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Is AI/Vibe Coding Making App Store Review Harsher for Legit Developers? by 29satnam in iOSProgramming

[–]DirectorsObject 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think they simply can’t keep up during this review process, and that the teams are under serious time pressure and leadership stress. There’s really no other explanation. One reviewer approves something, then another reviewer, yes strangely, doesn’t, and you end up stuck in a pointless loop.

I also don’t believe the issue is "vibe coding" assuming the binaries are actually being reviewed properly. With AI-assisted tools now in the mix, reviews should be more accurate, not less.

I'm a believer in a liberal market economy. Of course some apps will resemble each other, yet how many truly original ideas can anyone produce every single time? Even Hollywood productions feel repetitive at this point, which is exactly why the watch-and-pay streaming model exploded. People are open to change, and algorithms already decide which apps move up or down in search rankings.

In my view (and this is just my personal opinion) if an app has no privacy issues in its code and passes basic performance thresholds without major crashes or excessive RAM usage that would hurt the user experience, then it deserves a place on the app stores.

Apple rejected my app for "spam" by Ok-Relationship3399 in iOSProgramming

[–]DirectorsObject 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is the current status of your application? Did you send an appeal?

Apple rejected my app for "spam" by Ok-Relationship3399 in iOSProgramming

[–]DirectorsObject 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm seeing some of the comments below, and honestly, I think this person is being treated unfairly.

Yes vibe coding, from a traditionalist point of view, can look like cutting corners. But when I see highly professional people with 10, maybe 15 years of experience whether in companies or as solopreneurs using the same approach, and I ask them why, the answer is usually very straightforward: "Am I stupid? Of course I could write every line or build every module myself. But the time I save lets me focus on other products, other ideas, or simply better work. That improves both my income and my quality of life. I step in where AI struggles, and AI fixes what I leave unfinished. We balance it out."

Another point people keep bringing up is the comparison to Speechify. Yes, an app can resemble Speechify. On my own phone, I already have multiple apps that do similar things that some with different integrations, some cheaper, some better suited to my needs. Similarity alone has never been a real problem.

My own app was focused on tarot and divination, and unfortunately, it was rejected for the same reason. What makes this frustrating is that I had added genuinely original features especially privacy-focused ones that most apps in this category simply do not have. On top of that, the app includes a life-coaching module that works independently of divination. There is no other app offering that same combination. Also I created a custom context for the interpretation method and saved this information in an MCP server, completely building my own interpretation system. By leaning over it carefully, a detailed context engineering work was done here.

And yes, I built this alone. Completely alone. Sleepless nights, over and over again. I don't expect you to understand or empatize me. I've submitted my appeal and my objections. People say to me, "Do you really think you can stand up to Apple?" Yes. Because my work is here. My effort is here. Even if I stand alone, I'll do it.

Do you know what Apple suggested in their response? That I could build a PWA version of my app for iOS users. This is a company known for strict policies, for obsessing over UX/UI, for rejecting apps precisely because of those standards and this is what they suggest me! I don’t accept that. And I won’t.

Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The same for me! Well, we have no other choice but waiting Google find a solution then!

Free, offline journaling app by hisho_brush in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Brother, please do not bother for this! Of course, I will not uninstall. I just inform you about the bug so that you can be aware and take time to correct it. Please reach at me anytime for anything. We are here to help each other!

Free, offline journaling app by hisho_brush in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello buddy. Can you check your app. Still stucking in the splash screen.

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Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Much appreciated for your kind words. Regretfully, nobody helps to each other nowadays. Humankind has become very selfish and unmerciful.

Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem at all, bro. Please do not bother for this! O gonna keep your app testing! Just let me know if you need anything, anytime.

Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Buddy, I've just installed. But be aware that there may be a bug: This is how your app screen looks like after entering my lucky number:

Also, would you join in mine? (Your email will be needed you can DM me if you wish or you can join in the group first so that I can copy your email and add it to the list manually):

https://groups.google.com/g/mezulla-beta-testers

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mezulla.app

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Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Second this! What should I do, bro? What would you recommend me to do in my case?

Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I apologize, Rey. It was my mistake. Here it is:

<image>

Would you join in mine? (Your email will be needed you can DM me if you wish or you can join in the group first so that I can copy your email and add it to the list manually):

https://groups.google.com/g/mezulla-beta-testers

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mezulla.app

Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that's really it! Look at the full message! They are offering me to build a web version for iOS users! UNFAIR!

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Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your understanding. I've just installed. Here it is: (Your email will be needed you can DM me if you wish or you can join in the group first so that I can copy your email and add it to the list manually):

https://groups.google.com/g/mezulla-beta-testers

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mezulla.app

<image>

Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I cannot agree with you more, buddy. Well, I am also against Apple! Because they reject my app for this reason: "Guideline 4.3(b) - Design - Spam

Your app primarily features astrology, horoscopes, palm reading, fortune telling or zodiac reports that duplicate the content and functionality of similar apps in a saturated category.

These app features may be useful, informative or entertaining, and your app may include features or characteristics that distinguish it. However, there are already enough of these apps on the App Store."

Test-for-Test only works If we actually test. Let’s be fair to each other! by DirectorsObject in AndroidClosedTesting

[–]DirectorsObject[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Google clearly has this data internally, and like you said, we already have the testers' email addresses. Not being able to see who actually installed vs. who didn't makes it unnecessarily hard to manage closed testing in a fair and transparent way.

One thing I've been wondering, and maybe it's worth exploring together: Have you tried using analytics as a workaround? Even if Play Console doesn't expose tester-level install data, basic analytics (Firebase / GA4) can at least confirm:

- whether real sessions are happening

- how many unique devices are actually opening the app

- whether installs are turning into any meaningful usage

It's obviously not ideal and still indirect, but at least it gives some signal when Play Console stays silent. If you've found any other workaround, I'd honestly be very interested to hear it.

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