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October 21, 2015

Guidelines updated for tvOS apps

Along with other releases (iOS 9.1, watchOS 2.0.1 and tvOS GM) Apple silently updated the App Store Review Guidelines today. The changes listed below are mostly related to the release of the new Apple TV, but the new Apple Pencil also gets a mention.

The new section 2.27 is rather confusing in its mention of the new Siri remote without explaining that the section only applies to tvOS apps (which we assume).

The updated section 3.6 now says that tvOS top shelf extensions must only show content that adhere to the 4+ age rating. This basically means that we should be very careful with using any user generated content for the top shelf.

2. Functionality

  • 2.27

    If your app’s core functionality doesn’t work with the Siri remote it will be rejected. The app may, however, provide enhanced functionality in connection with a game controller or other peripheral

3. Metadata (name, descriptions, ratings, rankings, etc.)

  • 3.6

    Apps with App icons, screenshots, and previews, and images displayed when an Apple TV app is in the top shelf of the Apple TV home screen that do not adhere to the 4+ age rating will be rejected

  • 3.17

    App previews and screenshots that include content played or streamed via the app (e.g. iTunes playlistmusic, YouTube streaming video, and related cover art) that is not licensed for use in the preview or screenshots will be rejected

10. User interface

11. Purchasing and currencies

  • 11.8

    Apps that use IAP to purchase access to built-in capabilities provided by iOS, watchOS, and tvOS, such as the camera or the gyroscope, or Apple-branded peripherals, such as Apple Pencil or Apple Keyboard, will be rejected