Why Apps Get Rejected
You may think that getting your brand new mobile app accepted on the major app stores ( Apple and Google ) will be as easy as submitting it to them. However, things are rarely as simple as it seems. There are so many things to consider when trying to get your app published.
This article will examine why apps get rejected from the Apple Store and Google Play.
Make sure you understand what Apple and Google want
App stores have strict guidelines and standards for app developers to adhere to, and apps that fail to meet these requirements are often rejected.
To avoid getting your mobile app rejected, it’s vital that you understand the latest criteria Apple and Google use to evaluate apps. If your app is declined, it can be a huge setback — potentially taking weeks or months to gain approval after you have fixed all the issues. And if you have a bug-fix update waiting in the wings, Apple or Google may refuse to accept it until you fix all your other bugs!
Why apps get rejected – six common mistakes to avoid
Once you have submitted your mobile app to Apple or Google Play, it’s in their hands, and no matter how many times you have submitted it, it can still be a nerve-racking experience.
You may be less familiar with what app reviewers seek if you’re an engineer or user experience designer rather than a marketer or publicist. There aren’t many resources that tell you specifically what app store reviewers expect, so we’ve listed some of the most common mistakes we see in applications.
Here’s how the app store review process works
You start by submitting your app to the app store, which triggers multiple-step evaluation process (this does vary depending on the platform and the type of app being submitted.) The first step is an automated review whereby the app store’s system checks compliance and technical requirements such as app size, content and stability. If the app passes this initial review, it’ll go on to the second stage, where a real person will check for compliance against the store’s guidelines and policies. This stage is where the app is evaluated for content, app-like functionality, UI design and user experience. Once complete, the app will either pass and be made available on the store, or the developer will receive feedback to allow them to fix any issues discovered during the review process.
Let’s take a closer look at some common reasons why apps get rejected.
Missing a Privacy Policy – A privacy policy is essential for protecting users privacy, and apps must have one. Without a privacy policy, users cannot trust that their personal information is safe.
No Support URL – This is mportant for users who may encounter problems with your app and need help. App stores require a support URL so users can easily contact the publisher for help. The app may be deemed unreliable and rejected from the app store without a support URL.
Poor Design – App stores require apps to be beautifully designed and have a user experience for mobile devices.
Small fonts and illegible text – The font size and style used in an app’s design should be legible and comply with accessibility standards for visually impaired users.
Poor Navigation – clear and easy to use navigation is a key element of the user experience.
Missing Clear Calls to Actions – Calls to actions are considered essential in guiding users in carrying out specific actions within the app such as making a purchase or sharing a piece of content and updating a profile.
How to avoid your mobile app getting rejected.
Apple has very high standards — your mobile app has to be easy to use, elegant, fun, innovative, etc. The only way to know if your app is good enough is to have it reviewed by Apple. This can be stressful because Apple’s reviewers are strict. They are looking for reasons not to accept a mobile app and will likely find flaws you would have overlooked. But don’t despair! Here are some tricks to help you get through the review process unscathed:
Have a great icon – The icon is the first thing people will notice when they find your app in the store.
Include high-quality, informative screenshots – App screenshots should showcase core functionality and make people want to download your app . They should be beautifully and professionally designed
Write an engaging description – The description needs to be short but engaging; just like headlines in a newspaper or magazine.
We understand the challenges and obstacles of app development and can help you navigate them. Our team of expert mobile app developers has years of experience creating high-quality, user-friendly mobile apps that meet the stringent standards of app stores.
At Ronins we have been designing and developing mobile apps for brands large and small since 2012. We turn client app design concepts into business-changing realities for established brands and ambitious startups.
Contact us today, and let us help you turn your app idea into a reality!
