The HIG says never tie functionality to a pose, but games are called out differently. Will App Review accept a game whose core mechanic requires the hinge and simply can't be played elsewhere? Is a graceful "this needs iPhone Duo" screen acceptable?
Hi @ClementGzl,
When adapting games or apps for new hardware configurations like iPhone Duo, developers often question whether core mechanics tied to unique device poses (such as the hinge) are acceptable to App Review. While the Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) advise against tying core functionality strictly to a single pose, game mechanics are evaluated differently if they provide an engaging, purposeful experience. Review the platform's game design principles to ensure your game remains intuitive. See Designing for games for more info.
If your game's or app's core experience specifically requires iPhone Duo hardware features like the hinge, provide a clear, graceful messaging screen (such as a "this needs iPhone Duo" view) when users attempt to launch it on unsupported devices. Ensure you check for hardware feature availability and handle unsupported environments gracefully.
Always test your application's behavior across multiple displays and dynamic window sizes.
- Use Xcode and Device Hub to simulate different hinge angles, orientations, and poses.
- Verify that your interface scales correctly and that menus remain legible across various aspect ratios.
- Test your app on physical hardware before submitting to App Review.
We cannot provide guarantees for App Review approval. Please contact App Review Support directly to learn more about your exact use case.
Cheers,
Paris X Pinkney | WWDR | DTS Engineer
