Differences Between App Review Processes for Android (Google) and iPhone (Apple)

To release an app, it must go through a review process on the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). This review step is critical for ensuring the quality and security of apps, but there are significant differences in the processes and standards between Google (Android) and Apple (iPhone).

This article explains the differences in app review processes for the Google Play Store and App Store, highlighting key points to consider. Understanding these review standards is essential for developers aiming to release apps on both platforms.

1. Review Speed and Flexibility

Google Play Store (Android)

The Google Play Store review process is relatively flexible and fast. Much of the review is handled by automated systems, allowing apps to be published quickly, often within a few hours to 24 hours. This makes it convenient for developers who need to release updates or fixes promptly.

• Review Time: Typically a few hours to one day.
• Automation: Most of the process is automated, enabling rapid reviews.
• Flexibility: Less stringent standards compared to Apple, making it easier to modify apps.

App Store (iPhone)

The App Store’s review process is highly strict and involves manual checks, often resulting in longer wait times. Reviews usually take 1–3 days, though they can take longer in some cases. Apple prioritizes app quality and user experience, ensuring a rigorous review process.

• Review Time: Typically 1–3 days, sometimes over a week.
• Manual Review: Includes human oversight, ensuring stricter compliance.
• Strictness: High standards for user experience and security.

2. Stringency of Review Standards

Google Play Store (Android)

Google generally prioritizes app freedom, leading to less stringent standards than Apple. As long as apps comply with platform policies, a wide variety of content is permitted. However, recent years have seen increased emphasis on security and data protection, particularly around handling personal information and displaying ads.

• High Flexibility: Allows a wide range of content.
• Security Checks: Enhanced scrutiny for data protection and privacy.
• Ad Policies: Strict rules for ad display methods and content.

App Store (iPhone)

Apple emphasizes consistent quality for users, imposing strict standards on app content, UI/UX design, and security. Apps with inconsistent designs or poor usability are unlikely to pass review. Additionally, Apple enforces rigorous privacy requirements, with strict policies on tracking and data collection.

• Quality Control: Rigorous checks for design, usability, and bugs.
• Privacy Protection: Demands clear explanations for data collection and tracking.
• Design Standards: Requires adherence to Apple’s guidelines for consistent design.

3. Common Reasons for App Rejection

Google Play Store (Android)

Due to its relatively lenient review standards, Google Play rejections are less frequent. However, common reasons for rejection include:

• Security Violations: Issues with data protection or unauthorized access.
• Malicious Ad Display: Inappropriate ad formats or misleading content.
• Inappropriate Content: Violent or adult content that violates guidelines.

App Store (iPhone)

Apple’s strict review process results in a wider range of rejection reasons. Common issues include:

• Design and Usability: Failure to adhere to Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines or poor user interfaces.
• Bugs and Crashes: Apps that crash or have numerous bugs during testing.
• Privacy Concerns: Insufficient explanation of data collection or tracking usage.
• Subscription and Payments: Non-compliance with Apple’s rules for subscriptions or in-app purchases, particularly when using external payment systems.

4. Handling Updates and Fixes

Google Play Store (Android)

The Google Play Store allows for flexible and fast updates. Review times for updates are short, typically completed within a few hours to a day. This makes it easy to release bug fixes or feature improvements quickly after discovery.

• Quick Updates: Fixes can be published in hours to a day.
• Flexible Review: Lightweight review for updates, allowing rapid implementation.

App Store (iPhone)

Apple conducts strict reviews for updates as well. Significant changes, such as adding new features or altering the user interface, require detailed reviews, which can extend the update approval time. Even small fixes may take days to reflect.

• Strict Update Review: Major changes undergo thorough reviews, delaying updates.
• Slower Implementation: Small changes often still require days for approval.

Summary

The Google Play Store (Android) and App Store (iPhone) have distinct characteristics and differences in their app review processes.

• The Google Play Store is fast and flexible, enabling developers to quickly release and update apps. However, its leniency means developers must take extra care to maintain app security and quality.

• The App Store ensures strict adherence to high-quality and privacy standards, creating a trusted user experience. However, this comes with longer review times and a higher likelihood of rejection, requiring careful planning and execution from developers.

Understanding these differences and preparing accordingly is key to successful app development and submission on both platforms. greeden supports app development for both platforms, offering advice and implementation to streamline the review process. For guidance on optimizing your app for submission, don’t hesitate to consult greeden.