Help › Guideline 4.3 – Spam (similar binary, metadata or concept)

Guideline 4.3(a) spam rejection: what it means and how to fix it

Updated [DATE] · Plain-English guide, not official Apple or Google text.

Quick answer: Apple thinks your app is a near-copy of other apps. That can be your own apps, apps from the same template, or an oversaturated category. It is not a bug report. A reviewer decided the app isn't different enough.

What the rejection looks like

“We noticed the app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by you or other developers, with only minor differences.”

Real example shared publicly: source. Exact wording varies.

Common causes

Built from a template/white-label kit with few changes
Several near-identical apps on one account
Saturated category (flashlight, tarot, QR, AI chat wrapper)
Template bundle ID or demo screens left in

How to fix it

Check if you have other apps (on any account) that share code, metadata or concept with this one; Apple prefers one app with options
Replace template leftovers: placeholder bundle ID (com.example, com.anonymous), template project name, demo screens, sample assets
Make the first screen show what is unique about your app, not a generic onboarding carousel
Rewrite the description and redo screenshots so they don't follow a common template
Write down 3 concrete, verifiable differences from similar apps (features, content, audience)
If you're in a saturated category (tarot, flashlight, QR, AI chat wrapper), add a clearly distinct core feature before resubmitting
Don't resubmit the same binary from another account; that can make things worse

Decode your exact message

Paste your full rejection into the free decoder to confirm the guideline and see the likely causes. It runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

Decode my rejection free

Want the reply written for you?

The $9 Fix Pack (coming soon) adds a reviewer reply template, a resubmission checklist and ready prompts for your coding tool for this guideline.

See the Fix Pack

FAQ

Will replying without changes work?

Rarely. Upload a new build that removes template signals and makes your unique feature obvious, then explain the differences.

Should I submit from another account?

No. Apple may treat that as an attempt to get around review, which can make things worse.

Official source: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#spam

Apple and Google decide every review. This guide is general information, not legal advice, and can't guarantee approval.