# Guideline 2.3.3 - Accurate Metadata: iPhone Screenshots Used for iPad

**Guideline:** 2.3.3 · **Store:** Apple App Store · **Fix difficulty:** easy · **Typical turnaround:** 2-4 hours

Canonical URL: https://appstorereject.com/rejections/apple/2/guideline-233-accurate-metadata-iphone-screenshots-used-for-ipad

## Description

Apple is rejecting your app because the iPad screenshots appear to be iPhone screenshots that have been modified, stretched, or scaled to look like iPad screenshots. Apple requires that screenshots accurately reflect the app running on each supported device.

This rejection is common when developers don't have iPad-specific screenshots and try to repurpose iPhone screenshots by resizing them. Apple's review team checks for visual artifacts, aspect ratio mismatches, and UI elements that clearly belong to the iPhone form factor.

If your app is iPhone-only and doesn't support iPad natively, you don't need iPad screenshots. But if you claim iPad support, the screenshots must be genuine.

## Common variations

- iPhone screenshot modified or stretched to appear as iPad
- Screenshots not shown on the correct device
- iPad screenshots showing iPhone UI elements
- Screenshots don't accurately reflect app on supported devices

## Example rejection email

```
The 13 inch iPad screenshots show an iPhone image that has been modified or stretched to appear to be an iPad image. Screenshots should highlight the app's core concept to help users understand the app's functionality and value.

Upload new screenshots that resolve the issues identified above and accurately reflect the app in use on each of the supported devices.

Note: some screenshots may only be viewed and erased by selecting 'View All Sizes in Media Manager' in the Previews and Screenshots section of App Store Connect.

Follow these general requirements when adding or updating screenshots:
- Marketing or promotional materials that do not reflect the UI of the app are not appropriate for screenshots.
- The majority of the screenshots should highlight the app's main features and functionality. Note that splash and login screens are generally not considered to show your app in use.
- Ensure the screenshots are shown on the correct device.
- Make sure that the screenshots show the app is in use on the correct device. For example, iPhone screenshots should show the app as it appears on iPhones, not on iPads. Screenshots of the app on iPhones should show the device in portrait mode, while iPad screenshots may be in either orientation.
```

## Resolution steps

## Quick Assessment

Are your iPad screenshots actually taken on an iPad (or iPad simulator)? If you scaled up iPhone screenshots or used the same images across device sizes, that's the problem.

## The Fix

1. **Take real iPad screenshots** — Run your app on an iPad simulator or physical iPad and take fresh screenshots. The UI should use the iPad's screen real estate properly.

2. **Check the Media Manager** — In App Store Connect, go to the Previews and Screenshots section and select 'View All Sizes in Media Manager' to see and manage all device-specific screenshots. Old screenshots may be hidden in specific size slots.

3. **Remove incorrect screenshots** — Delete any iPhone screenshots that were uploaded to iPad size slots.

4. **Consider dropping iPad support** — If your app is truly iPhone-only and doesn't have an iPad-optimized layout, remove iPad from your supported devices rather than faking screenshots.

5. **Respect device orientation** — iPhone screenshots should be portrait. iPad screenshots can be portrait or landscape, but should reflect natural iPad usage.

## Prevention

- Never resize or stretch screenshots between device types
- Use screenshot automation (fastlane snapshot) with iPad simulators configured
- If you support iPad, make sure your app actually has an iPad-appropriate layout
- Check all device slots in Media Manager after every screenshot update

## Before / after examples

**Before:** iPad screenshot slot contains an iPhone screenshot that was stretched to fill the iPad dimensions, with visible distortion and iPhone-sized navigation bars
**After:** Genuine iPad screenshot showing the app with proper iPad layout, sidebar navigation, and full use of the larger screen
**Why it works:** Each device type must have authentic screenshots taken on that device, not resized versions from another device

## Common questions

**How long does this typically take to fix?**

Typical turnaround is 2-4 hours (difficulty: easy). After resubmission, most re-reviews complete within 24-48 hours.

---
*Machine-readable source: https://api.appstorereject.com/api/rejections/detail?slug=guideline-233-accurate-metadata-iphone-screenshots-used-for-ipad*