# Guideline 2.3.3 - Accurate Metadata: Screenshots Don't Show App in Use

**Guideline:** 2.3.3 · **Store:** Apple App Store · **Fix difficulty:** easy · **Typical turnaround:** 2-8 hours

Canonical URL: https://appstorereject.com/rejections/apple/2/guideline-233-accurate-metadata-screenshots-dont-show-app-in-use

## Description

Apple is rejecting your app because the screenshots you submitted don't adequately show the app being actively used. This commonly happens when screenshots are outdated after a redesign, only show splash screens or login pages, or don't reflect the app's current UI for a specific locale.

Apple requires screenshots to represent the actual user experience — not title art, marketing graphics, login screens, or onboarding flows. Screenshots may include text and image overlays to demonstrate features, but the app's actual interface must be visible.

This rejection frequently targets specific locales or device sizes where screenshots haven't been updated after UI changes.

## Common variations

- Screenshots do not sufficiently show the app in use
- Screenshots for specific language/locale don't reflect current UI
- Screenshots for specific device don't reflect recent changes
- Screenshots only show title art, login page, or splash screen

## Example rejection email

```
We continued to find that some of the provided screenshots for the Spanish language do not sufficiently show the app in use.

Specifically, the iPad Pro (2nd Gen) and iPad Pro (6th Gen) screenshots do not reflect recent changes made to the app's user interface or design.

Upload new screenshots that accurately reflect the app in use on each of the supported devices.
```

## Resolution steps

## Quick Assessment

Check every screenshot set in App Store Connect — across all device sizes and all localizations. Do they show your app's current UI with real content visible? Any set showing old designs, splash screens, or login pages needs updating.

## The Fix

1. **Take fresh screenshots** — Capture the app in its normal, active state. Show core features with real (or realistic) content. Avoid empty states.

2. **Update all device sizes** — Apple may flag specific devices (iPad Pro 2nd Gen, 6th Gen, etc.). Make sure every required device size has current screenshots.

3. **Update all localizations** — If you support multiple languages, each locale needs its own up-to-date screenshots. Don't reuse English screenshots for other locales.

4. **Show the app in use, not onboarding** — Screenshots should show the main app experience: feeds, content, dashboards, key features. Login screens and onboarding don't count.

5. **Overlays are fine** — You can add text callouts, device frames, and feature highlights as overlays, but the actual app UI must be clearly visible underneath.

## Prevention

- Update screenshots with every UI redesign, not just new features
- Use screenshot automation tools (fastlane snapshot) to generate screenshots across all devices and locales
- Keep a checklist of all device/locale combinations you support
- Some screenshots may only be viewed/erased by selecting 'View All Sizes in Media Manager' in App Store Connect

## Before / after examples

**Before:** iPad screenshots showing the old blue-themed UI that was replaced with a new design 3 months ago, still in the Spanish locale
**After:** Fresh iPad screenshots taken from the current app version in Spanish, showing the main dashboard, content feed, and settings screens
**Why it works:** Every device/locale combination must have screenshots reflecting the current app UI and design

## Common questions

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

Typical turnaround is 2-8 hours (difficulty: easy). After resubmission, most re-reviews complete within 24-48 hours.

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*Machine-readable source: https://api.appstorereject.com/api/rejections/detail?slug=guideline-233-accurate-metadata-screenshots-dont-show-app-in-use*