Pass App Store Review: Cross-Platform Boilerplate Guide

Getting your app through the App Store review process can feel like a black box. Delays, rejections, and vague feedback can stall your launch and kill your momentum. But it doesn't have to be a gamble. With the right preparation and tools, you can pass review on the first try.

This guide breaks down:

• Why apps get rejected (and how to avoid it)
• What reviewers are really looking for
• The must-have features for approval
• A step-by-step pre-submission checklist
• Real-world examples
• What to do if you get rejected

We'll also show how the MoneyMouth boilerplate helps you breeze through review for iOS, Android, and web.

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1. Why Apps Get Rejected (and How to Avoid It)

App store reviewers look for more than just a working app. Here are the most common reasons for rejection—and how to sidestep them:

1.1 Missing Native Features

• Problem: Apps that feel like web wrappers or lack platform-specific features are often rejected.
• Solution: Use native navigation, gestures, and UI elements. Make sure your app doesn't just look like a website inside a mobile shell.
• Pro Tip: Add small touches like pull-to-refresh, native share sheets, and platform-specific icons.

1.2 Poor Performance

• Problem: Slow startup, laggy UI, or crashes are instant red flags.
• Solution: Test on real devices, not just emulators. Optimize images, code, and network requests.
• Pro Tip: Use performance monitoring tools to catch issues before reviewers do.

1.3 Privacy & Compliance Issues

• Problem: Not handling user data correctly, missing privacy policies, or failing to request permissions properly.
• Solution: Always show a privacy policy. Request permissions with clear explanations. Handle data securely.
• Pro Tip: Use built-in privacy modules and double-check your compliance with Apple and Google guidelines.

1.4 Incomplete Payment Flows

• Problem: Using unsupported payment providers or not following Apple/Google rules for in-app purchases.
• Solution: Use StoreKit for iOS, Google Play Billing for Android, and Stripe for web. Never bypass platform payment rules.
• Pro Tip: Test every payment scenario, including refunds and failed transactions.

1.5 Unreliable Offline/Sync

• Problem: Apps that lose data or fail to work offline can be rejected.
• Solution: Implement local storage and robust sync logic. Test with airplane mode and poor connections.
• Pro Tip: Use a local-first architecture to ensure data is never lost.

1.6 Unclear User Experience

• Problem: Confusing onboarding, missing explanations for permissions, or broken navigation.
• Solution: Guide users with tooltips, onboarding screens, and clear permission prompts.
• Pro Tip: Ask friends or testers to try onboarding—if they get stuck, reviewers will too.

Key Takeaway: Reviewers want to see a polished, native, and user-friendly app that respects privacy and follows platform rules.

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2. The Review Process: What to Expect

Understanding the review process helps you prepare and avoid surprises.

2.1 Automated Checks

• Your app is scanned for malware, private APIs, and compliance issues.
• Tip: Avoid using undocumented APIs or libraries that might trigger warnings.

2.2 Manual Review

• A real person tests your app for functionality, performance, and adherence to guidelines.
• Tip: Reviewers will try to break your app. Test edge cases and error states.

2.3 Feedback & Rejection

• If you miss something, you'll get a rejection notice with feedback. Sometimes it's vague, so be ready to investigate.
• Tip: Stay calm. Most rejections are fixable.

Key Takeaway: The process is thorough but predictable. Prepare for both automated and human checks.

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3. The Must-Have Features for Approval

MoneyMouth is designed to help you check every box. Here's how:

3.1 Native Look & Feel

• Built with TypeScript, Tanstack Start, and native modules for iOS/Android/web.
• Why it matters: Reviewers want apps that feel at home on their platform.

3.2 Payments

• Stripe for web, StoreKit for iOS, Google Play Billing for Android—pre-wired and compliant.
• Why it matters: Payment compliance is a top reason for rejection.

3.3 Notifications

• FCM and trigger.dev for reliable, timezone-aware notifications everywhere.
• Why it matters: Users expect timely, reliable notifications.

3.4 Realtime & Offline

• InstantDB for realtime sync, local-first architecture, and robust offline support.
• Why it matters: Apps must work even with spotty connections.

3.5 Authentication

• Better-Auth with Google, Apple, and email sign-in.
• Why it matters: Secure, easy sign-in is required for most apps.

3.6 Performance

• 60FPS rendering, 3.5MB initial download, and over-the-air updates.
• Why it matters: Fast, lightweight apps get approved faster.

3.7 Testing & CI/CD

• React Testing Library, Playwright, and GitHub Actions pipelines included.
• Why it matters: Automated tests catch issues before reviewers do.

3.8 User Analytics

• Built-in Umami tracking.
• Why it matters: Analytics help you improve and prove your app's value.

3.9 Documentation & Support

• Full docs and support to help you ship and get approved.
• Why it matters: Good documentation speeds up fixes and updates.

