iOS App Rejection: Guideline 5.2.1 - Legal. Your app is marketed to control external hardware from XXX, Inc. without the necessary authorization.

[ray1302]

Recently many developers also received this rejection message from Apple if their apps are associated with external hardware, such as TV box, bulbs, audio devices..

It is impossible for a small company or individual developer to deal with those Nasdaq listed companies for obtaining an official authorization. We are just using the official SDK from those hardware manufacturer, why do we still need an authorization?

Many apps are affected by this new rule.

Apple, please be reasonable! Please be FAIR!

I sincerely hope Apple would provide an easy way to solve this!

Guideline 5.2.1 - Legal - Intellectual Property

Specifically, your app includes content or features from XXX, Inc., or is marketed to control external hardware from XXX, Inc., without the necessary authorization. The inclusion of third-party content within your app, whether retrieved from the internet by the app or embedded in the app, is subject to the terms of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement.

Your app and its contents should not infringe upon the rights of another party. In the event your app infringes another party’s rights, you are responsible for any liability to Apple because of a claim.

Next Steps

To resolve this issue, please attach documentary evidence in the App Review Information section in App Store Connect. In accordance with section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, you acknowledge that submitting falsified or fraudulent documentation can result in the termination of your Apple Developer Program account and the removal of your apps from the App Store. Once Legal has reviewed your documentation and confirms its validity, we will proceed with the review of your app.

Alternatively, please remove the third-party content from your app and its metadata. Once the issue is resolved, we can continue with the review.

 

[xStep]

This might be worth a try. If the SDK has an agreement for its use then point Apple to that describing why your app has authorization.

Find a way to get this highlighted in social media so it gets bumped up the command chain.

 

[dantastic]

If there is an official API it might be worth approaching the company for a letter stating that you are authorised. If they allow 3rd party development they should be able to do this as well.

The "problem" is not exactly new. You have to provide Apple with similar letters when you include 3rd party content in your app. It actually makes sense.

 

[dz5b609]

It is impossible for a small company or individual developer to deal with those Nasdaq listed companies for obtaining an official authorization. We are just using the official SDK from those hardware manufacturer, why do we still need an authorization?

No it isn't which you would know if you'd tried. Getting the right e-mail address/phone number might be tricky but once you get put through to the right persons getting an official authorization is easy and a very common ask from small companies or developers. This isn't something new in that regard and Apple asking for it is because they know that it's easily obtainable and provides an extra layer of security for them to not have apps using third-party stuff that they shouldn't.

 

[ray1302]

No it isn't which you would know if you'd tried. Getting the right e-mail address/phone number might be tricky but once you get put through to the right persons getting an official authorization is easy and a very common ask from small companies or developers. This isn't something new in that regard and Apple asking for it is because they know that it's easily obtainable and provides an extra layer of security for them to not have apps using third-party stuff that they shouldn't.

Do you have any experience to share with me? I can't find the right contact.

 

[ray1302]

This might be worth a try. If the SDK has an agreement for its use then point Apple to that describing why your app has authorization.

Find a way to get this highlighted in social media so it gets bumped up the command chain.

Apple don't accept any agreements, they need an authorization letter from the manufacturer.

 

[1146331]

Apple don't accept any agreements, they need an authorization letter from the manufacturer.

What's to stop a developer from forging a letter? Apple isn't going to spend much time verifying, all they care about is profit and crushing the small man.

Get a burner phone, make a letter using "company letterhead" and use that phone number and a PO box or something.

 

[Red Menace]

Get a burner phone, make a letter using "company letterhead" and use that phone number and a PO box or something.

It would be pretty stupid to risk a developer account on something that can be easily verified (especially if it is from an already registered hardware developer). They don't need to spend any time, that is what automation is for.