There have been over 1.2 million apps released on the Apple App store since 2008 and each one of those developers will know all too well about how Apple is a stickler for rules. To get an app published there’s a set of demands to comply with, essentially house rules that Apple has enforced to keep up their app store and Apple has revealed the most common mistakes.

Got an ugly looking app? You’re not getting in. Too similar to others? Go back to the drawing board.

CONTROVERSIAL GAME PULLED FROM GOOGLE APP STORE

So, before you go steaming into releasing your life-changing app here’s how Apple could bag your dream:

The app is stupid

It’s a crushing to hear Apple say your idea sucks but they hold the keys and ‘if your app doesn’t offer much functionality or content, or only applies to a small market’ it’ll get the thumbs down. You might think that ‘watching paint dry’ app is a genius idea but you’re encouraged to take a look around the App Store for some inspiration.

It lies

How annoying is it when you download an app and it’s nothing like you thought? Apple agrees, which is why an app ‘must perform as advertised and should not give users the impression the app is something it is not’. So we’re unlikely to be seeing ‘Next week’s winning lotto numbers’ app heading on there anytime soon.

Seen it before

Trying to conquer the Flappy Bird clone market by making and submitting a heap of the same apps isn’t going to get you anywhere. Doing this ‘ties up the App review process’ and you’ll get a big fat rejection.

It’s ugly

If an app looks like a mess you’re hardly getting the company’s philosophy. According to its guidelines ‘Apple places a high value on clean, refined, and user-friendly interfaces’. So when designing, think like Steve Jobs’ wardrobe: simple, clear, effective.

Crashes

It’s a bad idea to submit an app that crashes on the people whose job it is to approve it. This will result in a categorical fail. Apple want developers to ‘thoroughly test your app’ before submitting.

Not enough information

At Apple no box is left unticked, no corner unturned. Doing a slack job with your admin won’t bode well. Simple things like out-of-date contact information will classify for a rejection. If you’ve failed to provide valid usernames for testers it won’t come as a surprise if it doesn’t get through. Be punctual, precise and thoroughly Apple.

Needs to be quality

Apple wants apps to be ‘engaging and useful’ so creating an app that simply pulls in content from websites or aggregates content in a hideous manner will be canned.

Advertising

You know those annoying ads that appear when you use an app? Well they’re big business, which is why Apple has a thing about ensuring they work. If you say your app supports ads but fails to display them this qualifies for a big red cross.

Other requirements to meet Apple’s seal of approval include the must for links to your privacy policy, all final images to be decided (not using placeholders until you get the right screenshot) and inaccurate descriptions.

It might sound like you need to jump through a few flaming hoops in order to get that app up but if you play ball you could be enjoying a slice of that $13 billion pie served up to developers.