, fill in the right information and prepare the app so that it passes the review the first time as far as possible. You don't have to guess, mess with developer accounts and wait unnecessarily.
Want to launch an app without getting bogged down in store bureaucracy?Get in touch with ZORC and we will help you all the way from idea to published app.
