Pre-Submission App Review Checklist

Publish Date: 2026-03-28
Last Updated: 2026-03-28
Author: AppPreflight Team

Overview

This pre-submission checklist is compiled from AppPreflight's analysis of 10,000+ application rejections. Using this checklist can identify and fix most review issues before submission, significantly improving your first-time pass rate.

Quick Checklist (5-Minute Version)

If you're short on time, complete at least these core checks:

• App Functionality: All claimed features work correctly
• Privacy Policy: App has a clear, complete privacy policy
• App Doesn't Crash: Test on multiple devices, no obvious bugs
• App Store Metadata: App name, description, screenshots are accurate and complete
• App Rating: Selected the correct content rating

Complete Checklist

Part One: App Functionality and Performance

Functionality Completeness

• All features described in the app are implemented
• All app menu items and buttons are functional
• App doesn't depend on features not yet released
• App doesn't have "test" or "debug" features
• App doesn't show "not implemented" or "in development" prompts

App Stability

• App launches without errors (doesn't crash)
• App runs normally on first launch
• App doesn't crash when handling permission requests
• App doesn't crash when handling network errors
• App doesn't crash when handling low memory

Performance Optimization

• App launch time < 20 seconds
• App doesn't freeze during use
• App responds normally to user input
• App's battery consumption is reasonable
• App's memory usage is reasonable

External Links Testing

• Test all links to websites
• Ensure all links point to valid pages
• Test support/help links
• Test privacy policy link
• Test terms and conditions link

Part Two: User Interface and User Experience

UI Completeness

• App displays correctly on various screen sizes
• App supports both portrait and landscape orientations
• All text is clear and readable
• Button sizes are reasonable and easy to tap
• App colors are used properly and visually clear

Localization Support

• If supporting multiple languages, all languages are fully translated
• Date and number formats follow local customs
• All UI text is localized
• RTL languages (e.g., Arabic) display correctly

Accessibility

• App supports VoiceOver (screen reader)
• All text colors have sufficient contrast
• App doesn't rely only on color to convey information
• App supports dynamic font sizes
• App supports reduce motion option

Part Three: Privacy and Data Security

Privacy Policy

• App has a clear, complete privacy policy
• Privacy policy explains all data collection
• Privacy policy explains data usage purpose
• Privacy policy provides user contact information
• Users can easily access privacy policy

App Privacy Label

• Accurately filled in all collected data types
• Explained whether data is used for tracking
• Explained whether data is linked to user identity
• App privacy label is consistent with privacy policy

Permission Declaration

• Only request necessary permissions
• Explain why permission is needed before requesting
• Users can disable permissions in settings
• App still runs without permissions (though functionality may be limited)

Data Security

• All network connections use HTTPS
• Sensitive data (like passwords) is stored in Keychain
• Don't hardcode keys or tokens in the app
• User data is encrypted on the server
• Regular security audits conducted

Part Four: In-App Purchases (if applicable)

Product Configuration

• All in-app purchase products are configured in App Store Connect
• Product IDs match exactly between code and App Store Connect
• Product types are correct (consumable/non-consumable/subscription)

Purchase Functionality

• App dynamically fetches and displays product prices
• App's displayed price matches App Store price
• Content and price are clearly displayed before purchase
• Clear confirmation prompt after successful purchase

Receipt Verification

• App correctly verifies purchase receipts
• App only unlocks features after successful verification
• App handles verification failures appropriately

Purchase Restoration

• App provides functionality to restore purchases
• Purchase restoration works correctly
• Users can restore purchases on other devices

Subscription Management (if applicable)

• Subscription billing cycle is clear
• Link to iOS subscription management is provided
• Users can easily cancel subscriptions
• Renewal reminders are clear and accurate

Part Five: App Metadata

App Name and Subtitle

• App name is accurate and professional
• App name doesn't contain false promises
• Subtitle is clear and concise (if applicable)
• No excessive keyword stuffing

App Description

• First 160 characters clearly summarize app features
• Description length is appropriate (1-2 paragraphs)
• Description avoids over-marketing or false claims
• All features mentioned are actually implemented

