Apple’s App Store is a tough cookie to crack. And with so many mobile apps already available out there, it’s more challenging than ever to get your app published. One of their famed explanations is that with more than 1.2 million apps in the App Store, “We don’t need any more Fart apps.”

Apple’s highly selective review process aims to ensure that all apps that appear on their store are top-notch in terms of content, usability, and design. So it’s no surprise that so many apps get rejected on a daily basis, setting developers back a few steps as they try to improve their app and resubmit it in hopes of getting it approved.

Based on my experience with submitting thousands of apps every year as  Swiftic’s app submission specialist, I’ve outlined the most common rejection reasons, what they really mean, and how you can avoid getting dumped. So before Apple gives your app the boot, here are some guidelines to keep in mind in order to increase your chances of getting accepted to the prestigious App Store:

Rejection Reason #1: Your content is boring

In Apple’s Words:
“We found that the experience your app provides is not sufficiently different from a web browsing experience, as it would be by incorporating native iOS functionality…”

Translation:
Your app should not put your customers to sleep—unless that’s its goal, of course. If your app lacks a sufficient amount of content and native features, and doesn’t give users any added value over your regular website, then you’re not giving your customers any reason to open your app—or come back to it, for that matter.

The Fix:
Make your app engaging by filling it with relevant features and useful content designed to entice customers to keep using your app.  Swiftic offers a host of great tools that will enhance your app’s content and native iOS functionality, including our Loyalty Cards, Coupons, Scratch Card, and Store features.

Rejection Reason #2: Your design/layout needs a facelift

In Apple’s Words:
“Apple and our customers place a high value on simple, refined, creative, well thought-through interfaces.”

Translation:
Apple is a stickler for good looks. If your app looks like it needs a serious makeover, don’t expect Apple to give you the time of day. Apple also expects your app’s layout to be logical, convenient, and polished. Since there isn’t a user manual for your app, your customers should be able to intuitively know how to use it.

The Fix:
With  Swiftic, you’ve already got a head start because our designers have already done the heavy lifting for you. We offer a variety of themes already designed for you, so you can choose the look that best suits your business. You can still customize your app’s design, but remember to keep it looking clean and simple.

Rejection Reason #3: You forgot to give credit where it’s due

In Apple’s Words:
“Use of protected 3rd party material (trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, otherwise proprietary content) requires a documented rights check which must be provided upon request.”

Translation:
Pretty self-explanatory, right? It all comes down to what our high school English teachers always preached about: Don’t take credit for other people’s work! Any creator of an original work has exclusive rights to it—so if you’re using somebody else’s materials, be sure to ask for permission and give them credit for it.

The Fix:
There’s a pretty simple solution to a rather technical issue: Add the official copyright contract to your app in iTunes if you are entitled to use the material. If the app is not an official one, make it clear by adding the words “Fan” or “Unofficial” to the app’s name and mention it in the description.

Rejection Reason #4: No fair warning for inappropriate content

In Apple’s Words:
“Developers are responsible for assigning appropriate ratings to their apps.”

Translation:
Your app contains mature or sensitive content, but you’ve failed to give fair warning by reflecting this within the app’s rating details.

The Fix:
Be honest and think about how your app may be perceived by others. (Picture your 7-year-old niece using your app!) If the app has any form of violence, sexual content, or references of an adult nature, clearly label it as such. Many dismiss this section of the application as unimportant and are rightly pulled up on it.

Rejection Reason #5: Mentioning Apple competitors

In Apple’s Words:
“Apps or metadata that mention the name of any other mobile platform will be rejected.”

Translation:
Did you say “Samsung”? Beware. Apple is a bit possessive over their brand. Any reference to a rival platform will most certainly be rejected by Apple—even if you simply uploaded a screenshot showing an Android device.

The Fix:
Delete all references to Apple’s direct competition. It’s as simple as that! Even referencing WhatsApp in your app description is forbidden. Check out their warning notice below.

Rejection Reason #6: Using Apple’s trademarked designs

In Apple’s Words:
“Apps that appear confusingly similar to an existing Apple product, interface, or advertising theme will be rejected…It would be appropriate to make your app icon distinctly different from the iOS behaviors and interface.”

Translation:
As I said before, Apple is very sensitive about the use of its brand. In this case, designing in-app icons that have the “rounded” look resembling Apple icons is what got this app owner a rejection notice.

The Fix:
Take a good look at the App Store and official Apple apps like iTunes. Now that you have a sense of Apple’s iconic look, invest some time in making original, unique designs if you don’t want to get dumped.

Rejection Reason #7: Your app doesn’t seem finalized

In Apple’s Words:
“Your app or its metadata does not appear to include final content. Your app does not provide sufficient information about the app content and its features.”

Translation:
Apple is a perfectionist in delivering a final, clean product they’re proud of—and expect you to be as well. Any mention of the words “beta,” “demo,” or “test” will raise a flag that the product you just submitted isn’t the final version.

The Fix:
This one’s easy. Avoid putting those three words inside your app name or content, and make sure that what you’re submitting is the real deal.

As the app marketplaces continue to grow, they will become increasingly selective. You need to find creative ways to make your app stand out and provide value to your customers. Stay tuned for more tips and expert advice on how to put your app on the market and avoid road bumps along the way. Our app submission team is here to help you publish your app successfully, so feel free to get in touch!

This post was originally written by Yael Ben Bassat, and has been updated and reposted to contain the latest tips.