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Guideline 4.0 rejection: Design

What it means, why it happens, and how developers get through it.

Subject line you may see: Guideline 4.0 - Design

In one line: The UI looks unfinished: clipped text, broken iPad layout, or odd controls.
Usual next move: Fix, new build, then replySomething in the binary has to change. Fix it, bump the build, resubmit, and reply with what changed and how to verify.Based on how this guideline is usually resolved, not a prediction for your app.
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On this page: CausesFixReplyReal casesQuestions

Common real causes

How to fix it

  1. Test smallest iPhone, largest iPhone, and an iPad
  2. Attach before and after screenshots in your reply

What to put in your reply

Thank them and name Guideline 4.0.
Say exactly what changed, and in which version and build.
Give a numbered path the reviewer can follow.
Attach proof: screenshots or a screen recording.

The full fill-in-the-blanks reply for 4.0 is in the Rescue Kit.

Real cases: others who got 4.0

No public cases logged yet.

Questions developers ask about 4.0

What does a Guideline 4.0 rejection mean?

The UI looks unfinished: clipped text, broken iPad layout, or odd controls.

Why do apps get rejected under Guideline 4.0?

The most common real causes: clipped or overlapping text; broken layout on iPad; low contrast.

How do I fix a Guideline 4.0 rejection?

1. Test smallest iPhone, largest iPhone, and an iPad. 2. Attach before and after screenshots in your reply.

Do I need a new build for Guideline 4.0?

Fix, new build, then reply. Something in the binary has to change. Fix it, bump the build, resubmit, and reply with what changed and how to verify. This is how the guideline is usually resolved, not a prediction for your app.

How should I reply to App Review about Guideline 4.0?

Reply in App Store Connect. Thank the reviewer and name Guideline 4.0, say exactly what changed and in which version and build, give a numbered path the reviewer can follow, and attach proof such as screenshots or a screen recording.

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Source: Apple's App Review Guidelines, section 4.0, as revised October 16, 2026. Last checked . Always read the current official text. How we write these guides.