iOS App Rejection

2,547 views
Skip to first unread message

Juan G. Hurtado

unread,
Mar 12, 2012, 4:51:34 AM3/12/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
Hi there!

I've just received an app rejection message from Apple. My app is made with PhoneGap (obviously) and jQuery Mobile. What worries me about this rejections is the following words from Apple rejection message:

If you wish to build an HTML5 web app, you can do so and distribute it directly from your web site. It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5 web app to the App Store.

As you can see, Apple states that HTML5 web app are not appropiate for the Apple Store. PhoneGap builds his apps with HTML5, so… does this mean that PhoneGap is not allowed anymore at Apple Store? Maybe this message is just a standard response for PhoneGap apps but with some fight the approvement can be achieved?

--
Juan G. Hurtado
juan.g....@gmail.com

Giacomo Balli

unread,
Mar 12, 2012, 5:12:08 AM3/12/12
to phonegap
no, it means your app perhaps does very little iOS native related or
mimics a webpage therefore they advise you to put it on a server.

Beware of the taking "words" out of context.

On Mar 12, 9:51 am, "Juan G. Hurtado" <juan.g.hurt...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Hi there!
>
> I've just received an app rejection message from Apple. My app is made with
> PhoneGap (obviously) and jQuery Mobile. What worries me about this
> rejections is the following words from Apple rejection message:
>
> If you wish to build an HTML5 web app, you can do so and distribute it
>
> > directly from your web site. *It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5
> > web app to the App Store.*
>
> As you can see, Apple states that HTML5 web app are not appropiate for the
> Apple Store. PhoneGap builds his apps with HTML5, so… does this mean that
> PhoneGap is not allowed anymore at Apple Store? Maybe this message is just
> a standard response for PhoneGap apps but with some fight the approvement
> can be achieved?
>
> --
> Juan G. Hurtado
> juan.g.hurt...@gmail.com

ziobudda@gmail

unread,
Mar 12, 2012, 5:37:54 AM3/12/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
I have created an app that use google maps and apple have accepted it. I have created an app that is a mobile version of one of my client site and apple have accepted it. 

if your app is only a "load index.html from my site-online ed display it into mobile browser" then apple reject it.

M.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "phonegap" group.
To post to this group, send email to phon...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
phonegap+u...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/phonegap?hl=en?hl=en
 
For more info on PhoneGap or to download the code go to www.phonegap.com


--
Michel 'ZioBudda' Morelli                       mic...@ziobuddalabs.it
Sviluppo applicazioni CMS DRUPAL e web dinamiche (LAMP+Ajax)
0200619074 - 3939890025 (mobile)--  Fax: +39-0291390660
http://www.ziobuddalabs.it                      Skype: zio_budda

Juan G. Hurtado

unread,
Mar 12, 2012, 5:59:40 AM3/12/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
My app is a real app, not just a webview of one online site. Maybe Apple didn't get app instructions right, (because it's a complex app), and was not able to deeply test it.

I was just worried about the "It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5 web app to the App Store" stuff. But if PhoneGap has no problems with that, everything is fine. Rejection must have been for some missunderstading on using the app.

Thanks a lot!

2012/3/12 ziobudda@gmail <ziob...@gmail.com>



--
Juan G. Hurtado
juan.g....@gmail.com

WebSteve

unread,
Mar 12, 2012, 10:54:03 AM3/12/12
to phonegap
You'll want to make sure the misunderstanding was not on your part.

Regards,
Steve

On Mar 12, 2:59 am, "Juan G. Hurtado" <juan.g.hurt...@gmail.com>
wrote:

ziobudda@gmail

unread,
Mar 12, 2012, 11:06:21 AM3/12/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
Il giorno 12/mar/2012, alle ore 10:59, Juan G. Hurtado ha scritto:

My app is a real app, not just a webview of one online site. Maybe Apple didn't get app instructions right, (because it's a complex app), and was not able to deeply test it.

I was just worried about the "It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5 web app to the App Store" stuff. But if PhoneGap has no problems with that, everything is fine. Rejection must have been for some missunderstading on using the app.

Create a video, upload on youtube, resend the app and in the review node field insert the link to the video.

However is strange that if you have a real app Apple reject it. 
If so why NEWS READER yes and your app no ? 

M.

