# Guideline 4.2.1 - Design: AR App With No Real Interaction

**Guideline:** 4.2.1 · **Store:** Apple App Store · **Severity:** medium · **Fix difficulty:** medium · **Typical turnaround:** 1-3 days

Canonical URL: https://appstorereject.com/rejections/apple/4/guideline-421-design-ar-app-with-no-real-interaction

## Description

Apple is rejecting your AR app because it does not provide a meaningful augmented reality experience. This guideline requires that AR apps use ARKit or RealityKit in a way that delivers genuine interactive value — not just placing a static 3D model in the camera view with no further interaction. This rejection typically hits apps that let users view a single 3D object in AR with no ability to interact with it, customize it, or use it in a meaningful workflow. Common offenders: furniture preview apps that only show one item, novelty apps that place a static character in the scene, or demo apps that showcase ARKit but don't do anything useful with it. Apple wants AR apps to provide persistent, interactive, and useful experiences. 'Persistent' means the AR content should react to the real environment (lighting, surfaces, occlusion). 'Interactive' means users should be able to manipulate objects, trigger actions, or use gestures. 'Useful' means the AR component should serve a practical or entertainment purpose beyond novelty. The fastest compliant path is to add meaningful interaction layers: object manipulation (scale, rotate, reposition), multiple objects or scenes, surface detection feedback, and a clear use case that justifies the AR experience.

## Common variations

- AR functionality is limited to displaying a static 3D model
- AR app does not provide a sufficiently interactive experience
- AR features are superficial and do not leverage device capabilities meaningfully
- AR experience lacks practical application or meaningful user interaction

## Example rejection email

```
Guideline 4.2.1 - Design - Minimum Functionality

Your app uses ARKit but does not provide a sufficiently interactive augmented reality experience. Specifically, the AR functionality is limited to displaying a static 3D model with no meaningful user interaction or practical application.

AR apps should leverage ARKit to create immersive, interactive experiences that take advantage of device capabilities in a meaningful way.

Next Steps:
Please revise your app to include interactive AR features that provide real value to users, such as object manipulation, multi-object placement, environmental interaction, or integration with a practical workflow.
```

## Resolution steps

## Quick Assessment
- **Risk level:** Medium
- **Resolution path:** Add interactive AR features
- **Typical turnaround:** 1-3 days

## The Fix

01. **Add object manipulation** — Let users tap, drag, pinch-to-scale, and rotate AR objects. This is the minimum interaction bar.

02. **Implement multi-object placement** — Allow placing multiple objects in the scene. Users should be able to build a scene, not just view one item.

03. **Add environmental awareness** — Use ARKit's plane detection, lighting estimation, and occlusion so objects look natural in the real environment.

04. **Connect AR to a practical workflow** — If it's a furniture app, let users measure spaces and save room layouts. If it's educational, add informational overlays. If it's a game, add scoring and objectives.

05. **Add a content library** — Provide multiple 3D models, textures, or scenes to choose from. A single static object is what gets flagged.

06. **Include screenshot/recording** — Let users capture and share their AR scenes. This adds utility and demonstrates the feature's value.

## Prevention
- Plan AR interactions before building — static display is never enough
- Include at least: placement, manipulation (scale/rotate), multiple objects, and sharing
- Test with the question: 'Would a user come back to use the AR feature again?'
- Consider whether AR actually adds value to your app or if it's forced

## Appeal guidance

Appeal only if the reviewer missed interactive features. Provide a video demonstrating all AR interactions — gestures, manipulation, environmental awareness. If the app truly only shows a static model, add interactions and resubmit.

## Before / after examples

**Before:** AR app places a single static 3D furniture model on a detected plane with no interaction — user can only view it from different angles by moving the phone
**After:** AR app detects room surfaces, allows placing multiple furniture items, supports pinch/rotate/drag gestures, shows real-time dimensions, estimates lighting for realistic shadows, and lets users save and share room layouts
**Why it works:** AR experiences must be interactive and purposeful. Static model viewing doesn't clear Apple's minimum functionality bar.

## Common questions

**Can you appeal a 4.2.1 rejection?**

Appeal only if the reviewer missed interactive features. Provide a video demonstrating all AR interactions — gestures, manipulation, environmental awareness. If the app truly only shows a static model, add interactions and resubmit.

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

Typical turnaround is 1-3 days (difficulty: medium). 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-421-design-ar-app-with-no-real-interaction*