# 28. App Review Guidelines Compliance

meta:
  id: ios-production-28
  feature: ios-production
  priority: P1
  depends_on: []
  tags: [compliance, app-store, production]

objective:
- Ensure the iOS app fully complies with Apple App Review Guidelines to pass review on first submission

deliverables:
- App Review Guidelines compliance checklist
- All guideline requirements met
- Reviewer demo account and notes
- Rejection risk mitigation

steps:
1. Review App Store Review Guidelines:
   - Safety: no objectionable content, no physical harm
   - Performance: complete app, no crashes, accurate metadata
   - Business: no scams, proper IAP if digital goods
   - Design: minimum functionality, proper use of system features
   - Legal: privacy policy, data collection disclosure
2. Check specific requirements:
   - App is complete and functional (no placeholders, no "coming soon")
   - All buttons and features work
   - No broken links
   - No test data visible to users
   - No beta/test labels
3. Verify business model:
   - If subscriptions: use StoreKit or web billing (document choice)
   - If digital goods: must use in-app purchase
   - No external purchase links (unless reader apps exception)
   - No misleading pricing
4. Check content guidelines:
   - No spam, no excessive ads
   - No misleading claims about security
   - Accurate description of AI features
   - No harassment or hate speech content
5. Verify technical requirements:
   - App launches within reasonable time
   - No excessive battery drain
   - Proper use of background modes
   - No private API usage
   - No beta SDKs or frameworks
6. Prepare for review:
   - Create demo account with realistic data
   - Write detailed review notes
   - Include video of app usage (optional but helpful)
   - Document any complex features for reviewer
7. Handle common rejection reasons:
   - Guideline 2.1 (App Completeness) → all features working
   - Guideline 4.2 (Minimum Functionality) → not just a wrapper
   - Guideline 5.1.1 (Data Collection) → proper disclosures
   - Guideline 5.6 (Developer Code of Conduct) → no manipulation

tests:
- Review: Internal review using Apple guidelines checklist
- Functionality: All features tested end-to-end
- Content: Review all user-facing text for accuracy

acceptance_criteria:
- All App Store Review Guidelines requirements met
- App is complete with no placeholder content
- All features functional and tested
- Demo account created with realistic data
- Review notes prepared explaining app functionality
- Privacy policy and terms of service linked
- No test data, labels, or beta markings visible
- Business model compliant with IAP guidelines
- No private APIs or undocumented features
- App passes internal review checklist with 0 issues

validation:
- Internal review checklist → all items checked
- Test every button and flow → all work correctly
- Review all text → accurate, no typos, no placeholders
- Check for test data → none visible
- Verify no private APIs → scan with otool or similar

notes:
- Apple reviewers test on physical devices with various iOS versions
- First submission often takes 1-2 days for review
- Have a plan for addressing rejections quickly
- Consider using App Review acceleration for critical launches
- Document any complex authentication flows for reviewers