I got three Apple Rejections in two weeks (with a 4.3 Spam guideline!)

Summary

In this video, Eric from Overpass Insights shares his recent experience of facing three App Store rejections within two weeks. He discusses the challenges, including a 4.3 spam guideline issue for his language learning app, and offers advice on how to handle such rejections. Eric emphasizes the importance of appealing and providing additional information to the reviewers, as well as the strategy of resubmitting a new build with minor changes to overcome rejections. He also touches on the impact of personal circumstances, like contracting COVID, on dealing with these professional setbacks.

Takeaways

• 🌞 Eric starts by sharing the unusually hot weather in England, noting it's expected to be the hottest day in the country's history.
• 📱 He discusses three recent App Store rejections, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to get apps approved.
• 🔧 Two of the rejections were for client projects, one due to a new rule about account deletion and the other for using the word 'free' in the app description.
• 🚫 The third rejection was for Eric's own project, which was flagged under the 4.3 spam guideline by Apple, a recurring issue for him.
• 💡 Eric suggests that when facing App Store rejections, it's often necessary to appeal and provide additional information to clarify why the app should be approved.
• 🤒 He mentions that his recent COVID-19 diagnosis and low energy levels initially affected his motivation to deal with the rejections.
• 🔄 After recovering, Eric continued to appeal the rejection, emphasizing the unique aspects of his app in the developer notes.
• 🔄 He also advises that for Google Play rejections, it's often more effective to submit a new build with minor changes and explanations.
• 💼 Eric shares that he has had to resubmit apps multiple times to overcome rejections, sometimes up to four or five times.
• 👍 He ends by encouraging developers to appeal rejections and not to be discouraged, as persistence can lead to approval.

Q & A

What was the weather like in England when Eric recorded the video?

It was a beautiful sunny morning, expected to be the hottest day in English history with temperatures rising up to about 41 degrees Celsius.

How many App Store rejections did Eric receive in the last two weeks?

Eric received three App Store rejections in the last two weeks.

What was the reason for the first client project rejection?

The first client project was rejected because it did not provide a way for users to delete their accounts, which is a new App Store rule.

Why was the second client project rejected by the App Store?

The second client project was rejected due to the use of the word 'free' in the app description, which is against App Store guidelines.

What was the issue with Eric's own project that led to a 4.3 spam guideline rejection?

Eric's own project was rejected under the 4.3 spam guideline because it was similar to other applications he had submitted, which Apple considered spammy.

What was Eric's strategy to overcome the 4.3 spam guideline rejection?

Eric's strategy was to appeal the decision and provide detailed information in the developer notes explaining the differences between his app and others that were previously rejected.

How did Eric feel when he received the App Store rejections and later tested positive for COVID?

Eric felt low and unmotivated, questioning the point of continuing with his work after the rejections and later testing positive for COVID.

What advice does Eric give to developers whose apps have been rejected by the App Store?

Eric advises developers to appeal the rejection, provide more information, and if necessary, release a new build with minor changes and explain why it's different in the developer notes.

Why did Eric suggest that sometimes it's better to release a new build instead of just appealing?

Eric suggested releasing a new build because it allows the app to be re-evaluated by the reviewer who might not have all the information during the initial review.

What was the outcome of Eric's appeal for his own project after his energy levels returned?

After appealing and providing more information, Eric's own project was eventually approved by the App Store.