iOS App approval Process

[dukeofism]

Can anyone here tell me about the approval process for iPhone apps going through apple? I have heard they sometimes reject applications. For what various reasons does apple reject iphone applications?

 

[fernandovalente]

There are many rules to develop apps for the iPhone. If you don't obey the rules, your app will be rejected. Sometimes Apple reject apps because they don't work. Apps that run as background applications are not allowed. Safari plugins, apps that contains pornography, apps that copy the iPhone/iPod touch functions, apps that execute code from a server for example(not sure about this one) aren't allowed too. You can find the contract with the rules on the iPhone Dev Program Portal. Hope it helps.

 

[firewood]

The exact process is a secret (so that their system can't be too easily "gamed" by a rogue developer). But it weeds out apps that don't follow their guidelines, because Apple doesn't want those type of apps in its store, for whatever reason.

They probably reject over 10% of 1st time submissions (only a guess), so don't depend on your app getting accepted.

Read the developer agreement and the HIG for the basic guidelines.

Also, a simple google search turns up several lists:

http://iphoneincubator.com/blog/app-store/rejections

http://10base-t.com/unofficial-appstore-rejection-criteria/

http://www.mobileorchard.com/avoiding-iphone-app-rejection-from-apple/