App Store 3.2.2 rejection: Prohibited business practices
By The Draftbit team · Updated
Sources checked
This guide is for iPhone and iPad apps flagged for advertising manipulation, restricted business models, lending terms, or forced store actions.
A 3.2.2 rejection can point to very different problems. The clause in parentheses identifies the one Apple means. We’d trace that behavior through the app and the business process behind it before editing the response.
3.2.2(i): general app storefronts
This clause rejects App Store-like or general-interest collections of third-party apps, extensions, and plugins. A specialized approved collection has different conditions under 3.2.1(ii).
3.2.2(iii): artificial ad activity
Remove artificial impressions or clicks and experiences designed primarily to display ads. Inspect ad libraries and incentives as well as your own interface.
3.2.2(iv): charitable collections
Direct in-app fundraising needs the allowance and approval described in 3.2.1(vi). Otherwise, qualifying fundraising apps must be free and collect outside the app through permitted routes. Verify the organization’s status before choosing the flow.
3.2.2(v): arbitrary access restrictions
Explain the real purpose of location, carrier, or other access restrictions. Remove arbitrary barriers; where a restriction reflects a genuine service or legal limitation, provide the specific rationale.
3.2.2(vii): manipulating other services
Remove tools that artificially change visibility, status, or rankings on another service unless that service’s terms permit the activity. Check automation and purchased engagement features.
3.2.2(viii): trading products
Binary-options trading apps are prohibited. Contracts for difference and other derivatives require proper licensing in every location served. Obtain qualified advice and provide evidence for the actual product and operator.
3.2.2(ix): personal loans
Display all loan terms clearly, including maximum equivalent APR and payment dates. Apple’s rule caps APR, including costs and fees, at 36% and prohibits required full repayment within 60 days or less. Check the actual repayment calculation and every fee, not only the headline interest rate.
3.2.2(x): forced ratings and downloads
Remove requirements to rate, review, or download other apps to access functionality or content. The clause distinguishes those store actions from incentives for eligible actions within the app.
Verify before resubmitting
Clauses (ii) and (vi) are intentionally omitted in Apple’s current text. For an active clause, test the corrected transaction, restriction, or incentive and show Apple the result. If the core business model is prohibited, a renamed button won’t resolve the rejection.
Messages this guide can help with
App Store 3.2.2 rejection; app store 3.2.2 denial; Guideline 3.2.2; Prohibited business practices; 3.2.2(i); 3.2.2(iii); 3.2.2(iv); 3.2.2(v); 3.2.2(vii); 3.2.2(viii); 3.2.2(ix); 3.2.2(x)
Official sources
We checked these instructions against the sources below. The console layout may change, and your review decision may call for different steps.
- Apple App Review guideline 3.2.2 Checked 22 September 2026