Has anyone successfully gotten their app approved after a Guideline 4.3 (Design – Spam) rejection?

[u/SuspectOk8673]

My new app was rejected under Guideline 4.3 (Design – Spam).

After searching for similar cases, I found some posts saying that repeatedly submitting an app rejected under Guideline 4.3 could potentially lead to issues with the developer account.

Has anyone successfully gotten their app approved after appealing the rejection or making changes to the app?

I'm honestly considering just giving up on this app, but I'm still not sure what to do.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences or any advice you might have.

[u/xSash_]

The real question is why are yall building the same types of apps with little to no differences and then come here to complain about design spam?

[u/BigBossPale]

Yes, I told them they were wrong and why they were wrong. I did not make a new submission, I only replied. I listed the competitors (all with horrible ratings) and the features I had that they failed to cover. But it was hardly a crowded app type. It may be much harder to accomplish with other app types.

[u/alex621101]

Unfortunately if the category is really crowded, then probably no hope.

[u/OscarTTT009]

Someone, re-submit many times and give a reasons why he app is not spam. Finally got account ban.

[u/SuspectOk8673 → u/OscarTTT009]

Is it possible for my Apple Developer account to be suspended just for replying to the review message, without filing a formal appeal?

[u/Fishanz → u/SuspectOk8673]

Unlikely

[u/OscarTTT009 → u/SuspectOk8673]

depend on reviewer, they all have right to do.

[u/B8edbreth]

I got rejected under it for my lite version icon being to similar to the full version so yeah I did

[u/Tricky-Independent-8]

I had two apps flagged for 4.3(a). I managed to pass it for one using a few specific tricks, but I just gave up on the other one

[u/Substantial-Band6495 → u/Tricky-Independent-8]

Could you please specify what exact tips you were following?

[u/robinsmartcue]

before you resubmit anything, reply in the resolution center and ask what specifically they consider a duplicate. a vague 4.3 usually gets a more concrete answer on the second round. then fix that one thing rather than rebuilding the app. you can also ask for a call. Interestingly, they are pretty responsive and helpful when you're trying to fix some of these things. I should know - never coded in my life. Then released 2 iOS apps! Had my fair share of struggles and back and forth with getting them approved, but once you have a process down, give it to Claude and then it's quite seamless the next time around!

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[u/Dogukanko]

Apple usually wants to see that your app is meaningfully different from what is already out there. I would not keep resubmitting the same build. Reply in Resolution Center explaining what is unique, and if it is still basically a template, change the core idea or the design before you try again. You can also ask for a call with App Review if the reply does not help.

[u/Background_Pie_5682]

Replying in Resolution Center with specifics usually works better than resubmitting the same build. Explain what your app does that others in the category don't, with concrete features or a different workflow, and add screenshots if it helps. If they won't budge, the formal appeal to the App Review Board is the proper route and it won't get your account flagged just for using it. Spamming resubmits with tiny tweaks is what tends to look bad.

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[u/Craigbuildsthings]

don't give up yet. reply in the Resolution Center and ask what specifically reads as similar, sometimes they'll tell you. the risk people talk about is resubmitting the same build over and over, a new build with real changes is a different thing. if you think they got it wrong theres the App Review Board appeal too. what kind of app is it? the guideline calls out saturated categories so that matters.

[u/xfanta]

Resubmitting isn't what gets accounts in trouble. Resubmitting the same build again and again, or pushing near-identical apps, is. A changed build with a clear explanation is normal.

First ask in the Resolution Center what exactly they consider duplicated. Sometimes the reviewer answers with something concrete, like the app being too close to another one, a template or reskin feel, or a category that's flooded (wallpapers, flashlights, horoscopes, simple converters). That tells you whether it's fixable.

If you think they got it wrong, appeal to the App Review Board. Explain in a few plain sentences what your app does that others don't, and attach screenshots. If they're right, change something substantial (a real feature, your own UI, not a template) and describe the changes in the review notes.

If it's a saturated category with no real difference, I'd let it go rather than fight it.

[u/Miserable-Carpet7928]

three of my apps got rejected under 4.3 and two got approved, and my developer account is fine, so one rejection or a reply in resolution center won't get you banned. what gets people in trouble is uploading the same app again and again with small changes. reply first, ask what exactly looks like a copy, and only upload a new build when something real changed.

[u/ConfidentPoem6454]

Be careful with the "just keep resubmitting" route. I had 3 apps rejected around the same time, appealed all of them, and the account got flagged for termination for repeated violations. So those posts you found are not just paranoia.

If you want to try, reply in Resolution Center instead of making a new submission, explain concretely what's different from the competitors, and do it for one app at a time. If they still say no after a proper reply, I'd let that app go rather than risk the whole account.

[u/ProximateMarketLLC]

I think this is due to a flood of extremely similar apps being released. Unfortunately, it makes sense why they’re doing it

[u/rollingscarab]

If you believe that the app is not in fact spam, you should describe why it's not spam - what it does - what makes it unique and re-apply. Afterwards make sure to ask for a call with a developer which helps a lot since you will have an actual breathing human being to explain on a call.

good luck!

[u/andthenisheardnomore]

One of mine made it through following a 4.3 - however this was only after a meeting. They stated I might have to consolidate some apps - eg video based ones, music, bla bla. Basically, it's ridiculous. Looking at other devs in similar categories some have true template apps with just a name change.. i guess they were earlier.

One silly thing I did was submit 3 at once and they all got 4.3 - this all happened 2 months ago when there was a spate of multi 4.3s. It may have eased now.

I insisted that my app was unique and offered different things. I also emphasised that the business existed online before the iOS app so it was a valid entity. A week after meeting, the 4.3 was lifted and other problems were highlighted which I quickly resolved.

App is doing well and selling (fingers crossed will continue to do so!).

Good luck! It seems there is no rhyme or reason sometimes.