App Store Reject

Guideline 1.1.6

Guideline 1.1.6 - Safety: False Information or Fake Features

Medium SeverityEasy FixTypical Fix: 2-8 hours0 Reports
Also known as:App claims device capabilities that are not technically possibleApp presents false information about device dataApp includes trick or joke functionality that misleads usersEntertainment purposes disclaimer does not overcome this guidelineApp enables anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS messages

Our Take

Apple is rejecting your app because it presents false information, fake device capabilities, or trick/joke functionality. This covers apps like fake lie detectors, fake X-ray scanners, fake metal detectors, or prank call/SMS apps. Adding an 'entertainment purposes only' disclaimer does NOT overcome this guideline. This rejection is common for novelty apps that claim device capabilities that don't exist. Even if your intent is humorous, Apple takes the position that users shouldn't be misled about what their device can do. The same applies to apps that send anonymous or prank phone calls or SMS messages. The guideline also covers apps with inaccurate device data — for example, showing fake battery levels, fake storage information, or fake location data. If your app displays any device information, it must be accurate.

Resolution Guide

01

Remove fake capability claims

If your app claims to detect metals, measure blood pressure, take X-rays, or any other impossible function using only the phone's sensors, remove that feature entirely.

02

Reframe as educational or entertainment

If the core concept has value, reframe it honestly. For example, instead of 'Metal Detector,' an app could be 'Magnetometer Viewer' showing actual compass/magnetometer readings.

03

Ensure device data accuracy

If your app displays battery, storage, network, or location information, verify it's pulling real data from system APIs.

04

Remove prank functionality

Remove any anonymous calling, prank SMS, or spoofed messaging features entirely. There is no compliant version of this.

05

Update marketing materials

Ensure screenshots, descriptions, and preview videos don't make any false claims about the app's capabilities.

Prevention

  • Never claim device capabilities that aren't technically possible
  • If building novelty apps, focus on real sensor data presented creatively
  • Don't rely on 'for entertainment purposes' disclaimers

    • Example Rejection Email

    From:Apple App Review Team
    Subject:Guideline 1.1.6 - Safety: False Information or Fake Featur
    Guideline 1.1.6 - Safety - Objectionable Content Your app includes features or content that are misleading to users. Specifically, your app claims device capabilities that are not technically possible, which could mislead users. Adding an 'entertainment purposes only' disclaimer does not overcome this guideline. Next Steps: Please revise your app to remove false or misleading features and ensure all device-related claims are accurate.

    Before & After

    Before — Rejected

    App marketed as 'Ghost Detector' claiming to use phone sensors to detect supernatural activity

    After — Approved

    App reframed as 'EMF Meter' showing actual magnetometer data with creative visualization, no supernatural claims

    What changed: Using real sensor data honestly rather than claiming impossible capabilities satisfies the guideline.

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