Apple Rejected Our Astrology Consultation App Despite Removing Entertainment Features - Seeking Guidance

Hello Apple Developer Community,

I would like to seek guidance from fellow developers who have faced similar App Store review challenges.

Our app, AstroCure, initially included horoscope features and astrology-related entertainment games. Apple rejected the app because the astrology category is considered saturated.

Following this feedback, we made significant changes to the app. We removed the entertainment games and other non-essential features, and now focus exclusively on astrology consultations, allowing users to connect with astrologers for personalized guidance.

We believe the value of a consultation platform depends on the expertise of its astrologers, the quality of consultations, and the services offered to users. Just as businesses differentiate themselves through the professionals they bring on board, astrology consultation platforms can also provide distinct value within an established category.

However, our latest submission has been waiting for review for approximately 15 days. After requesting a call with Apple, I received a call from an App Review representative two days later. During the conversation, I was advised to remove the app from review and update it because we were apparently not offering anything new.

This leaves us uncertain about what further changes are expected. We have already removed the entertainment features and narrowed the app's focus to astrology consultations, but we have not received specific guidance on what would make the app eligible for approval.

I would appreciate the community's advice on a few questions:

  1. Has anyone successfully resolved a similar rejection for an astrology or consultation app?
  2. What kind of differentiation does Apple expect from an astrology consultation platform?
  3. Shouldn't Apple evaluate an app's actual value to users, the expertise of its service providers, and its functionality rather than reject it simply because the category is saturated?
  4. Has anyone received specific, actionable feedback from Apple that helped them overcome a similar situation?

We respect Apple's review process and are willing to make meaningful improvements. We simply need clearer guidance on what is expected so we can address the concerns appropriately instead of making changes without knowing whether they will resolve the issue.

I would appreciate hearing about your experiences and any suggestions that could help us move forward.

Thank you.

From what you describe, the key issue may be guideline 4.3(b), not just the horoscope games. Apple specifically lists fortune telling as an established category and says new apps need to offer a meaningfully different or improved experience. A consultation marketplace can still look similar if the main difference is which astrologers are listed.

In App Store Connect, reply to the rejection and ask which part of the current build they consider indistinguishable, and what they would need clarified. Then point them to the specific features that make this app meaningfully different, with exact steps to find them and a short review video if the distinction is not obvious. Avoid another round of broad feature removals until you know what concern you are addressing. If you believe the current decision is wrong, Apple has a separate appeal process.

Guideline 4.3(b): https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#spam
How to contact App Review: https://developer.apple.com/help/app-review/after-submitting-for-review/contact-app-review/

Similar astrology consultation apps have recently been approved on the App Store, in july or aug 2026 including apps with fewer astrologers on board. Our platform is also available on other platforms, and astrologers are delivering good consultation experiences. We have removed all the generic astrology features and now focus exclusively on consultations, with verified astrologers and detailed profiles.

Could you help us understand what specific differentiation is expected for our app to be considered for approval?