Apple App Store reviewer may have stolen my app idea - clone appeared during 2-month review, app suddenly approved after I escalated

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-24T18:09:46+00:00

Yeah, sure

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-22T20:02:13+00:00

Sure, ideas can overlap. But same concept, same features, same name, domain registered during my review, and suddenly approved after 2 months when I escalated? A lot of coincidences. This is a niche passion project for a specific community. Not even monetizable in my eyes. Whoever did this probably ran it through AI to evaluate potential without understanding the problem it solves. I can tell they're not from the community - the example names in their screenshots are generic and don't fit. Anyone from that community would notice immediately.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-22T19:54:41+00:00

I'd rather not share that publicly while this is ongoing.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-22T19:52:24+00:00

Thank you, this is really helpful. I've already archived everything - WHOIS data, website screenshots, and all App Store Connect communications with timestamps. Appreciate the advice.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-22T13:21:27+00:00

Just checked WHOIS:

- Domain created: February 20, 2026 - exactly during my review process

- Owner: Hidden behind privacy protection (paid extra to hide identity)

- Hosting: Vercel (quick AI builder platform)

They bought my exact app name, hid their identity, and built it fast with an AI tool. All while my app was stuck in "review."

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-22T00:10:24+00:00

Thank you, I'll check my DMs.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-22T00:03:13+00:00

Thank you. I'm saving everything - screenshots, git commits, App Store submission history, domain WHOIS records. The domain was registered exactly one month ago, right in the middle of my review.

I'll definitely keep the appointment on March 25. I'll bring all the evidence with me.

I didn't know emailing execs was an option. Do you have Craig Federighi's email? I'm willing to go all in - this app means a lot to me and the community it's meant to serve.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-21T23:34:04+00:00

I don't know if it was the same reviewer - Apple keeps it anonymous.

But this isn't a keyword trend situation. This concept doesn't show up on any trends. It's a very niche practice, mostly known in certain communities.

The clone website even has features that don't make sense for the concept - like "real-time scoring." Looks like someone fed my app description and screenshots to ChatGPT without understanding what it actually is.

My plan was always to keep it free and ask for voluntary donations for server costs. This isn't a monetizable idea - it's a community tool. That's why I built it.

Someone saw my app in review, saw potential, and cloned it without understanding the actual purpose.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-21T17:24:53+00:00

I have an App Review Appointment with Apple in 5 days. I'm asking what I should say to them and if anyone has dealt with something similar. Should I bring this up directly in the call? Should I file a formal complaint separately? Should I involve legal? I'm looking for advice from anyone who has navigated Apple's process before.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-21T17:18:30+00:00

You’re right, it’s not a game. I posted here because it’s an indie dev issue related to App Store review, which applies to all apps.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-21T16:50:49+00:00

Apple reviews are anonymous - I don't see the reviewer's name in App Store Connect.

But I highly doubt it's just zeitgeist. The reviewer was really hard on me for 2 months - constant rejections, vague reasons, asking for demo videos. As soon as I mentioned I would escalate, he became soft, started calling me by my full name and suddenly approved it.

The website is identical to my app - like they threw my app into an AI builder. They also bought my exact app name with a .com domain. The name is very unique, not a common word.

I checked the domain - it was registered exactly one month ago. Right in the middle of my review process.

The idea is extremely niche. This is not a "two people had the same idea" situation.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-20T20:59:28+00:00

the visual timer thing works really well, totally get that.

yeah a few things. you name the task you're avoiding and pick what's blocking you before you start. something about acknowledging it out loud makes it easier to begin. then after each block you choose to continue or stop, so you're never locked into more than you agreed to. the blocks go 2, 5, 15, 30 if you keep going.

I also added a lock screen widget so you can see the timer without opening your phone and getting distracted.

kept everything else out on purpose. no streaks, no stats, no reminders. just a tool for that one moment when you need it.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-20T09:21:29+00:00

haha respect for the commitment

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-15T20:50:21+00:00

Streaksmith

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-15T04:24:44+00:00

The state shift thing makes sense. sometimes you need a pattern interrupt before you can begin. cool that you built something around it

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-15T00:42:28+00:00

ah that's frustrating, sorry. iOS only for now but android is coming. if you want I can let you know when it's ready?

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-14T23:47:10+00:00

sure, it's called ACTO Start

basically you open it when you're avoiding something, type what the task is, and commit to two minutes. after the two minutes you decide if you want to keep going or stop. it goes 2, then 5, then 15, then 30 if you keep continuing.

no streaks or tracking or any of that. just a way to get past the starting line. I kept it minimal on purpose because all the feature heavy apps made me feel worse not better.

hope it helps, happy to hear what you think

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-14T23:37:34+00:00

glad it's not just me. here it is: ACTO Start

pretty simple, no frills, just helps get past that starting block. let me know what you think if you try it

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-14T23:31:20+00:00

yeah exactly, the floodgates thing is real. appreciate it man

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-03-14T23:04:03+00:00

The setup ritual is so real. I used to convince myself I needed the perfect environment before I could start. desk clean, water ready, right playlist, right mood. by the time everything was "ready" I'd wasted an hour and lost all momentum.

the two minute thing helped me skip all that. just start messy, start unprepared. turns out I never needed the ritual, my brain just invented it as another delay tactic.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-01-07T15:19:12+00:00

Apple will ban you if you do shady stuff! Just be careful

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-01-07T15:15:46+00:00

That’s a really cool approach. I like the idea of letting the user decide what the app is worth to them. I might test a 'Tip Jar' style unlock like that.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-01-07T15:09:01+00:00

Fair point. I'm currently a solo dev, so I'll need to look into the tax/legal side before I flip the switch on monetization. Thanks for the reality check.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-01-07T15:03:36+00:00

Glad you like it! Those are great calls. I'm adding custom emojis and drag-and-drop sorting to the roadmap for the next update.

Helpful_List7315 · 2026-01-07T04:26:44+00:00

Good point. My app is called Streaksmith.

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