# App Store Guideline 4.2.3: the app needs another app, or downloads without asking
> Apple rejected the app under Guideline 4.2.3: it needs another app to work, or downloads large files on first launch without asking. Fix both, then resubmit.
Canonical: https://app369.com/fix/app-store-guideline-4-2-3-standalone-app/
Last updated: 2026-11-09
Guideline 4.2.3 is the App Store rule that an app must work without installing another app. It also covers apps that download extra files on first launch: the app has to show the download size and ask first.
**Short answer**
Make the core features work after a fresh install with no other app present. Move anything that needs a companion app behind an optional step. If the app downloads models, levels or media on first launch, show the size and a button to start it. Then resubmit and explain the change in App Review notes.
Rather not fix it yourself? [**App Fix Ticket**](https://app369.com/fixed-price/flutter-firebase-bug-fix/) starts with a fixed-price diagnosis, then a fixed price for the fix before any fix work.
## **What triggers 4.2.3, and the fix**
1. 01 ### **Sign-in or setup needs another app**
> “Your app should work on its own without requiring installation of another app to function.” [**Apple, Guideline 4.2.3(i)**](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#4.2.3) An app that opens a companion app, an authenticator or a hardware vendor’s app before it does anything fails a reviewer who doesn’t have it. Offer a path that works inside your app, such as email sign-in or a web flow.
2. 02 ### **The app downloads files on first launch without asking**
> “If your app needs to download additional resources in order to function on initial launch, disclose the size of the download and prompt users before doing so.” [**Apple, Guideline 4.2.3(ii)**](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#4.2.3) Games, offline maps and apps that run AI models on the phone often fetch hundreds of megabytes at first start. Show the size and let the user tap to start, and keep a working screen while it downloads.
3. 03 ### **The download starts on mobile data with no notice** Also check: a silent download on a cellular connection is what the reviewer notices first. Ask before starting, and let the user wait for Wi-Fi.
4. 04 ### **The review notes don’t explain the setup** If the app pairs with hardware or a partner service, say so in App Review notes. Provide a demo account or a built-in demo mode, plus any hardware or resources the reviewer needs, or a screen recording of those features.
Checked against the vendor’s docs on November 9, 2026: [App Store Review Guidelines: 4.2 Minimum Functionality](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#4.2.3); [Apple: App Review (replying and appeals)](https://developer.apple.com/distribute/app-review/).
## **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 Monday, December 7 (US Eastern). The Diagnosis is back by Thursday, December 10. Pay for the Fix that day and it arrives as a pull request by Thursday, December 17, in time to build and resubmit before December 20.
In past years Apple said reviews may take longer around the holidays: [December 20 to 26 in 2024 (opens in a new tab)](https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=iwvebnw2), [December 22 to 27 in 2023 (opens in a new tab)](https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=uijoypq9), [December 23 to 27 in 2022 (opens in a new tab)](https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=xpkhwg3l). Apple hasn’t posted its 2026 dates yet (checked October 30). Approval stays Apple’s decision.
- [from $450**App Fix Ticket**One reproducible bug in an existing mobile or web app, diagnosed and fixed.**See scope and start**](https://app369.com/fixed-price/flutter-firebase-bug-fix/)
[**All 127 Fiverr reviews**](https://app369.com/reviews/)
Related: [**App Store Guideline 4.2 (minimum functionality)**](https://app369.com/fix/app-store-guideline-4-2-minimum-functionality/) · [**App Store Guideline 2.1 (app completeness)**](https://app369.com/fix/app-store-guideline-2-1-app-completeness/) · [**App Store Guideline 2.5.2 (executable code)**](https://app369.com/fix/app-store-guideline-2-5-2-executable-code/) · [**App Store Guideline 2.5.4**](https://app369.com/fix/app-store-guideline-2-5-4-background-modes/)
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 work with a companion app at all? **+
Yes. The rule is that it must work on its own. Extra features that use another app are fine when the main features work without it.
**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.
[**Describe your problem **→](https://app369.com/contact/) [**All fixes**](https://app369.com/fix/)