App review guidelines in iOS Swift - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the main purpose of the App Store Review Guidelines?

They ensure apps are safe, reliable, and provide a good user experience before being published on the App Store.

beginner

Name one key rule about app content in the App Store Review Guidelines.

Apps must not contain offensive, harmful, or illegal content.

beginner

Why must apps respect user privacy according to the guidelines?

To protect users' personal data and build trust by being transparent about data use.

beginner

What happens if an app crashes frequently during review?

The app will be rejected until the developer fixes the crashes and resubmits.

intermediate

How should apps handle in-app purchases according to the guidelines?

They must use Apple's in-app purchase system for digital goods and services.

Which of these is NOT a reason for app rejection in the App Store review?

A App crashes frequently

B App violates user privacy

C App contains offensive content

D App uses Apple's in-app purchase system

Using Apple's in-app purchase system is required, so it is not a reason for rejection.

What should an app do if it collects user data?

A Ask for user permission and explain data use

B Collect data without informing users

C Share data freely with third parties

D Ignore privacy rules

Apps must ask for permission and explain how user data is used to comply with privacy rules.

Which content is allowed in apps according to the guidelines?

A Hate speech

B Illegal activities

C Safe and appropriate content

D Malware

Apps must only have safe and appropriate content to be approved.

If an app crashes during review, what is the likely outcome?

A App is approved immediately

B App is rejected until fixed

C App is published with warnings

D App review is skipped

Apps that crash are rejected until the developer fixes the issues.

What is required for apps selling digital content or subscriptions?

A Use Apple’s in-app purchase system

B Use external payment methods

C Offer free trials only

D No payment system needed

Apple requires apps to use their in-app purchase system for digital goods and subscriptions.

Explain the key reasons why an app might be rejected during the App Store review.

Think about safety, content, privacy, and payment rules.

Describe how an app should handle user data to comply with App Store guidelines.

Focus on transparency and respect for user privacy.

Practice

1. Which of the following is a key reason for following App Store review guidelines?

easy

A. To ensure apps are safe and user-friendly

B. To make apps run faster on all devices

C. To increase app download size

D. To allow apps to bypass security checks

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of review guidelines

   App Store guidelines exist to keep apps safe and user-friendly for everyone.

2. Step 2: Evaluate each option

   Only To ensure apps are safe and user-friendly matches the purpose; others are unrelated or incorrect.

3. Final Answer:

   To ensure apps are safe and user-friendly -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   App safety and usability = D [OK]

Hint: Think about why Apple reviews apps before approval [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing performance with safety
• Assuming guidelines increase app size
• Believing guidelines allow security bypass

2. Which Swift code snippet correctly requests user permission for location access following App Store guidelines?

easy

A. CLLocationManager().startUpdatingLocation()

B. CLLocationManager().stopUpdatingLocation()

C. CLLocationManager().requestAlwaysAuthorization() without Info.plist key

D. CLLocationManager().requestWhenInUseAuthorization()

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify correct permission request method

   requestWhenInUseAuthorization() properly asks user permission as per guidelines.

2. Step 2: Check for Info.plist compliance

   CLLocationManager().requestAlwaysAuthorization() without Info.plist key misses required Info.plist key, violating guidelines.

3. Final Answer:

   CLLocationManager().requestWhenInUseAuthorization() -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Proper permission request = B [OK]

Hint: Permission requests must match Info.plist keys [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Starting location updates before permission
• Requesting authorization without plist keys
• Stopping updates instead of requesting permission

3. What will happen if your app uses private APIs not allowed by App Store guidelines?

medium

A. App will be rejected during review

B. App will run faster on devices

C. App will automatically update permissions

D. App will be featured on the App Store

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand private API usage rules

   Using private APIs is against guidelines and causes rejection.

2. Step 2: Evaluate consequences of private API use

   Only rejection fits; other options are unrelated or false.

3. Final Answer:

   App will be rejected during review -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Private API use = A [OK]

Hint: Private APIs cause rejection, not benefits [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking private APIs improve app speed
• Assuming automatic permission updates
• Believing private APIs lead to featuring

4. You submitted an app that crashes on launch during review. What is the most likely cause based on App Store guidelines?

medium

A. Not requesting user permission for notifications

B. Using too many images in the app bundle

C. Missing required launch storyboard or incorrect Info.plist setup

D. Having a large app icon size

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify common crash causes on launch

   Missing launch storyboard or wrong Info.plist keys cause immediate crashes.

2. Step 2: Check other options for crash relevance

   Options B, C, D do not cause launch crashes.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing required launch storyboard or incorrect Info.plist setup -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Launch crash cause = A [OK]

Hint: Check launch storyboard and Info.plist first for crashes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Blaming image count for crashes
• Ignoring launch storyboard setup
• Confusing permission requests with crashes

5. Your app collects user data. According to App Store guidelines, what must you do before submitting?

hard

A. Only mention data collection in app description

B. Provide a clear privacy policy and request user consent

C. Collect data silently without informing users

D. Encrypt data but skip user consent

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand data collection rules

   Guidelines require clear privacy policy and user consent before data collection.

2. Step 2: Evaluate options for compliance

   Only Provide a clear privacy policy and request user consent meets these requirements; others violate guidelines.

3. Final Answer:

   Provide a clear privacy policy and request user consent -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Privacy policy + consent = C [OK]

Hint: Always include privacy policy and ask consent [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Collecting data without user knowledge
• Hiding data use only in description
• Skipping consent even if data is encrypted