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Apple Guideline 2.1 Rejection: How to Fix "App Crashes or Incomplete" Issues on iOS

Written by: ShopApper Team
18.06.2025 - 4 mins read

Table of Contents

If your iOS app crashes on launch, contains placeholder screens, or is missing essential features, it will be swiftly rejected under Apple App Store Review Guideline 2.1 – App Performance and Completeness. This is one of the most common iOS rejections for first-time and web-to-app developers alike — but it’s also one of the easiest to fix with the right preparation.

🚨 What Does Apple Guideline 2.1 Mean?

Apple requires all submitted apps to be:
  • Fully functional
  • Stable at launch
  • Complete with no under-construction content
  • Capable of being tested without friction (i.e., working logins and backend services)
If your app fails to meet these standards, you’ll receive the dreaded “Guideline 2.1 – Performance: App Incomplete” rejection notice.

❌ Common Reasons for Rejection Under 2.1

Here’s what often triggers this rejection:

Reason
Description
🔧 App Crashes
Crashes on launch or when navigating basic screens
🔐 No Test Credentials
Apple testers can’t log in due to missing or invalid credentials
🖼️ Placeholder Screens
“Coming soon”, “Under construction”, or default template pages
🚫 Incomplete Features
Missing buttons, non-working sections, broken links
🧱 Backend Not Ready
APIs, servers, or third-party services aren’t configured or responding

✅ How to Fix Apple Guideline 2.1 Rejection

1. Test Your App on Real Devices (Not Just Emulators)

  • Apple tests on real hardware. You should too.
    • Use TestFlight for pre-submission testing
    • Check load times, crashes, lag, or broken features
    • Simulate poor connectivity and test empty states (e.g., no products, no messages)
    💡 Pro Tip from ShopApper: Every app we ship is tested with both automation and real-user QA flows before submission.

2. Remove Placeholder Screens or "Coming Soon" Content

Apple doesn’t allow apps with incomplete content.
  • Replace placeholders with real UI or empty states
  • Avoid stock images or default template banners
  • Every visible screen should reflect a working feature

3. Provide Valid Test Credentials (Login-Based Apps)

If your app requires login, Apple must be able to get in.
✔️ Create a demo account with full access
✔️ Provide the username/password under App Review Notes in App Store Connect
✔️ Include guidance on how to navigate the app to test features
🚫 Do not expect Apple to create an account themselves.

4. 🔧Complete Backend Setup Before Submission

  • Ensure all APIs return valid data
  • Connect payment systems, analytics, and push notifications
  • Confirm that services like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Firebase are fully configured
💡 With ShopApper: We handle backend configuration, test account setup, and submission notes — so nothing gets missed.

How Prepared Is Your Store for a Mobile App?

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🧠 How ShopApper Prevents This Type of Rejection

With ShopApper, you don’t need to worry about getting rejected for crashes or missing features. Our platform includes:
✅ Real-device and simulator testing
✅ Detection of missing or placeholder content
✅ Built-in login credential generation
✅ App Store Connect guidance
✅ Fast resubmission support in case of rejection
We’ve helped dozens of apps get approved after 2.1 rejections — often within 24–48 hours.

🚫 What Not to Do (Apple Guideline 2.1 Rejection)

Avoid these common mistakes to prevent your iOS app from getting rejected under App Store Guideline 2.1:

❌ Don’t Skip Real Device Testing

Test on actual iPhones/iPads — not just simulators. Crashes on real devices lead to instant rejection.

❌ Don’t Include Placeholder Screens

Remove all “Coming Soon” or lorem ipsum content. Every screen must be live and functional.

❌ Don’t Forget Test Credentials

If login is required, provide a working demo account and instructions in App Review Notes.

❌ Don’t Reference Future Features

Avoid “coming in next version” messages. Apple reviews the current version only.

❌ Don’t Launch Without Backend Setup

Make sure APIs, payments, and servers are working. Broken or offline services = rejection.

❌ Don’t Leave Reviewers Guessing

Always include clear testing steps in the App Store Connect notes.

📘 Apple’s Official Guidelines on App Completeness

Refer to Apple’s documentation:

📲 Got Rejected for Crashes or Incomplete App?

No worries — ShopApper can fix it.
Whether your app failed due to performance issues, login errors, or backend instability, we’ll help:
  • Diagnose the issue
  • Apply fixes
  • Resubmit with a clean App Store review path

👉 Fix My Rejection with ShopApper

🏁 Final Tip: Test, Complete, Submit

App completeness and stability are non-negotiable in Apple’s ecosystem. Don’t rush submission — test it like Apple would. With ShopApper, your app will be ready from day one.
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