Key Takeaway: A production-ready boilerplate like MoneyMouth covers all the bases, saving you time and headaches.

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4. The Ultimate Pre-Submission Checklist

Before you hit submit, work through this checklist. Each step is critical for approval.

4.1 Test All Features on Real Devices

• Emulators are not enough. Reviewers use real devices.
• Action: Test on multiple phones and tablets. Try both iOS and Android.
• Example: ProgressMade.ai found a camera bug on a real iPhone that emulators missed.

4.2 Check for Crashes, Slowdowns, and UI Glitches

• Reviewers will reject apps that crash or lag.
• Action: Use crash reporting tools. Stress-test your app with rapid taps and backgrounding.
• Tip: Fix even minor UI glitches—they signal lack of polish.

4.3 Review All Permissions and Privacy Policies

• Missing or unclear privacy info is a top rejection reason.
• Action: Write a clear privacy policy. Explain every permission request in plain language.
• Tip: Use built-in privacy modules from your boilerplate.

4.4 Ensure Payment Flows Use the Correct Provider for Each Platform

• Apple and Google are strict about payment rules.
• Action: Use StoreKit for iOS, Google Play Billing for Android, and Stripe for web.
• Tip: Test all payment flows, including edge cases like failed payments.

4.5 Simulate Offline and Sync Scenarios

• Reviewers may test your app with no internet.
• Action: Switch to airplane mode and use your app. Check that data is saved and synced when back online.
• Tip: Use a local-first database for best results.

4.6 Provide Clear Onboarding and Explanations for Permissions

• Confusing onboarding leads to rejections.
• Action: Add onboarding screens and tooltips. Explain why you need each permission.
• Tip: Ask testers to go through onboarding and give feedback.

4.7 Run Automated Tests and CI/CD Pipelines

• Automated tests catch bugs before reviewers do.
• Action: Set up CI/CD with GitHub Actions. Run tests for every commit.
• Tip: Use Playwright for end-to-end testing.

4.8 Review the Ultimate Monetization Checklist

• Monetization mistakes are common rejection reasons.
• Action: Double-check your payment flows and compliance.
• Tip: Use the Ultimate Checklist for Monetizing Your App Across All Platforms.

4.9 Double-Check Top Pitfalls in Cross-Platform App Development

• Learn from others' mistakes.
• Action: Review the Top Pitfalls in Cross-Platform App Development.
• Tip: Fix any issues before submission.

Key Takeaway: A thorough checklist is your best defense against rejection.

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5. Real-World Example: ProgressMade.ai

ProgressMade.ai used the MoneyMouth boilerplate to launch on iOS, Android, and web—all on the first try.

How They Did It

• Followed the pre-submission checklist step by step
• Used built-in modules for payments, notifications, and offline support
• Tested on real devices and fixed every bug
• Used automated tests and CI/CD pipelines

The Result

• Passed review on all platforms
• Launched to real users without delays
• Saved weeks of development and debugging time

Key Takeaway: Real products, real users, real results. The right boilerplate makes approval much easier.

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6. What If You Get Rejected? Step-by-Step Recovery

Even with the best prep, rejections happen. Here's how to handle them:

6.1 Read the Feedback Carefully

• Reviewers will tell you what went wrong. Sometimes it's vague, so read between the lines.
• Action: Look for keywords like "performance," "privacy," or "payment."

6.2 Reproduce the Issue

• Try to trigger the problem on your own device.
• Action: Use the reviewer's steps if provided. If not, test the area they mention.

6.3 Fix the Problem

• Use your boilerplate's modules to patch issues quickly.
• Action: Update code, fix bugs, or clarify permissions as needed.

6.4 Respond and Resubmit

• Write a short note explaining what you fixed.
• Action: Be polite and specific. Reviewers appreciate clear communication.

6.5 Get Help if Needed

• MoneyMouth offers full documentation and support.
• Action: Reach out for help if you're stuck. Don't waste time guessing.

6.6 Refund Guarantee

• If your app isn't accepted, MoneyMouth offers a full refund.
• Action: Use this as peace of mind—rarely needed, but always there.

Key Takeaway: Rejection isn't the end. With the right process, you can fix issues and get approved fast.

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7. Launch with Confidence

Don't let app store review slow you down. With the right preparation, tools, and support, you can:

• Pass review on the first try
• Launch on iOS, Android, and web
• Save time, money, and stress

Ready to launch? Check out the MoneyMouth boilerplate and ship with confidence—knowing you're ready for approval on every platform.

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Summary:

• Reviewers want native, polished, and compliant apps
• Use a production-ready boilerplate to cover all requirements
• Follow the checklist and test on real devices
• Fix issues fast and communicate clearly if rejected
• Launch with confidence and focus on your users, not the review process