App Store Review Guidelines 2026: What Apple Actually Checks
Apple's App Store Review Guidelines define what your app must do (and must not do) to pass review. The guidelines are updated several times per year, and reviewers check your app against them during the review process. Here are the 5 most important guideline sections for 2026 and what they mean for your app.
The 5 most important guideline sections
| Section | What it covers | Common rejection |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 Performance | App stability, no crashes, correct functionality | App crashes during review |
| 4.0 Design | Minimum functionality, no web wrappers | App is just a website wrapper |
| 4.8 Sign in with Apple | Required if third-party login exists | Missing Sign in with Apple |
| 5.1 Privacy | Data collection, privacy policy, account deletion | Missing account deletion or privacy labels |
| 5.2 Intellectual Property | No trademarks, no copied content | Using another company's logo |
Guideline 2.5: Performance
Your app must work as described and not crash. Reviewers test the main user journey on multiple devices. If the app crashes, freezes, or has broken functionality, it will be rejected. Make sure your core flow works in a release build, not just in debug.
Guideline 4.0: Design — Minimum functionality
Your app must provide value beyond what a mobile website offers. Apps that are simply web wrappers with no native functionality are rejected. Ensure your app uses native features, provides a proper navigation experience, and offers functionality that justifies a native app.
Guideline 4.8: Sign in with Apple
If your app offers any third-party or social login (Google, Facebook, GitHub), you must also offer Sign in with Apple — with the same visual prominence. This is one of the most common rejection reasons. See our Sign in with Apple guide for the full decision tree and implementation.
Guideline 5.1: Privacy
The privacy guideline covers several requirements:
- Privacy policy: Required for all apps. Must be accessible and cover all data collection. See our Privacy Policy guide.
- Privacy labels: Must accurately reflect what SDKs collect. See our Data Safety Form guide for the Google Play equivalent.
- Account deletion: Required if users can create accounts. See our Account Deletion guide.
- AI disclosures: AI apps must disclose what data is sent to AI providers. See our AI Privacy Policy guide.
Guideline 5.2: Intellectual Property
Don't use trademarks, logos, or content you don't own. This includes app names that are too similar to existing apps, using another company's branding, or copying app descriptions. Search the App Store and trademark databases before submitting.
What reviewers actually check
During review, Apple reviewers:
- Install the app on a real device
- Walk through the main user journey (signup, core feature, purchase)
- Check that Sign in with Apple works (if applicable)
- Verify account deletion works (if applicable)
- Test in-app purchases with a sandbox account
- Check that privacy labels match actual behavior
- Verify the app doesn't crash
How to avoid rejection
- Test the full user journey in a release build before submitting
- Run through our 15-point rejection checklist
- Ensure all privacy requirements are met (policy, labels, deletion)
- Add review notes explaining non-obvious features
- Use real screenshots, not mockups
Before you submit
Run a free Launch Score check to audit your app against the 15 most common rejection reasons.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common App Store rejection reasons?
The most common rejections are: missing Sign in with Apple, no account deletion, API keys in client code, privacy label mismatches, missing Info.plist usage descriptions, broken main user journey, and misleading app metadata.
How often does Apple update the App Store Review Guidelines?
Apple typically updates the guidelines 3-5 times per year. Major updates usually come with iOS releases in September/October and around WWDC in June.
Can I appeal an App Store rejection?
Yes. You can appeal through the App Store Connect Resolution Center. Explain why you believe the rejection was incorrect and provide evidence. Apple re-reviews within 24-48 hours.