This is strange to me, but I am wondering if this has happened to someone else? I released “TempoTutor-Toon” on Google Play Store and Apple Store recently. It was developed with Corona and Appodeal as the monetization strategy (two features require the user to play an ad to unlock a button). There was a warning about location description that I tried to resolve in the build.settings but was unable:
iphone = { xcassets = "Images.xcassets", -- new launch icon assets plist = { MinimumOSVersion = "9.0", -- needed for Appodeal NSAppTransportSecurity = { NSAllowsArbitraryLoads=true }, -- needed for Appodeal UIStatusBarHidden = true, -- hide the status bar UIApplicationExitsOnSuspend = false, -- do not exit app on suspend UILaunchStoryboardName = "LaunchScreen", -- new launch screen NSLocationAlwaysUsageDescription = { "This app would like to use location services." }, NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription = { "This app would like to use location services." }, }, },
However, the first version of the app was ACCEPTED despite the warning.
Then I submitted a very minor bug fix for an iPad Pro a few days later, and it was REJECTED asking me to respond to the following:
1.1.6 - Include false information, features, or misleading metadata
2.3.0 - Undergo significant concept changes after approval
2.3.1 - Have hidden or undocumented features, including hidden “switches” that redirect to a gambling or lottery website
3.1.1 - Use payment mechanisms other than in-app purchase to unlock features or functionality in the app
3.2.1 - Do not come from the financial institution performing the loan services
4.3.0 - Are a duplicate of another app or are conspicuously similar to another app
5.2.1 - Were not submitted by the legal entity that owns and is responsible for offering any services provided by the app
5.2.3 - Facilitate illegal file sharing or include the ability to save, convert, or download media from third party sources without explicit authorization from those sources
5.3.4 - Do not have the necessary licensing and permissions for all the locations where the app is used
I replied to this stating that I do not violate any of these things. This is a fairly simple app, with no backdoors, there were no significant design changes, no payment systems, illegal activities, etc. However, I did notice that Appodeal will play some gambling ads sometimes, so I had to re-enable the COPPA setting just as a precaution. I have a GDPR opt-in screen that can be used to opt-in or opt-out at any time. I have a help webview that provides a clear privacy policy and links to the other privacy policies and third party frameworks. All of the content used is properly licensed. I can’t figure out what triggered this response from them.
At any rate, I replied to all of this, especially appealing for any additional details about what triggered this, and why they think I have done any of these things, or violated any of their policies, and I resubmitted the app. Then, instead of getting ANY INFORMATION back, it was REJECTED again, this time with the following notice:
We are unable to continue this app’s review because your Apple Developer Program account is currently under investigation for not following the App Store Review Guidelines’ Developer Code of Conduct.
Common practices that may lead to an investigation include, but are not limited to:
• Inaccurately describing an app or service
• Misleading app content
• Engaging in inauthentic ratings and reviews manipulation
• Providing misleading customer support responses
• Providing misleading responses in Resolution Center
• Engaging in misleading purchasing or bait-and-switch schemes
• Engaging in other dishonest or fraudulent activity within or outside of the app
During our investigation, we will not review any apps you submit. Once we have completed our investigation, we will notify you via Resolution Center.
We do not require any additional information from you at this time, nor do we have any additional details to share. We appreciate your continued patience during our investigation.
What the hell is going on here? This last response seems as if they believe that I did in fact violate some of the terms questioned in their first inquiry and lied in my response to them!? I certainly did not lie about any of this, but now I’m wondering if there is something in Corona or Appodeal that is triggering this response from them and making a liar out of me, which has now put my standing with Apple in jeopardy?
This is crazy, so I am seeking info and trying to figure out what the root cause. I put in an inquiry with Apple Support to get more information because not having any details on this is driving me crazy.
Has this happened to anyone else or is there anything anyone can think of that would cause this?