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How to follow Publishing Guidelines for Apple App Store and Google Play

Updated publishing checklist to help your app comply with Apple and Google’s latest safety, content, monetization, and regional policies.

Amr Alshareef avatar
Written by Amr Alshareef
Updated this week

This guide provides the most current best practices to improve your app’s approval chances across both platforms.

Requirements

  • Apple Developer and Google Play developer accounts

  • Completed app listing with all required metadata, screenshots, and privacy links

How to follow Publishing Guidelines for Apple App Store and Google Play

  1. Log in to your Buildfire account

  2. Review Safety requirements:

    • Ensure your app is free of offensive, misleading, or harmful content

    • Add a valid support URL that links to a webpage (emails are not accepted)

    • Verify all content complies with current App Store and Play Store content policies

  3. Check Performance standards:

    • Remove placeholder text or empty content before submission

    • Test your app thoroughly on physical devices to catch crashes or UI errors

    • Include a demo login if authentication is required for review

    • Ensure all in-app purchases are active and tested

  4. Confirm Monetization and Business compliance:

    • Clearly explain your app’s functionality and purchasing flow

    • Avoid deceptive pricing or review manipulation

    • For Apple:

      1. U.S. App Store – External purchase links are permitted.

      2. EU App Store – Multiple links allowed; new fee structures start January 1, 2026

    • For Google Play:

      1. Apps must use Billing Library v7+ for all in-app purchases

      2. Keep your payment integrations compliant with updated billing APIs

  5. Refine Design and UX:

    • Maintain a clean, native interface that fits the platform’s design patterns

    • Limit Web Views to 2–3 per app to avoid resembling a mobile browser

    • Avoid replicating external websites or loading most content via frames

  6. Review Legal and Privacy obligations:

    • Only use content you own or are licensed for

    • Include a privacy policy and required legal disclosures in both the app and store listing

    • For Google Play:

      1. Apps that collect sensitive health data must provide explicit justification and obtain user consent

  7. Apply Platform-Specific Updates:

    • Google Play:

      1. All new apps and updates must target API 35 by August 31, 2025

      2. Existing apps must at least target API 34 to remain visible

      3. Google has launched a quality crackdown, removing low-quality and fraudulent apps

      4. Use pre-review checks to fix privacy or credential issues before manual review

  8. Follow Security, Tagging, Purchase, and Analytics best practices in your store setup:

    • Verify privacy settings and permissions

    • Ensure purchase flows are validated and secure

    • Track performance and usage through App Store and Play Console analytics

Pro tips

  • Region-specific compliance: Use separate builds or flags for U.S., EU, and other regions to manage fees and linking permissions.

  • Stay API-compliant: Always target the latest API (Android 15) and update billing libraries regularly.

  • Pre-submission checks: Use Play Console’s pre-review feature to identify and fix policy violations early.

  • Prioritize quality: Avoid cloned or spammy apps — both Apple and Google prioritize original, high-quality apps for visibility.

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