Tim Thorburn

unread,
Mar 12, 2012, 9:56:43 AM3/12/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
It's also important to remember Apple can be very arbitrary in what they will, or will not allow on the app store.� Just because one person is accepted/denied for a particular app, it doesn't mean the next person will have the same result.� By what you've written as Apple's response, it seems the reviewer felt your app was little more than a website.� Correct or not, that is their impression.� You could try making a few changes and re-submitting; I'd also recommend submitting your app to the various Android stores and Windows Phone store while you're at it.� The whole write once, distribute everywhere idea is kind of nice ... and almost true, almost!

For the record, I've had apps written with Phonegap/Jquery mobile and Flash Builder accepted to the app store.� Maybe one day I'll suffer through the pain of learning Xcode and Objective-C ... maybe.

On 3/12/2012 5:37 AM, ziobudda@gmail wrote:
I have created an app that use google maps and apple have accepted it. I have created an app that is a mobile version of one of my client site and apple have accepted it.�

if your app is only a "load index.html from my site-online ed display it into mobile browser" then apple reject it.

M.

Il giorno 12/mar/2012, alle ore 09:51, Juan G. Hurtado ha scritto:

Hi there!

I've just received an app rejection message from Apple. My app is made with PhoneGap (obviously) and jQuery Mobile. What worries me about this rejections is the following words from Apple rejection message:

If you wish to build an HTML5 web app, you can do so and distribute it directly from your web site. It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5 web app to the App Store.

As you can see, Apple states that HTML5 web app are not appropiate for the Apple Store. PhoneGap builds his apps with HTML5, so� does this mean that PhoneGap is not allowed anymore at Apple Store? Maybe this message is just a standard response for PhoneGap apps but with some fight the approvement can be achieved?

--
Juan G. Hurtado
juan.g....@gmail.com

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "phonegap" group.
To post to this group, send email to phon...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
phonegap+u...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/phonegap?hl=en?hl=en
�

For more info on PhoneGap or to download the code go to www.phonegap.com


--
Michel 'ZioBudda' Morelli� � � � � � � � � � � �mic...@ziobuddalabs.it
Sviluppo applicazioni CMS DRUPAL e web dinamiche�(LAMP+Ajax)
0200619074 - 3939890025 (mobile)-- �Fax: +39-0291390660
http://www.ziobuddalabs.it� � � � � � � � � � ��Skype: zio_budda

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "phonegap" group.
To post to this group, send email to phon...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
phonegap+u...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/phonegap?hl=en?hl=en
�

TMac

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 10:40:33 PM3/21/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
I have built 2 iOS apps using PhoneGap.  Both are very similar in format and functionality and UI.  Apple quickly accepted the first and has continually denied the 2nd.  They have given me the same stock statement a few times already.  In all of the statements is wording that suggests that they do not like the fact that my app is HTML based.

Snippets of Apple's rejection comments below.  I will work to have a more interactive experience but I am quite confident that my app would be approved if it were 100% native.

1. 
For app design information, check out the videos: "Getting Started video: The Ingredients of Great iPhone Apps" and "iPhone User Interface Design," available on the iOS Developer Center, and the iOS Human Interface Guidelines in particular, the sections, "Great iOS Apps Embrace the Platform and HI Design Principles" and "Human Interface Principles".

Alternatively, you may wish to consider building a web app using HTML5. HTML5 is the major new version of HTML and enables audio and video to play natively in the browser without requiring proprietary plug-ins. Using HTML5, web apps look and behave like native iPhone and iPad apps, and using HTML5's Offline Application Cache, your web apps work even when the device is offline. With web apps, you have flexibility to deliver as much or as little functionality as you desire. 


2. 
It would be appropriate to add additional native iOS features to the application in order to enhance the user’s experience. Specifically, features that enable the user to interact with the app rather than just consume information are recommended. For ideas on how to improve the user’s experience, you may wish to review the User Experience Guidelines section of the iOS Human Interface Guidelines. 

If you wish to build an HTML5 web app, you can do so and distribute it directly from your web site. It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5 web app to the App Store.  


On Monday, March 12, 2012 8:56:43 AM UTC-5, Tim Thorburn wrote:
It's also important to remember Apple can be very arbitrary in what they will, or will not allow on the app store.� Just because one person is accepted/denied for a particular app, it doesn't mean the next person will have the same result.� By what you've written as Apple's response, it seems the reviewer felt your app was little more than a website.� Correct or not, that is their impression.� You could try making a few changes and re-submitting; I'd also recommend submitting your app to the various Android stores and Windows Phone store while you're at it.� The whole write once, distribute everywhere idea is kind of nice ... and almost true, almost!

