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Guideline library
Apple App StoreDesign

4.2.3App independence

What this guideline means

An app submitted for review has to function fully on its own — it can't depend on other unreleased apps, an external device that isn't yet available, or a companion product that doesn't exist yet to actually work.

Why apps actually get flagged

Common with hardware-companion apps submitted before the physical product has actually shipped, leaving reviewers unable to test any real functionality.

A real example

"Your app requires companion hardware or software that is not currently available, so its core functionality could not be verified, per guideline 4.2.3."

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