Test on real device, not just simulator. Cold start and warm start.

Tap every button. Yes, every single one. Especially "Terms" and "Privacy Policy" links.

Create a fresh account. Reset password. Sign in with Apple if you support it.

Whatever your app's main purpose is—it must work. No "coming soon" for the main feature.

Test in sandbox environment. Restore purchases must work too.

Does the app handle no network gracefully? No crashes, clear error message.

Start an action, then kill WiFi mid-way. Does it recover or crash?

New user with no data—does the app look broken or does it guide them?

Reviewers tap fast. Double-tap that submit button. Does it fire twice?

Background the app, wait 30 seconds, return. Does state persist correctly?

Open 10 other apps, then yours. Does it handle memory pressure?

If you support landscape, test it. If portrait-only, make sure landscape doesn't break it.

The name in App Store Connect should match your app's display name.

30 characters. Describe the app, don't just list keywords.

Don't promise features that don't exist. No "coming soon" for unbuilt features.

Don't mention "like Uber" or "better than Instagram" anywhere.

Prices change. Don't write "$4.99/month" in description—it'll become outdated.

A meditation app shouldn't be in "Games." Pick the most accurate category.

Must be real screenshots. Mockups with fake UI = rejection.

6.7" screenshots need 6.7" device frames, not iPhone 8 frames.

6.7" and 5.5" are required. iPad sizes if universal app.

"Lorem ipsum" or "Test User" visible in screenshots = rejection.

If you have a preview, it must show the actual app. No CGI enhancements.

Even in comparison screenshots, don't show identifiable competitor UI.

Username and password that work. Test them right before submitting.

Don't give reviewers an empty account. Pre-populate with realistic data.

If your app needs Bluetooth devices, explain how to test without them.

Click the link. Does it load? Is it HTTPS? This is the #1 legal rejection reason.

Generic policies get flagged. It should specifically reference your app's data practices.

Not just App Store Connect—there should be a link in your app's settings.

The "nutrition label" in App Store Connect must match what your app actually collects.

Required if you use certain APIs. Check Apple's list of required reason APIs.

"We need camera access" isn't enough. Explain exactly why.

Don't ask for camera permission on app launch—ask when user taps the camera button.

App Tracking Transparency required if you track users for advertising.

Required for apps with subscriptions or user-generated content.

If users can create accounts, they must be able to delete them from within the app.

Can't submit same version number twice. Check CFBundleShortVersionString.

CFBundleVersion must be higher than any previous upload for this version.

Don't set minimum to iOS 12 if you use iOS 16 APIs without availability checks.

Check Xcode's asset catalog—no warnings about missing sizes.

No stretched images or layout issues. Test on multiple device sizes.

Apple's automated checks catch this. No undocumented methods.

Apple's review network is IPv6-only. Test with Network Link Conditioner.