For the record, I've had apps written with Phonegap/Jquery mobile and Flash Builder accepted to the app store.� Maybe one day I'll suffer through the pain of learning Xcode and Objective-C ... maybe.

On 3/12/2012 5:37 AM, ziobudda@gmail wrote:
I have created an app that use google maps and apple have accepted it. I have created an app that is a mobile version of one of my client site and apple have accepted it.�

if your app is only a "load index.html from my site-online ed display it into mobile browser" then apple reject it.

M.

Il giorno 12/mar/2012, alle ore 09:51, Juan G. Hurtado ha scritto:

Hi there!

I've just received an app rejection message from Apple. My app is made with PhoneGap (obviously) and jQuery Mobile. What worries me about this rejections is the following words from Apple rejection message:

If you wish to build an HTML5 web app, you can do so and distribute it directly from your web site. It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5 web app to the App Store.

As you can see, Apple states that HTML5 web app are not appropiate for the Apple Store. PhoneGap builds his apps with HTML5, so� does this mean that PhoneGap is not allowed anymore at Apple Store? Maybe this message is just a standard response for PhoneGap apps but with some fight the approvement can be achieved?

--
Juan G. Hurtado
juan.g....@gmail.com

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "phonegap" group.
To post to this group, send email to phon...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/phonegap?hl=en?hl=en
�
For more info on PhoneGap or to download the code go to www.phonegap.com


--
Michel 'ZioBudda' Morelli� � � � � � � � � � � �mic...@ziobuddalabs.it
Sviluppo applicazioni CMS DRUPAL e web dinamiche�(LAMP+Ajax)
0200619074 - 3939890025 (mobile)-- �Fax: +39-0291390660
http://www.ziobuddalabs.it� � � � � � � � � � ��Skype: zio_budda

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "phonegap" group.
To post to this group, send email to phon...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/phonegap?hl=en?hl=en
�
For more info on PhoneGap or to download the code go to www.phonegap.com

On Monday, March 12, 2012 8:56:43 AM UTC-5, Tim Thorburn wrote:
It's also important to remember Apple can be very arbitrary in what they will, or will not allow on the app store.� Just because one person is accepted/denied for a particular app, it doesn't mean the next person will have the same result.� By what you've written as Apple's response, it seems the reviewer felt your app was little more than a website.� Correct or not, that is their impression.� You could try making a few changes and re-submitting; I'd also recommend submitting your app to the various Android stores and Windows Phone store while you're at it.� The whole write once, distribute everywhere idea is kind of nice ... and almost true, almost!

For the record, I've had apps written with Phonegap/Jquery mobile and Flash Builder accepted to the app store.� Maybe one day I'll suffer through the pain of learning Xcode and Objective-C ... maybe.

On 3/12/2012 5:37 AM, ziobudda@gmail wrote:
I have created an app that use google maps and apple have accepted it. I have created an app that is a mobile version of one of my client site and apple have accepted it.�

if your app is only a "load index.html from my site-online ed display it into mobile browser" then apple reject it.

M.

Il giorno 12/mar/2012, alle ore 09:51, Juan G. Hurtado ha scritto:

Hi there!

I've just received an app rejection message from Apple. My app is made with PhoneGap (obviously) and jQuery Mobile. What worries me about this rejections is the following words from Apple rejection message:

If you wish to build an HTML5 web app, you can do so and distribute it directly from your web site. It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5 web app to the App Store.

As you can see, Apple states that HTML5 web app are not appropiate for the Apple Store. PhoneGap builds his apps with HTML5, so� does this mean that PhoneGap is not allowed anymore at Apple Store? Maybe this message is just a standard response for PhoneGap apps but with some fight the approvement can be achieved?

--
Juan G. Hurtado
juan.g....@gmail.com

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "phonegap" group.
To post to this group, send email to phon...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/phonegap?hl=en?hl=en
�
For more info on PhoneGap or to download the code go to www.phonegap.com


--
Michel 'ZioBudda' Morelli� � � � � � � � � � � �mic...@ziobuddalabs.it
Sviluppo applicazioni CMS DRUPAL e web dinamiche�(LAMP+Ajax)
0200619074 - 3939890025 (mobile)-- �Fax: +39-0291390660
http://www.ziobuddalabs.it� � � � � � � � � � ��Skype: zio_budda

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "phonegap" group.
To post to this group, send email to phon...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

Noli Sicad

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 11:09:19 PM3/21/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
Could give us the link in iTunes store so can see exactly the UI and
functionability of your first app?

