At the end of last year, we were forced to stop submitting apps to the App Store. With the introduction of Guideline 4.2.6, Apple rigorously opposed online platforms that could be used to create apps. On 16 October 2017, we reported in detail on this in our club blog. After lengthy protests, the concern has decided to relax its policy somewhat. As a matter of principle, it is again possible to submit generated apps to Apple – in compliance with the following guidelines:
- Apps must have sufficient interactivity and functionality
- Apps must have added value
- App owners need their own developer account
- Repeated submissions may also require a separate developer account
We would like to present these four points in more detail:
Point 1
The app should be provided with enough content to make clear what the app can be used for. In addition to sufficient functionality, e. g. the possibility of table reservation or appointment booking, it is also important that users are encouraged to interact directly with the app. This includes, for example, the stamp card or the messenger.
Point 2
App users expect the app to provide the desired information quickly and easily. App, receive information or perform an action, for example, book an appointment and exit or close the app. The app should therefore let you see at a glance what you can do with it – without having to search for it for a long time. A lot of text, which offers little added value, such as classically implemented on websites, is uninteresting for app users.
Point 3
Previously, it was possible to create a developer account for your customer as a reseller. Subsequently, the app submission was made via this one. Apple has banned this in the process of adapting its policy. App owners should now have their own developer account and submit new apps. This means that your customer – whether new or existing – must create a developer account himself. The app can then be submitted via this customer account. However, it must be clearly recognizable that the app owner and the developer account holder are identical. We have compiled all necessary steps to create such a developer account in a guide.
Point 4
If changes are made to an already existing app, e. g. a new app icon, app start picture or the activation of the in-app registration via e-mail or Facebook, it is necessary to submit the app again. Only then will the changes made are applied. For the repeated submission of apps to the store, it may also be necessary to create your own developer account. Apple reserves the right to reject them if they do not meet the requirements. However, a final decision has not yet been made in this respect. We are in close contact with Apple. We will inform you as soon as we have new information.
What exactly does this mean for you and your customers?
Previously it was possible for resellers to create a developer account for their customers and submit the corresponding app via this account or the customer could do it himself. Apple prohibits this approach in the process of adapting Guideline 4.2.6. From now on, App owners (your customers) should create their own developer account, so that Apps can be submitted successfully. This policy may also apply to resubmission of existing apps in the store. Because with these apps the clear assignment of app owner and developer account holder was not necessary before. As a result, Apple reserves the right to reject existing apps when updating. This would mean additional work for you, which we would like to spare you. Unfortunately, Apple is not showing a clear line at the moment. We are in close contact with Apple and will of course keep you informed in good time about new developments. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail. For more information on submitting an app to the App Store, please visit our Knowledge Base under App Store.
Is there a new price list or a new contract?
In principle, the prices that you have agreed with us apply. If you do not currently have a provision for native iOS apps in your contract, we will contact you within the next few days and send you an offer for native apps.
Tip
If you use our submission service, we reserve the right to reject apps before submitting them if they are not accepted.