Apple’s review process this time has been incredibly frustrating.
My app waited almost a month before it was finally reviewed, and then it was rejected under:
Guideline 2.3.1(a) - Hidden Features Apple claimed that the app contains hidden features.
Guideline 4.2 - Minimum Functionality Apple claimed that the app provides limited functionality and feels too similar to a web browsing experience.
But that does not match my app at all. It is a native social alarm clock app with features including:
- Alarm scheduling with AlarmKit
- Real-time voice rooms
- Live Activities
- Widgets
- Siri Shortcuts / App Intents
- QR code invitation scanning
- Apple Music custom ringtones
- Push notifications
This is clearly not just a wrapped website. The only WebView usage is for standard settings pages such as Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and FAQ.
What makes it even more frustrating is that now, whether I wait for Apple’s reply or resubmit the app, I have no idea how long it will take. In the past, Apple Developer Support at least offered phone support for real-time help. Recently, I’ve only been seeing email as the contact option, and after waiting a long time, the reply often feels like a generic AI-written template that does not actually help.
It really makes Apple feel increasingly dismissive of developers. Even an app with in-app purchases, which also makes money for Apple, can get stuck in review for this long. Meanwhile, my coworker submitted an app without in-app purchases later than I did, and it was approved within a week.
It is hard not to feel frustrated by how inconsistent and opaque the review process has become.