What web framework (e.g. jQTouch) for these apps?

Noli

On 3/22/12, TMac <ty.mcdo...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I have built 2 iOS apps using PhoneGap. Both are very similar in format
> and functionality and UI. Apple quickly accepted the first and has
> continually denied the 2nd. They have given me the same stock statement a
> few times already. In all of the statements is wording that suggests that
> they do not like the fact that my app is HTML based.
>
> Snippets of Apple's rejection comments below. I will work to have a more
> interactive experience but I am quite confident that my app would be
> approved if it were 100% native.
>
> 1.
> For app design information, check out the videos: "Getting Started video:
> The Ingredients of Great iPhone Apps" and "iPhone User Interface Design,"
> available on the iOS Developer

> Center<http://developer.apple.com/devcenter/ios>,


> and the iOS Human Interface

> Guidelines<http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/MobileHIG.pdf>


> in
> particular, the sections, "Great iOS Apps Embrace the Platform and HI
> Design

> Principles"<http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/Introduction/Introduction.html>
> and "Human Interface
> Principles"<http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/Principles/Principles.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40006556-CH5-SW1>


> .
>
> Alternatively, you may wish to consider building a web app using HTML5.
> HTML5 is the major new version of HTML and enables audio and video to play
> natively in the browser without requiring proprietary plug-ins. Using
> HTML5, web apps look and behave like native iPhone and iPad apps, and using
> HTML5's Offline Application Cache, your web apps work even when the device
> is offline. With web apps, you have flexibility to deliver as much or as
> little functionality as you desire.
>
>
> 2.
> It would be appropriate to add additional native iOS features to the
> application in order to enhance the user’s experience. Specifically,
> features that enable the user to interact with the app rather than just
> consume information are recommended. For ideas on how to improve the user’s
> experience, you may wish to review the User Experience Guidelines

> section<https://itunesconnect.apple.com/WebObjects/iTunesConnect.woa/wo/%E2%80%9Dhttp://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/UEBestPractices/UEBestPractices.html”>

Noli Sicad

unread,
Mar 21, 2012, 11:09:58 PM3/21/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
Could give us the link in iTunes store so can see exactly the UI and
functionability of your first app?

What web framework (e.g. jQTouch) did you use for these apps?

Noli

On 3/22/12, TMac <ty.mcdo...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I have built 2 iOS apps using PhoneGap. Both are very similar in format
> and functionality and UI. Apple quickly accepted the first and has
> continually denied the 2nd. They have given me the same stock statement a
> few times already. In all of the statements is wording that suggests that
> they do not like the fact that my app is HTML based.
>
> Snippets of Apple's rejection comments below. I will work to have a more
> interactive experience but I am quite confident that my app would be
> approved if it were 100% native.
>
> 1.
> For app design information, check out the videos: "Getting Started video:
> The Ingredients of Great iPhone Apps" and "iPhone User Interface Design,"
> available on the iOS Developer

> Center<http://developer.apple.com/devcenter/ios>,


> and the iOS Human Interface

> Guidelines<http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/MobileHIG.pdf>


> in
> particular, the sections, "Great iOS Apps Embrace the Platform and HI
> Design

> .
>
> Alternatively, you may wish to consider building a web app using HTML5.
> HTML5 is the major new version of HTML and enables audio and video to play
> natively in the browser without requiring proprietary plug-ins. Using
> HTML5, web apps look and behave like native iPhone and iPad apps, and using
> HTML5's Offline Application Cache, your web apps work even when the device
> is offline. With web apps, you have flexibility to deliver as much or as
> little functionality as you desire.
>
>
> 2.
> It would be appropriate to add additional native iOS features to the
> application in order to enhance the user’s experience. Specifically,
> features that enable the user to interact with the app rather than just
> consume information are recommended. For ideas on how to improve the user’s
> experience, you may wish to review the User Experience Guidelines

> section<https://itunesconnect.apple.com/WebObjects/iTunesConnect.woa/wo/%E2%80%9Dhttp://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/UEBestPractices/UEBestPractices.html”>

newhere inc

unread,
Mar 22, 2012, 4:22:33 AM3/22/12
to phonegap
Hi I have developed an app with jqtouch that has been approved by the
app store. Im not sure why one of your apps is approved and the other
is not. If you want I could have a look at your app on iTunes as
well.

