So, you’ve had an idea for an app, you designed, developed, and tested it – but wait, how do you get your great new app in the app stores and reach millions of users all over the world? Based on the experience of many of our members, ACT | The App Association compiled a guide to help you think through the launch process and avoid the most common speedbumps that may delay your app’s approval or continued availability in the app stores.

You can read all about how to resolve potential issues in our new “App Maker’s Guide to Ensuring A Successful App Launch”. Here’s a quick overview:

To ensure a successful app launch, here are some things to do before you submit it for review:

  1. Consult the review guidelines from the start. Considering the developer guidelines from each platform can help you figure out basic questions about the feasibility of your app and avoid the most obvious pitfalls. You can find examples such as Google’s here and Apple’s here.
  2. Talk to other developers. Checking in with other app makers you know or developers who have documented their (similar) experiences online (for example on the Apple Developer Forum or the Android Developer Forum) can be useful in any situation. You can also always reach out to your membership team at the App Association.
  3. Include the review process in your timeline and have a contingency plan. Don’t assume a quick review process. It may take some time, and it’s important to build that into your overall timeline. Having a contingency plan in case your app isn’t approved is important to keep your business going. 
  4. Be transparent about all features of your app. If your app includes features you’re not sure will pass the review, do not withhold this information. Hiding HHiding certain things during the review process signals that you may be dishonest with users as well, which hurts the user experience and trustworthiness the platforms are trying to preserve.

If you’ve followed the tips above, and your submission gets rejected, you can take the following steps to find a practical solution:

  1. Understand and analyse the reason for rejection. Consult the most common reasons why apps are rejected. If the issue is easily identified based on the section in the terms and conditions (T&C) the rejection email points you to, you’ll need to fix it to get your app approved.
  2. Do additional research and read up on other people’s experiences. If you don’t immediately understand why your app was rejected based on the section of the T&C you are pointed to, it can be helpful to talk to other developers. Others may have already faced and resolved similar issues and have documented their process in developer forums and communities. There are many great resources for practical guidance for both Android and iOS
  3. If you determine that your app was rejected in error, contact the developer relations team. When communicating with the developer relations teams, it’s important to consider the issue from their point of view to ensure an effective and productive conversation. The platforms’ rules are designed to protect users’ experience and trust from bad actors. If your app could be used by someone with malicious intentions to take advantage of people, it may be worth considering if there’s a way to accomplish that same goal differently. If you feel confident about your app’s functionality, you can ultimately dispute or appeal the platform’s decision to reject your app, or on Apple’s App Store you can challenge the guideline itself.
  4. If you cannot find a solution with the developer relations team, it may be time to consider mediation. The European Union’s Platform-to-Business (P2B) regulation requires platforms to identify at least two mediators in their T&C. Mediators are impartial and independent entities that assist the negotiations between the platform and business users.

In short, careful planning can help you avoid most problems in advance. Preventing issues and remaining pragmatic throughout the process will ensure that you can take care of your business interests. App makers and platforms have strong incentives to find solutions, and in most cases, they do. For more details on these steps, check out our new “App Maker’s Guide to Ensuring A Successful App Launch”.