iOS Contacting Apple... is that even possible?

[GwenGwen]

Hi there,

I was wondering: is there a way to contact Apple and discuss a feature I would like to integrate in the app of one of my clients? I'm not sure they will allow this feature and their business model is based on it. My understanding of the Guidelines says "yes, probably", but you never know...

I know, I know, we always hear that it's "impossible" to reach Apple and get feedback... but is it really true?

 

[AppSwage]

Hi there,

I was wondering: is there a way to contact Apple and discuss a feature I would like to integrate in the app of one of my clients? I'm not sure they will allow this feature and their business model is based on it. My understanding of the Guidelines says "yes, probably", but you never know...

I know, I know, we always hear that it's "impossible" to reach Apple and get feedback... but is it really true?

First, you do get two free support calls per year with your paid developer license. This does give you access to developers who can discuss ideas or execution in detail.

If, however, you don't want to use that up you should be able to contact the customer service line for iTunes Connect/app developers (I cannot recall the name). I have never used them for something like this, however, I have certainly reached real people there on numerous occasions related to creating a company account and other related questions.

 

[Command]

 

[firewood]

Effectively NO.

Developer support, who you might contact, can't tell you if an app will be approved or really fits within the app guidelines, but just to follow the guidelines.

Even the secret hidden iOS app approval cabal can't really tell you (even at WWDC) ahead of time because they might change their minds while reviewing your app, another app, or even after a minor bug fix update.

So the only way to know is to (after first studying the forums and blogs for what they reject) submit your app, and cross you fingers.

 

[PhoneyDeveloper]

There is no known phone number or email address you can use to get pre-approval of an app idea from Apple. Companies that are Apple partners might have some ability to get this kind of info but the average developer certainly doesn't.

There have been stories, perhaps apocryphal, of developers that put together a minimal app with some possibly controversial feature and submitted it with the sole purpose of finding out if Apple would approve it. I can't remember any examples though. Thing is Apple has changed its mind and reserves the right to remove apps from the app store at any time.

One approach is to give the specifics of your feature to a wider audience and see what they think. Like us, or other forums. Also, if you ask on Apple's forum they have the tendency to delete posts about issues they don't want discussed. If they did or didn't do that you might have your answer.

 

[firewood]

Even major Apple partners have had their apps held up or sent back at review.

 

[f77coder]

if you do a b2b app you don't have to go through the app store.

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First, you do get two free support calls per year with your paid developer license. This does give you access to developers who can discuss ideas or execution in detail.

i've contacted them and they really suck at answering questions even when you pay. their customer service for developers is terrible.

i've had questions about metal/swift view controllers and they never responded.