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App Store rejectionApp Store Guideline 4.1: the app copies or impersonates another app

Guideline 4.1 is the App Store rule against copying another app or impersonating another app or service. Apple uses it when the name, icon, screenshots or screens look too close to an existing app, or when the listing suggests a link to a brand the developer doesn’t own.

Short answer

Compare your name, icon, screenshots and main screens with the app Apple has in mind, and change whatever reads as a copy. Remove any brand you don’t own, or attach written approval from its owner in App Review notes. Then resubmit and reply in App Store Connect with what changed.

Rather not fix it yourself? App Fix Ticket starts with a fixed-price diagnosis, then a fixed price for the fix before any fix work.

What triggers 4.1, and the fix

  1. 01

    The app copies a popular app

    “Don’t simply copy the latest popular app on the App Store, or make some minor changes to another app’s name or UI and pass it off as your own.” Apple, Guideline 4.1(a)

    A clone of a trending app with a new name still reads as a copy. Give it its own name, layout and visual style, and a reason to exist that the original doesn’t cover.

  2. 02

    The app looks like an official app

    “Submitting apps which impersonate other apps or services is considered a violation of the Developer Code of Conduct and may result in removal from the Apple Developer Program.” Apple, Guideline 4.1(b)

    A listing that suggests the app comes from a bank, a game studio or an AI company it has no link to is impersonation. Say plainly that the app is independent, and keep the other brand’s look out of it.

  3. 03

    Another developer’s icon or name is in yours

    “You cannot use another developer’s icon, brand, or product name in your app’s icon or name, without approval from the developer.” Apple, Guideline 4.1(c)

    Using another app’s name in your own name, or an icon close to theirs, needs that developer’s approval. Rename and redraw, or attach the approval in App Review notes.

  4. 04

    The app is a reskinned template

    Also check: apps built from the same purchased template or generator can match other store apps screen by screen. Change the design and add your own features before you resubmit. Guideline 4.3 covers near-identical apps too.

Checked against the vendor’s docs on : App Store Review Guidelines: 4.1 Copycats; Apple: App Review (replying and appeals).

Rather hand it over?

Fixed scope, fixed price, paid upfront. The work happens in writing; no call needed.

Resubmit before Apple’s holiday slowdown

Pay for the Diagnosis and send the rejection and access to the app by (US Eastern). The Diagnosis is back by . Pay for the Fix that day and it arrives as a pull request by , in time to build and resubmit before .

In past years Apple said reviews may take longer around the holidays: December 20 to 26 in 2024 (opens in a new tab), December 22 to 27 in 2023 (opens in a new tab), December 23 to 27 in 2022 (opens in a new tab). Apple hasn’t posted its 2026 dates yet (checked ). Approval stays Apple’s decision.

“Very responsive, attentive to fixing bugs, and completed the project as needed! Thank you!”
A buyer in the United States, July 2022. Shopify on Fiverr
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Related: App Store Guideline 4.3 (spam) · App Store Guideline 5.2.1 intellectual property · App Store Guideline 2.3 · Google Play Impersonation policy

Questions

More on this rejection

Should I reply to App Review or appeal?

Reply first. Apple says you can correspond with App Review in App Store Connect to resolve the issues before resubmitting, which is the place for a demo account, a screen recording or an explanation. Appeal to the App Review Board only if you believe App Review misunderstood the app or treated you unfairly. Apple allows one appeal per rejected submission and asks for specific reasons the app complies.

Can my app do the same thing as another app?

Yes. Guideline 4.1 is about copying and impersonation, not about competing. Many apps solve the same problem; yours needs its own name, look and listing.

Can you fix it for me?

Yes, through the App Fix Ticket: you send the rejection message and access to the app, Simon writes a diagnosis of what App Review hit and how to fix it, then fixes the code so you can resubmit. Each step has a fixed price, paid upfront. Approval stays Apple’s decision; the ticket covers the fix.

A different error?

Describe it and get a written quote

Send the error and what you were doing. You get a written scope, a fixed price and a timeline; Simon replies by email, usually within one business day.

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