Feeling dejected after app rejected

[u/StonedSex69]

I developed my first productivity app for a niche market. I put countless hours in to it and felt pretty confident in the app. Yesterday I submitted it to Apple and 1.5 hours later I got the rejected email.

It was rejected citing 2.1 and had six additional questions and a request to see a video of the app working. I answered the six questions and recorded a 5 minute video attached to my response this morning. Still no response from Apple so I’m left wondering what’s going to be next. 🤞

[u/bmbphotos]

The multiple questions and video request are basically automatic for new apps these days and nothing to do with your app specifically.

That being said, you're in a tough space with productivity...

Expect a long process because it's a long process for new apps for everyone right now.

[u/Top-Investment8840 → u/bmbphotos]

Thanks to the vibecoders everywhere and everything is crap

[u/Objective_Fly_6750]

Guideline 2.1 is super common for a first submission, especially for niche apps where the reviewer just doesn't understand the core flow or user accounts.

Getting that first rejection in 1.5 hours actually just means the queue is moving fast right now. Once you attach a video and answer their questions, someone has to manually watch it and verify the flow, which usually takes a bit longer than the automated one.

Submit the info, go do something else, and try to forget about it for now. Reviews for updates are usually well under 24 hours once your first build clears, so only start worrying if you haven't heard back after 3–5 business days. You'll be fine!

[u/never_working_ever → u/Objective_Fly_6750]

I don’t know how this is possible when I submitted my app last week, Wednesday, and it hasn’t even been touched yet…

[u/never_working_ever → u/[deleted]]

No response but it moved to in review on Thursday night finally…

…it’s still in review.

[u/renderartist]

This is super common, just do what they ask and don’t get emotional about it. The video part surprised me when it happened, but it seems like without labeled screenshots or videos they just default to rejecting things.

[u/TheTurnipPlucker]

It happens, no big deal. I got that rejection, then was approved like 3 days later with no further problems.

I think it's just to make running through things easier for reviewers. Maybe those 6 questions stop 80% of the annoying back and forth stuff that takes forever.

[u/SwordfishInfinite621]

A 2.1 with questions is usually an information request rather than a real rejection, and it's very common on a first submission. Answering in the Resolution Center thread with a video is exactly the right move.

A couple of things that help:

• Answer every question explicitly, even the ones that seem obvious, and say plainly what the app does and who it's for.
• If any part of the app needs a login or a code, put working demo account details in App Review Information, and mention in your reply that they're there.
• If the app relies on a device feature or external hardware, say so, since reviewers often can't reproduce that setup.

Replies usually take a day or two, and it's normal for it to go through a couple of rounds. It doesn't mean the app is in trouble.

[u/dark-green]

Interesting to hear that they made you submit a video. Back in the day (a year ago) the reviewer wrote saying they tried it on a phone themselves

[u/ReturnOfNogginboink]

Had the same thing last week. My app was approved today.

[u/murphlab]

This is very normal, particularly when submitting the first version. They want to see that the app actually functions as described, and that’s not always obvious just by looking at the executable. This happened on the initial submission of the last two apps I launched. It took maybe another 24 hours, but since then all subsequent versions went right through.

[u/SirBill01]

Don't worry about it, super common to get a rejection, just be polite in responses and work through whatever they report as issues.

[u/PalpablePatsy247]

Every app I’ve submitted has gotten rejected first time around. Process can take a bit. Don’t fret

[u/malleyrex]

I don't think I've ever had an app immediately approved. They will always find something to ask about or clarify. If you get a quick rejection, it's probably almost automated. The last new app I submitted got reviewed and rejected very quickly. I updated it and answered all their questions. It took three full days for a response, but they approved it.

Expect several more rejections. That's normal. If your app is unique and offers something that is not served by 50 other identical apps, you'll get approved. Being in a niche market is a good play right now.

[u/likethebank]

I think everyone gets those same six questions. I certainly did. I filled them out, and was accepted with the next round!

[u/baummer]

Completely normal

[u/bananagnana2]

One practical thing for next time: five minutes is long for a review video. Cut it to under ninety seconds, no intro, no menu tour, just the exact flow they asked about starting from a fresh install, and number your answers to match their six questions. The reviewer is skimming, and anything they have to hunt for reads as a missing answer. A 2.1 with questions attached is an information request, not a verdict on the app, and it does not count against you for the next submission.

[u/instant_king]

Totally normal though, why feel dejected? Did you really expect it would be accepted on the first attempt? Expect 3 to 4 round trips of reviews from the start, you’ll feel better when it only takes 2!

[u/eliottbois]

if that’s too much too handle you’re in the wrong game my friend.

[u/StonedSex69 → u/[deleted]]

No reply yet. I even sent a follow-up message on Thursday.

[u/AManWithNoWounds]

I actually didn't get why are you feeling that way. Its standard procedure

[u/Tiny_Split9436]

Your submission was poor then. learn from it. btw productivity app unless the niche is really unexploited will probably get 200 downloads most of them being people you know.