Apple Rejected My App Because Screenshots Show the Core Concept
Apple won't let me show my app
I am frustrated that Apple rejected my Wiseday app update due to screenshot guidelines that contradict each other. The review team demanded I show the actual app in use, yet also require screenshots to highlight the core concept, which is a physical paper page. With review times stretching to weeks and automated rejection messages, communicating unique value propositions feels increasingly impossible for independent developers.
The two sentences of advice the app review team gave me be diametrically opposed because the core concept is a paper page.
- jonsoini
There are plenty of legitimate things to criticize the app store review process for but this isn't one of them.
Apple is protecting their users and the overall browse experience by enforcing consistency in listings.
Your app's screenshots don't really show in the first three screens when they really should, these are the ones that will show up in search, at least until we can add full banners w/ iOS 27.
There are all sorts of creative ways you could layer in the paper aspect behind a device mockup across two screens which would both show your app and its paper output.
Perhaps have the paper on a desk and the phone at an angle on top of it, showing the screens.
Remember you don't have to explain what's where on the paper, just communicate its value and that your app is the way the user gets to it.
- danesparza
"The majority of the screenshots should highlight the app’s main features and functionality. Note that splash and login screens are generally not considered to show the app in use."
I agree with the feedback. Fix your screenshots (and whatever else is clearly not in line with app store guidelines).
- Jeremy1026
I'm going to take the side of Apple on this one. Looking at the screenshots I have no idea what the app does.
Screenshot 1: A sheet of paper next to a phone. Is it printer bridge?
Screenshot 2/3: Calendar and Reminders. Is it a to-do compiler that pulls from sources that already exist on the device?
Screenshot 4: A phone with a date picker. Ok, what about the last day of the month?
Screenshot 5: Print your daily plan. We're finally getting to what the app does, I think.
Screenshot 6: A phone with a screenshot of prompts. I'm lost again, are you an LLM?
- CodesInChaos
Two of six screenshots show the app. So the rejection fits the rules and is easy to understand. I often agree with complaints that Apple's rejections are unclear or problematic, but this isn't one of those cases.
And I'm kind of confused by these screenshots as well, since there are lines between them, as if they're one screenshot. And the labels over the screenshots are nonsensical and graphically glitched.
- owldown
Looking at what is on the website and in the App Store, I still don’t have a good understanding of what this app even does. It prints something based on your calendar and some self-help prompts?
App Store rules aside, since this app has no free trial, it should be easier for a potential customer to understand what this app is attempting to be.