On Mar 12, 6:51 pm, "Juan G. Hurtado" <juan.g.hurt...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Hi there!
>
> I've just received an app rejection message from Apple. My app is made with
> PhoneGap (obviously) and jQuery Mobile. What worries me about this
> rejections is the following words from Apple rejection message:
>
> If you wish to build an HTML5 web app, you can do so and distribute it
>
> > directly from your web site. *It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5
> > web app to the App Store.*
>
> As you can see, Apple states that HTML5 web app are not appropiate for the
> Apple Store. PhoneGap builds his apps with HTML5, so… does this mean that
> PhoneGap is not allowed anymore at Apple Store? Maybe this message is just
> a standard response for PhoneGap apps but with some fight the approvement
> can be achieved?
>
> --
> Juan G. Hurtado
> juan.g.hurt...@gmail.com

Noli Sicad

unread,
Mar 22, 2012, 4:32:17 AM3/22/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
>> I've just received an app rejection message from Apple. My app is made
>> with
>> PhoneGap (obviously) and jQuery Mobile. What worries me about this
>> rejections is the following words from Apple rejection message:
>>
>> If you wish to build an HTML5 web app, you can do so and distribute it
>>
>> > directly from your web site. *It is not appropriate to submit an HTML5
>> > web app to the App Store.*

It seems jQuery Mobile UI is not so appealing to Apple Approval Team.
Probably you can revise it and use jQTouch instead. You can easily
converted it if you don't any modal dialogs.

Noli

Devgeeks

unread,
Mar 22, 2012, 8:52:57 AM3/22/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
jQTouch is better anyway ;)

But seriously... there are plenty of jQMobile apps on the store as well... I don't think that's an instant turn off for the Apple review team.

Shuduo Sang

unread,
Mar 22, 2012, 9:33:00 AM3/22/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
can you explain why iQTouch is better? :)
I'm evaluating what UI framework is suitable in my project. I don't
believe apple review team reject app just because of jQuery Mobile
too.

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "phonegap" group.
> To post to this group, send email to phon...@googlegroups.com
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

> phonegap+u...@googlegroups.com


> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/phonegap?hl=en?hl=en
>

Devgeeks

unread,
Mar 22, 2012, 6:31:27 PM3/22/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
That's just my personal opinion, of course.

I use the DataZombie's fork of jQTouch that includes iScroll4 for fixed headers and footers. I found jQM to be flakey and I guess if you are going to look like iOS anyway (with the back buttons and nabbers, etc) you might as well look like a NATIVE iOS app... and jQTouch does a better job of that.

*shrug*

Noli Sicad

unread,
Mar 22, 2012, 7:14:37 PM3/22/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
I also use jQTouch DataZombies fork after using JQM. The only thing
that I could not implement is the modal dialog (popup form). JQM is up
to it. I could not still find a solution for this problem.

Click an icon on my map (OpenLayers map) and pop up with the
attributes of the icon (e.g a person - (Name, Address, etc.).

jqt.floaty is one suggestion to solve this problem on popup.

Devgeeks, have you implemented a jqt.floaty in your jQT app?

Thanks,

Noli

Shuduo Sang

unread,
Mar 22, 2012, 11:45:58 PM3/22/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
I did not use jq Touch. I feel jqM is okay to me for fixed
header/footer. Glad to hear your opinion. thanks.

Devgeeks

unread,
Mar 23, 2012, 12:54:55 AM3/23/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
You could try something like either the twitter bootstrap popover (http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/javascript.html#popovers) or the jQuery UI one?

I haven't used that jqt.floaty... 

Noli Sicad

unread,
Mar 23, 2012, 12:57:43 AM3/23/12
to phon...@googlegroups.com
If you browse the ST Jobs in iTunes (approved app) mentioned in the
other thread. It looks and feel like a native app.

I just inspect the guts. It out to jQTouch. It seems a jQTouch
datazombies fork (tabBar / footer).

It is actually nicely done. Good job for ST Jobs using Phone and jQTouch.

Noli

jcesar

unread,
Mar 23, 2012, 5:28:46 AM3/23/12
to phonegap
Juan, can you show us screenshots or something to se your app?

jqtouch is better if you will only program for ios
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages