5 App Store Review Guidelines That Still Trip Up Experienced Teams in 2026

A release checklist should reflect the app’s features and target storefronts. Check the current App Review Guidelines before submission; passing a checklist does not guarantee approval.

1. Review login requirements

Guideline 4.8 applies to certain third-party or social login flows for primary accounts and includes exceptions. It does not mean every email-and-password app must add Sign in with Apple. Assess the actual login design.

2. Request only necessary permissions

Explain why the app needs access to location or other sensitive data. Request the level needed for the feature, and make the relevant user journey easy to test.

3. Check purchase rules by storefront

Digital goods generally fall under in-app purchase rules, but exceptions, entitlements and storefront-specific rules matter. Do not assume that every external purchase link is forbidden everywhere.

4. Submit a complete build

Remove placeholder content and broken links. Check metadata, support details and the availability of backend services.

5. Make review reproducible

Provide working review access and clear instructions for restricted features, hardware dependencies and unusual workflows.

Sources and further reading