App Screenshots

• Use screenshots of actual app interface
• Avoid fake or misleading screenshots
• Maximum 10 screenshots per set
• Screenshots include clear text explanations
• Screenshots for different device sizes
• Text in screenshots is clear and readable

Preview Video (if provided)

• Preview video is clear and professional
• Video length is 15-30 seconds
• Video showcases core features
• Avoid low-quality or misleading videos

App Rating

• Selected the correct content rating
• Rating matches app content
• If unsure, select higher rating
• Completed all relevant rating questionnaires

App Category

• Selected the most relevant category
• App truly belongs in this category
• Secondary category is appropriate (if applicable)

Keywords

• Keywords are relevant to app features
• No misleading keywords
• Keyword quantity is appropriate (not excessive)
• Spelling and grammar are correct

Support and Contact

• Provided valid support email
• Provided valid support website (if available)
• Provided privacy policy link
• Provided terms and conditions link

Part Six: Legal and Compliance

Privacy and Data Protection

• App complies with GDPR (if serving EU users)
• App complies with CCPA (if serving California users)
• Users can delete account and data
• Users can export their personal data

Intellectual Property

• App name doesn't use others' trademarks
• App icon is original design
• App content doesn't infringe on others' copyright
• Obtained all necessary licenses

Age Restrictions (if needed)

• If targeting children, complies with COPPA
• If targeting children, no third-party advertising
• If targeting children, no analytics services
• If targeting children, has parental controls

Advertising and Analytics

• Third-party ad libraries are officially approved
• Analytics services don't collect personal information
• Advertising and analytics are disclosed in privacy policy
• Users can opt-out of analytics

Part Seven: Technical Requirements

iOS Version Support

• App tested on minimum supported iOS version
• App tested on latest iOS version
• Minimum iOS requirement is reasonable
• App uses latest iOS APIs (if needed)

Device Compatibility

• App tested on iPhone
• App tested on iPad (if supported)
• App tested on small screens (SE)
• App tested on large screens (Plus/Pro)
• App supports M1 Mac (if applicable)

System Frameworks

• App only uses public APIs
• App doesn't use private APIs
• App correctly handles system permissions
• App is compatible with all required frameworks

Build and Signing

• App uses correct Provisioning Profile
• App uses valid signing certificate
• App builds without warnings
• App size is reasonable (< 4GB)

Part Eight: App Store Connect Settings

App Information

• Bundle ID is correct
• Version number increments correctly
• App type is correct
• Primary language is set correctly

Pricing and Availability

• Selected correct pricing tier (if paid)
• Selected distribution regions
• Content rights are set correctly
• Age rating is complete

Review Information

• Demo account information is accurate (if needed)
• Important notes are provided (if needed)
• Review notes provided (if resubmitting)
• All required fields are filled

Part Nine: Final Verification

Overall Check

• All checklist items are completed
• App is fully tested on real devices
• No missing features or issues
• App is ready for submission

Documentation Preparation

• Version release notes are prepared
• Any required demo documentation is prepared
• Demo videos are prepared (if needed)
• All other support documentation is prepared

Common Checklist Mistakes

According to AppPreflight data, developers most commonly make these checklist mistakes:

1. Missing Privacy Policy (25%)

   • Solution: Ensure privacy policy link is clearly placed in app

2. App Has Bugs (20%)

   • Solution: Thoroughly test on multiple devices and iOS versions

3. Improper Permission Requests (15%)

   • Solution: Only request necessary permissions, explain before requesting

4. In-App Purchase Issues (12%)

   • Solution: Thoroughly test purchase restoration and receipt verification

5. Inaccurate Metadata (10%)

   • Solution: Ensure screenshots and description accurately represent the app

Final Recommendations Before Submission

1. Do a Final Security Check: Ensure no debug code or test accounts
2. Be Prepared to Address Issues: If rejected, prepare to respond quickly
3. Keep Communication Open: If there are special circumstances, explain through "Review Notes"
4. Monitor App Status: Check review progress regularly after submission

Conclusion

Using this checklist ensures your app is ready before submission. Remember, the best approach is thorough testing and verification, which significantly increases your first-time pass rate.

For any questions, feel free to consult other AppPreflight guides or contact the support team.