🤖 Auto-generated by weekly-pattern-learner · App Store rejection handling workflow observed in FocusNotch App Store session, Jun 2026 (92 user turns covering rejection → plan → code fixes → metadata → resubmit)

Apple App Store Submission & Rejection Handling

Overview

Parse Apple rejection feedback, implement targeted fixes, update App Store Connect metadata, and resubmit, covering the complete cycle from rejection email to approved build.

When to Use

• Apple review team sends a rejection email
• App fails automated pre-review checks (binary rejected at upload)
• Preparing metadata for first-time submission (screenshots, keywords, privacy labels)
• Resolving App Store Connect errors before submitting for review

Workflow

1. Parse the Rejection

Read the full rejection email. Extract and list:

• Guideline numbers violated (e.g., 2.1, 4.2.0, 5.1.1)
• Code-level issues: missing entitlements, incorrect privacy strings, sandbox violations
• Metadata issues: wrong screenshot sizes, subtitle policy, keyword stuffing
• UX issues: crashes described by reviewer, broken flows, missing functionality

Create a numbered fix plan: one item per rejection point, with the type of fix needed.

2. Classify Fixes by Type

3. Implement Code Fixes

Privacy permission strings (Info.plist):

<key>NSMicrophoneUsageDescription</key>
<string>Used for voice input during focus sessions.</string>

<key>NSCalendarsUsageDescription</key>
<string>Used to sync tasks with your calendar.</string>

Entitlements (<AppName>.entitlements):

<key>com.apple.security.app-sandbox</key>
<true/>
<key>com.apple.security.network.client</key>
<true/>
<key>com.apple.security.files.user-selected.read-write</key>
<true/>

Sandbox violations: remove NoEscapeBlock patterns, replace deprecated APIs, use only sandboxed file access via Security-Scoped Bookmarks when needed.

4. Build and Archive

# Clean build
xcodebuild clean \
  -scheme <AppName> \
  -destination 'generic/platform=macOS'

# Archive
xcodebuild archive \
  -scheme <AppName> \
  -archivePath build/<AppName>.xcarchive \
  -destination 'generic/platform=macOS'

# Export for App Store
xcodebuild -exportArchive \
  -archivePath build/<AppName>.xcarchive \
  -exportPath build/export \
  -exportOptionsPlist ExportOptions.plist

Validate codesigning before upload:

codesign --verify --deep --strict --verbose=4 build/export/<AppName>.app
spctl --assess --verbose=4 build/export/<AppName>.app

5. Update App Store Connect Metadata

Navigate: My Apps → [App] → App Store tab

Common metadata fixes:

• App name: max 30 chars
• Subtitle: max 30 chars, no duplicate keywords from the title field
• Keywords: 100-char total limit, comma-separated, no spaces after commas
• Screenshots: exact pixel dimensions per device type (check Apple's current spec)
• Privacy Nutrition Labels: must accurately reflect data collected/linked to user
• Build selection: select the newly uploaded build before submitting

6. Write Reviewer Notes

In the submission form, fill Notes for Reviewer:

• Explain each rejection point and what was changed
• Reference specific guideline numbers: "Addressing 2.1: added NSMicrophoneUsageDescription to Info.plist"
• If a feature requires special credentials to test, provide test account details

7. Submit and Track

1. Upload via Xcode Organizer → Distribute App → App Store Connect
2. In App Store Connect: select the new build, fill notes, Submit for Review
3. Typical re-review: 24–48h
4. If rejected again: respond in the Resolution Center thread (same case number)
5. Escalate via Resolution Center for policy disagreements: do not open a new submission

Build Number Protocol

Apple rejects builds with a duplicate build number. Increment CFBundleVersion in Info.plist or Xcode target settings before every upload:

# Bump build number (e.g., 9 → 10)
xcrun agvtool new-version -all 10

Verification

• Every rejection guideline number has a corresponding fix in the plan
• xcodebuild archive exits 0 with no warnings about entitlements
• codesign --verify passes
• App Store Connect shows build status as "Ready to Submit"
• Reviewer Notes reference each changed item
• Build number is higher than any previously uploaded build