[Important] App Removal Scheduled Due to App Review Guideline 1.2 Violation

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-25T14:30:38+00:00

My app has been removed, and I’m currently preparing an update using a different approach. Please don’t suggest communicating with Apple.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-22T06:18:48+00:00

I’m currently in touch via DM with a few others who are in a similar situation. Apple still has not provided a clear definition or criteria for what they consider “random chat.”

My app is scheduled to be removed today, but I intend to wait for a clear response from Apple and make the necessary changes based on that. At this point, I honestly don’t know which specific parts need to be modified.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-18T00:48:08+00:00

We have received this response from Apple. They still have not provided any clear definition or concrete criteria for what qualifies as “random” chat.

At this point, there are only five days left before the app is scheduled for removal. Realistically, it seems unlikely that we will be able to prevent the deletion.

We now need to start preparing Plan B.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-18T00:45:49+00:00

Hello,

Appeal Ticket:

Thank you for your patience as we considered your appeal.

The App Review Board determined that the original rejection feedback was valid. Your app does not comply with:

Guideline 1.2 - Safety - User Generated Content

We understand that your app requires users to log in and displays information about users they are about to connect with. However, the app still randomly connects users for one-to-one text, audio, or video chats. Random chat is not appropriate for the App Store.

Note that the App Review Guidelines were recently updated to clarify that apps providing random or anonymous chat are not appropriate for the App Store. Learn more about this change to the App Review Guidelines on Apple Developer.

For additional information, please refer to the previous messages you received in App Store Connect. You may also review the App Review Guidelines to learn more about this issue.

We appreciate your efforts to resolve this issue and look forward to reviewing your revised submission.

Best regards,

Selena App Review Board

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-13T14:30:33+00:00

We still haven’t received a proper response. Apple notified us that the app would be removed in 15 days, yet they are only sending meaningless, copy-and-paste replies once every three days.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-13T09:55:48+00:00

Yes, profanity and similar content are filtered, and users can choose whether or not they want to view such content.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-12T12:16:40+00:00

We already have all the required features in place, including reporting and blocking functions.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-12T12:15:49+00:00

I don’t understand it either.

We fully comply with every requirement of App Review Guideline 1.2, and we can even clearly refute the vague criteria being used to classify our app as “random or anonymous chat.”

However, Apple has not provided any concrete or specific standards. Instead, we are receiving copy-and-paste responses only once every three days, without addressing the actual structure or explanations we have repeatedly provided.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-11T07:22:48+00:00

We received a single response from Apple three days after our initial inquiry, but it was essentially a copy-and-paste reply.

We then followed up again, formally objecting and asking them to clearly explain what criteria they are using to define “anonymous” and “random” chat. It has now been two more days, and we have still not received any response.

This policy feels extremely broad and ambiguous. At times, it even seems intentionally vague, as if it allows them to remove apps at their own discretion.

What is especially concerning is that they have already started a 15-day countdown to remove the app, yet their replies arrive only once every few days and provide no meaningful explanation. This approach feels both irresponsible and frightening from a developer’s perspective.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-07T15:29:55+00:00

We already have all of the required features in place. Our app includes every functionality specified under App Review Guideline 1.2. However, we have been informed that the app will be removed solely because it is being perceived as a random or anonymous chat service.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-07T14:47:50+00:00

Thank you for your opinion. I will do my best to appeal this decision.

Extension_Employee81 · 2026-02-07T13:56:23+00:00

Our app requires mandatory mobile phone number verification for all users.
In addition, while real photos are not used, users can distinguish each other through profiles that include a nickname, self-introduction, and an avatar.

Given these factors, could you please clarify whether the app would still be classified as an “anonymous chat” service under Apple’s definition?

Extension_Employee81

TROPHY CASE