App Requirements & Guidelines

A practical guide to the Onside App Guidelines, our commitment to safety and quality, and how to prepare your app for a smooth review process.

To publish on the Onside Store, your application must first pass a Review or Notarization (light version of Review) by Apple. This is a mandatory step that ensures all apps on the platform meet foundational security and quality standards.

The specific Apple review your app undergoes depends on whether you want to publish exclusively on Onside or on both Onside and the main App Store.

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1

Meeting Apple's Review Requirements

Onside Only (Notarization Review)

This is the path for apps that will be distributed exclusively on Onside. Your app must pass Apple's Notarization process, which is a streamlined, automated review focused on security, privacy, and ensuring the app is free of malware.

Your app must comply with Apple's Notarization Review Guidelines.

How to View the Correct Guidelines:

1. Go to the official Apple App Store Review Guidelines.

2. At the top of the page, find and check the box that says: "Show Notarization Review Guidelines Only"

   
3. This filters the page to show the exact, more concise set of rules that apply to the Notarization process.

Onside + App Store (App Store Review)

This is the path for apps that will be available on both Onside and the main App Store. Your app must pass the full, comprehensive App Store Review process.

Your app must comply with the complete App Store Review Guidelines.

You can find the full, unfiltered guidelines here: Apple App Store Review Guidelines (view the page without checking the "Notarization Only" box).

2

Aligning with Onside's Platform Principles

Once your app has successfully passed Apple's review, it must also align with our own platform principles. We focus on ensuring a high-quality, transparent, and fair ecosystem for everyone.

🛡️ Safety & Reviewability

• Provide Full Access for Review: This is one of the most common reasons for rejection during Apple's review. If your app requires a login, you must provide a valid demo username and password in the "Review Notes" section of your submission in App Store Connect. If a reviewer cannot fully access your app, it cannot be approved.

• Objectionable Content: Apps with offensive, insensitive, or mean-spirited content will not be approved. User-generated content must have robust filtering and a clear method for users to report abuse.

⚙️ Performance & Stability

• No Crashes or Bugs: Your app must be a complete, stable product that does not crash or exhibit obvious bugs.

• Accurate Metadata: Your app's name, description, screenshots, and previews must accurately reflect its content and functionality.

💼 Business & Transparency

• Sign in with Apple: This is a mandatory requirement. If your app uses any third-party or social login service (like Facebook, Google, or email login), you must also offer Sign in with Apple as an equivalent option.

• Clear Monetization: All in-app purchases and subscriptions must be presented honestly and transparently, with no hidden terms.

Where Onside Offers More Flexibility

While all apps must follow the foundational rules above, our content policies are more flexible than those of the main App Store, particularly in the following areas:

• Broader Content Categories: We provide a platform for apps in categories that may have limited distribution elsewhere, such as Adult Content (where legally permissible and appropriately age-gated), Crypto Applications, and certain types of Gambling or Casino-style Entertainment.

Our primary focus in these categories is ensuring that your app is fully compliant with all applicable local and EU laws, rather than enforcing stricter, platform-specific content rules.

For a detailed explanation, please see our full Content Policies.