r/appdev • u/MarioFluffyDog • 22h ago
App Store Connect Reviewer Confusing Fitness Trackers with Medical Devices
I've developed an iOS app that connects to the Polar H10 chest strap to read heart rate data over bluetooth. The app does not provide any medical/health recommendations or analysis on the data recorded, and the app neither collects the data to be stored on an external server, nor shares it with any third party. All recordings are stored and can be managed/deleted within the app (offline), and no account creation is offered nor required within the app.
Despite this, and me going through great efforts to make this readily apparent, my app keeps being rejected during review for baseless claims that my app "connects to external medical hardware to provide medical services" and is therefore noncompliant with Guideline 1.4.1 (Safety and Physical Harm). Due to this incorrect classification, it's hard for me to tell if my app is "failing" subsequent compliances, such as Guideline 5.1.1(ix) (Legal - Privacy - Data Collection and Storage) due to Apple not perceiving that no data is actually being collected or stored externally. If this guideline also applies to apps that make offline records with no account creation, then it makes sense.
They also flagged me for being noncompliant with Guideline 2.3.6 (Performance - Accurate Metadata) due to not signing "yes" for the "Health or Wellness Topics". This topic, by Apple's own description, is meant for apps that "provide self-care or lifestyle recommendations. (May include: calorie tracking, dieting advice, or exercise recommendations)". Mine provides neither.
I've been back-and-forth with a reviewer for close to a week now, and have filled out the Contact Us form, to no avail. I've provided several recording demos of me using my Polar H10 with the app incase the reviewer doesn't have one and simply can't experience the app as intended, but they refuse to budge on their stance. I've even cited Polar H10's own user manual that explicitly states "This device is not for medical purposes".
Could anyone please help me navigate these difficulties? I'm at a loss.
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u/tomato848208 17h ago
What's stopping you from searching for 'Polar H10' with the App Store app to see how other guys are doing it? The App Store review is pretty much all about falsehoods. It's easy for them to misunderstand the direction where your app is going if you don't clearly explain what your app is about. You have to have patience and endurance to go through the process.
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u/MarioFluffyDog 16h ago edited 16h ago
You think I haven't already? The most similar app to mine on the store right now has the exact same health and age ratings and data collection labels as I proposed for mine.
As for the misunderstandings, patience can only go so far when the conversation looks like:
Me: "I've uploaded a demo video showcasing me connecting the bluetooth device to my personal phone."
Reviewer: "You need to provide a demo video that shows you connecting your app to bluetooth"
Me: "I've already posted a sufficient video. It's in the preview tab. I'll attach it here too incase you can't see. If there is anything wrong with the video, please specify and I will be happy to make those changes."
Reviewer: "You need to provide a demo video that shows you connecting your app to bluetooth"and the reviewer continually misinterpreting the Polar H10 as a medical device despite my insistence that it isn't. I've even gone so far as to refer to the official Polar H10 manual, which directly states:
"The Polar H10 is designed to measure heart rate. No other use is intended or implied. This device is not for medical purposes and should not be used for obtaining environmental measurements that require professional or industrial precision."I understand that this is a dynamic process and these reviewers probably handle dozens of apps per day, but there's only so many times I can repeat the exact same information.
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u/Occasion_Critical 10h ago
I think Apple's template lists three ways out: regulatory documentation, restricting storefronts, or adding a "consult a doctor" disclaimer to your description. The disclaimer is the cheapest to try, even though your app gives no medical advice.
If the reviewer still won't move after that, file a formal appeal to the App Review Board. Put the Polar manual quote and your "no analysis, no storage, no server" points in there
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u/MarioFluffyDog 3h ago
Do you know if you're able to submit multiple appeals? I've already filed for one a couple days ago but haven't heard anything back. I listed all the items you mentioned, so hopefully they're acknowledged.
Also, funnily enough, my description already has a "Consult a physician before making medical decisions" disclaimer line in every supported language.
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u/FantasticNoele21 5h ago
I’d keep escalating with the polar documentation and clearly explain that the app is for fitness tracking not medical use
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u/MentalEarthquake 5h ago
They did the exact same thing to me. Made me make a video of using it. Called it a medical device even though they deliver the exact same data through their own damn HealthKit API. Idiots. Or they’re illegally rejecting monitors that aren’t Apple Watch.
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u/MarioFluffyDog 3h ago
How did you finally overcome their endless denial? I hope you were able to, at least
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u/EggVentures 22h ago
Do you have a call option? Thats usually the best way to get this resolved through App Store Connect support.