New App Store rules ban manipulation of reviews and misleading marketing

Apple has made several updates to the App Store Review Guidelines, clarifying existing policies and imposing new requirements on app makers. Apple now requires that apps that support account creation must also provide a simple account deletion process.

Apple has also added new requirements to its developer code of conduct to address trust and safety. For example, Apple has added rules requiring that developer identities are accurate and up-to-date. Other new rules include a strict prohibition on manipulating reviews and using customer complaints as a factor in determining compliance with the code of conduct.

Apple has also tightened restrictions on certain app categories. For example, "hookup" apps that may contain pornographic content or facilitate prostitution will be rejected. The company also requires that apps for reporting crimes must involve local law enforcement and can only be available in countries where law enforcement is actively involved.

The new guideline 1.2.1 says creator experiences “cannot alter the core features and functionality of the native app, but rather add content to those structured experiences.” The guidelines also require that creator content follow existing rules for user moderation and payment.

There are also some clarifying changes to the App Store Guidelines. An update to Guideline 2.3.1 clarifies that Apple can remove apps that engage in misleading marketing both inside and outside the App Store.

For the first time, Apple has made it clear that misleading marketing is also grounds for removal from the Apple Developer Program.