Advice on how to get an iphone app approved

Question

Hi All, Im just wrapping up my first iphone app and getting it ready to send away to apple to be approved for the App store. Im just wondering if anyone can give me tips on what they really look at and what I should do before i send it to them for approval.

Thanks

Answer 1

1. Don't use unpublished system interfaces
2. Make sure your app doesn't crash
3. Don't do anything underhanded with user's personal data

Answer 2

Make sure it works. Also make sure you aren't using any private APIs. That is, functions/variables that aren't documented by Apple. There is a good link on Apple's developer site for other stuff to look for (icon images and etc) before you submit.

Answer 3

• DON'T use private API's
• DON'T use middle tier frameworks such as a full interpreted language
• Use default icons when you can with the built in types to buttons because they WILL bother you with it
• READ and USE Human Interface Guidelines by Apple

and of course:

• DON'T use porn/violence
• DON'T use Steve Jobs pictures

Answer 4

Good suggestions already given. I would add the suggestion to check for memory leaks and excessive CPU usage using Instruments.

Answer 5

I've found this (non-exhaustive) list on an Italian magazine (Io Programmo)

The application doesn't have to:

• Crash
• Customize standard visual components so that their behaviour is not intuitive or semantically different from the default behaviour
• Use icons with a misleading meaning or use SDK icons in a misleading way
• Don't show alerts with, for example, UIAlertView for unexpected situation (i.e. broken internet connection when the app is running)
• Don't notify the user on missing or not accessible hardware components (for example the GPS)
• Use different icons on the AppStore and inside the application
• Support device rotations without re-organizing the layout

In few words, read carefully the Human Interface Guidelines provided with the XCode documentation

Answer 6

Run the ObjectAlloc tool and make sure your app doesn't keep using more memory over time (on the device).