App Store Review Guidelines: 5 Design Reasons Your App Might Get Rejected
Apple rejects 40% of apps submitted. Don't let your screenshots be the reason. Here are the most common design guidelines developers violate.
The "Rejection" Email Every Developer Dreads
It's 2 AM. You've spent months coding. You finally submit your app to the App Store.
24 hours later, you get the email: "Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata."
Your app was rejected. Not because of a crash. Not because of a bug. But because of your screenshots.
It happens more often than you think. Apple is incredibly strict about what you can and cannot show in your App Store listing.
After helping developers navigate hundreds of submissions, I've compiled the 5 most common design reasons for rejection.
1. Showing Hardware That Isn't Apple's
The Rule: Your screenshots must show your app running on the correct Apple device.
The Mistake:
The Fix:
Always use the exact device frame for the platform you're submitting to. If you're submitting for iPhone 6.5" display, use an iPhone 14 Plus or similar frame.
Shotsy automatically handles this by providing compliant device frames for every screen size.
2. Misleading "Free" Claims
The Rule: You cannot claim your app is "Free" in your metadata (including screenshots) if it contains In-App Purchases (IAP) or subscriptions.
The Mistake:
The Fix:
Be honest. Use phrases like "Free Download" (if true) or "Start Your Free Trial." Apple reviewers check your IAP settings against your screenshot claims.
3. Including Transparent Backgrounds
The Rule: Screenshots must be opaque.
The Mistake:
The Fix:
Always use a solid background color or image. Never leave the alpha channel open.
4. Using Unauthorized Third-Party Trademarks
The Rule: You cannot use trademarked material you don't own.
The Mistake:
The Fix:
Use royalty-free placeholder content.
5. "Beta" or "Test" Terminology
The Rule: The App Store is for finished software.
The Mistake:
The Fix:
Remove all references to "Beta," "Alpha," or future features. Your screenshots must represent the *current* version of the app.
Bonus: The "Lifestyle" Image Trap
Apple allows "lifestyle" images (photos of people using your app), but the app screen must be clearly visible and the main focus.
If your screenshot is 90% happy woman laughing at salad and 10% your app screen, you might get rejected for "not sufficiently demonstrating the app."
What to Do If You Get Rejected
The Best Defense is Good Tools
The easiest way to avoid these issues is to use a screenshot tool that knows the rules.
uses compliant device frames, correct resolutions, and safe design patterns to minimize the risk of rejection.Shotsy
Don't let a bad screenshot delay your launch.
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