Discussion Forums  >  App Store Rejections

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MonumentalAgra
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05/08/12 09:08 PM (13 years ago)

1st Reject: 8.3: Apps which appear confusingly similar to an existing Apple product or advertising theme will be rejected

Hi Guys, First time poster as well as first time app uploader and its the first time I have gotten rejected as well. I know this topic has been addressed, but I feel each case is unique so have created a separate thread. No technical background, but have developed content and look/feel for an application (outsourced development) that has been rejected by Apple with the following message: We found that your app includes a feature, or features, that mimic an iOS interface or behavior, which is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines. Please see a link to the screenshots they provided (also a link to a video demo of the app): Picasa: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=vedantakumar&target=ALBUM&id=5740379699219963265&authkey=Gv1sRgCPbvnKPl1e-ruQE&feat=email youtube: http://youtu.be/Ou6O4IKZUUE Any suggestions?
 
GoNorthWest
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05/08/12 10:02 PM (13 years ago)
Hi, Welcome to buzztouch! Sorry that your first post has to deal with a rejected app! I looked at the pics and watched the video...very nice app! It's hard to immediately figure out what native iOS interface or behavior that they might be talking about. In other cases that people have posted, it's generally been icons that resemble native iOS icons. I don't think that's the case here. I would contest their ruling, and ask them to provide a specific iOS interface or behavior that they feel you are imitating. They should provide a person you can contact for specific information. Then you can go from there. Mark
 
MonumentalAgra
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05/08/12 10:10 PM (13 years ago)
Hi Mark, Thank you very much for the compliment with regards to the app. Completely agree with your approach - I too was struggling to figure out what I was imitating -the only thing I can think off is the audio control button (tap vs pulldown) that I have might resemble the notification center pulldown. I will contest their ruling as you suggest and keep you updated with any developments. Thank you once again, especially for the quick response. Vedanta
 
guisante
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05/08/12 11:27 PM (13 years ago)
I have similar app named "Covadonga" and i received the same rejection. I´ve changed the configuration of icons and home screen and i passed validation.
 
MonumentalAgra
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05/09/12 12:59 AM (13 years ago)
Hi Mark, Thank you very much for the compliment with regards to the app. Completely agree with your approach - I too was struggling to figure out what I was imitating -the only thing I can think off is the audio control button (tap vs pulldown) that I have might resemble the notification center pulldown. I will contest their ruling as you suggest and keep you updated with any developments. Thank you once again, especially for the quick response. Vedanta
 
MonumentalAgra
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05/11/12 10:53 PM (13 years ago)
Hi Guys, I wrote to the app review board contesting their ruling and asking them to specify which iOS features the app was imitating. The response I got was: "Thank you for your response. It would be appropriate to make the following changes to your binary and metadata. Once the following changes have been made, please resubmit your application for review." Is this the extent to which they reply or do they actually specify the exact changes? Thanks, Vedanta
 
GoNorthWest
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05/11/12 11:01 PM (13 years ago)
Is that literally the only feedback they gave you? Nothing followed the "following changes" statement? No way you can make changes if they don't tell you what they are! Mark
 
MonumentalAgra
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05/11/12 11:08 PM (13 years ago)
Hi Guys, I wrote to the app review board contesting their ruling and asking them to specify which iOS features the app was imitating. The response I got was: "Thank you for your response. It would be appropriate to make the following changes to your binary and metadata. Once the following changes have been made, please resubmit your application for review." Is this the extent to which they reply or do they actually specify the exact changes? Thanks, Vedanta
 
MonumentalAgra
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05/11/12 11:09 PM (13 years ago)
Completely Agree - which is why I am a bit surprised. Shall write to them again asking them to specify. Quite surprised by their responses.
 
aquila198
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05/15/12 05:25 AM (13 years ago)
I can't believe they would give such vague feedback! >> "Thank you for your response.It would be appropriate to make the following changes to your binary and metadata. Once the following changes have been made, please resubmit your application for review." >> Good luck with that - the app does look very cool- an interactive look into those awesome monuments/places!
 
MonumentalAgra
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05/15/12 05:52 AM (13 years ago)
Thanks for the compliments on the application Aquila198. Hoping to replicate for various cities in India if only they give me the go ahead :) The team I have outsourced the development to suggests changing blue button that brings down the audio controls as well as the sliding motion of the audio controls as this is what they feel is leading to confusion. If i do not hear back by tomorrow, Wednesday, (I replied asking for further details on Saturday), do you guys think it makes sense to attempt changing this functionality - I was thinking of placing the audio control button now at the bottom near the Info button that brings the audio controls up from the bottom instead - and then resubmit? Thanks, Vedanta
 
MonumentalAgra
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05/15/12 07:54 AM (13 years ago)
Finally got a repsonse and some clarity. Here is what they finally said: "It would be appropriate to remove the Notification Center tab used within your application and metadata." I guess it is the blue button they are referring. Will adjust accordingly.
 

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