Kordant/tasks/ios-production/28-review-compliance.md

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