Legal, Privacy & Compliance
Compliance is not just about avoiding rejection; it's about avoiding removal and limiting legal exposure. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the strict rules surrounding user data, payments, and intellectual property on the App Store.
The "Golden Rule" of Compliance
If you are unsure whether a feature is allowed (especially regarding user data or payments), assume it is restricted until you verify otherwise in the guidelines. Apple prioritizes user privacy and safety above developer convenience.
1 Data Privacy & The "Nutrition Label"
You must disclose exactly what data you collect in App Store Connect. Apple divides this into "Data Used to Track You" and "Data Linked to You".
Hidden Analytics
Even if you don't collect names, if you use Google Analytics, Firebase, or Mixpanel, you are collecting "Device ID" and "Usage Data". You MUST declare this in your privacy label.
Advertising (ATT)
If you use AdMob or Facebook Ads, you are likely "Tracking" users across apps. You must declare this and implement the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompt code.
GDPR & COPPA Compliance
If you operate in Europe (GDPR) or target children (COPPA), you must have strict consent flows. A Privacy Policy URL is mandatory for all apps, regardless of what data they collect.
2 Account Deletion Requirement
Since June 2022, Guideline 5.1.1(v) creates a hard requirement: If your app allows account creation, it must allow account deletion within the app.
Strict Requirements (Do Not Fail This)
-
True Deletion:
It cannot just be a "Disable Account" or "Sign Out" button. It must initiate the permanent deletion of user data from your servers.
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Accessibility:
It generally cannot link to a customer support email or web form. It should be self-serve within the app.
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Visibility:
The option must be easy to find. Typically: Settings > Account > Delete Account.
3 In-App Purchase vs. External Payments
Understanding what you can and cannot sell via Apple's system is critical. Misclassifying your goods is a top reason for rejection.
| Item Type | Required Method | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Goods | Must use IAP | Game currency, Premium features, E-books, Subscriptions, Cloud Storage. |
| Physical Goods | External (Stripe/Card) | Uber rides, Food delivery, Physical clothing, Real-world services. |
| "Reader" Apps | Linkout (Special Permit) | Netflix, Spotify, Kindle (Consumption only, no account creation in-app). |
| Multi-Platform | Mixed | Users can buy on your website and login on iOS, but you cannot link to the website store from the app. |
4 Intellectual Property (IP)
Trademarks & Copyright
Do not use protected third-party material without written permission. Common violations include:
- Brand logos (e.g., using the Apple logo inside your app).
- Character names or images from movies/games.
- Music you do not own the rights to.
Clone Apps & Spam
Submitting an app that is a copy of a popular game or app with slight UI changes will result in immediate rejection under Guideline 4.1.
If you have multiple apps that are similar (e.g., "Guide for Game A", "Guide for Game B"), combine them into a single container app.
5 Regulated Industries
Health & Medical
Apps that provide medical data must have a clear disclaimer: "Not for medical use. Seek a doctor's advice." Apps that calculate drug dosages or control medical hardware must be submitted by the manufacturer, not a third-party dev.
Finance & Crypto
The Institution Rule: Apps that handle trading, banking, or crypto wallets generally must be published by the financial institution itself. Individual developer accounts are often rejected for these categories.
Kids Category
Apps targeting children have stricter data limits. You cannot use third-party analytics or ads that track behavior. Any external link (like "Rate this App") must be behind a Parental Gate (e.g., "Press 3 fingers to continue").
6 User Generated Content (UGC)
The "Zero Tolerance" Policy
If users can create posts, profiles, or comments, you are responsible for policing that content. To pass review, your app must have:
Conclusion
Legal compliance on the App Store is binary: you are either compliant, or you are rejected. While the rules for account deletion, privacy labels, and payments may feel burdensome, they are designed to build user trust.
By proactively addressing these requirements during your development phase—rather than scrambling to fix them after a rejection—you ensure a smoother launch and a sustainable presence on the App Store.