Real-World Cases

Guideline 5.4 - Legal - VPN Apps. Your parental control app uses VPN profile for content filtering but is not enrolled as an organization.

Fix: Switched from VPN-based filtering to Screen Time API and DNS-based content filtering. Used NEDNSProxyProvider instead of VPN tunnel. This approach doesnt trigger the VPN guideline and works better for...

Guideline 5.4 - Legal - VPN Apps. Your DNS-over-HTTPS app was classified as a VPN service requiring organization enrollment.

Fix: Applied for organization developer enrollment to comply with guideline 5.4. Once enrolled, resubmitted with clear documentation that the app only changes DNS settings and does not route traffic throug...

Guideline 5.4 - VPN Apps. Your app uses NEVPNManager for purposes other than providing VPN services. Using VPN profiles to filter content or block ads is not permitted.

Fix: Switched to Safari Content Blocker approach using the Content Blocker extension point instead of VPN profiles. Lost system-wide blocking but gained App Store approval.

Guideline 5.4 - Legal - VPN Apps. Your ad-blocking app uses VPN profile to filter network traffic but is not registered as a VPN provider.

Fix: Switched from VPN-based ad blocking to Safari Content Blocker extension which doesnt require VPN profile. For in-app ad blocking, used URLProtocol interception instead of VPN tunnel.

Guideline 5.4 - Your VPN app was submitted from a personal developer account. VPN apps must be submitted by an organization with a registered business entity.

Fix: Enrolled in the Apple Developer Program as an organization by registering an LLC. Obtained a D-U-N-S number for the business. Transferred the app to the organization account. Also added a privacy poli...

Guideline 5.4 - Legal - VPN Apps. Apps offering VPN services must utilize the NEVPNManager API and may only be offered by developers enrolled as an organization.

Fix: Enrolled as an organization in the Apple Developer Program. Implemented VPN using the NEVPNManager API exclusively. Added clear privacy policy about data handling. Got approved after organizational ve...

Guideline 5.4 - VPN Apps. Apps offering VPN services must utilize the NEVPNManager API and may only be offered by developers enrolled as an organization.

Fix: Had to register as an organization in Apple Developer Program. Required DUNS number and business verification. Process took 2 weeks before resubmitting.

Guideline 5.4 - Legal - VPN Apps. Your app facilitates VPN services but uses advertising that contradicts the data handling requirements for VPN apps.

Fix: Removed all advertising SDKs from the VPN app. Switched to subscription-only monetization model with no ads or user tracking. Updated privacy policy to reflect zero-logging.

Guideline 5.4 - Legal - VPN Apps. Your VPN app collects and sells user browsing data to third parties, violating the VPN data handling requirements.

Fix: Changed business model to subscription-based with zero-logging policy. Removed all data collection and third-party analytics. Had independent audit confirm no-logging claims. Published transparency re...

Guideline 5.4 - VPN Apps. Your app update references content in the app description that does not comply with guidelines. VPN apps may not sell or disclose user data.

Fix: Rewrote app description to avoid language Apple found problematic. Had to go through multiple rounds of review clarifying that the VPN does not collect user data.

Guideline 5.4 - Legal - VPN Apps. Your VPN app update was rejected due to content in the app description that was previously approved.

Fix: Revised the app description to remove references to bypassing government restrictions. Focused messaging on privacy and security rather than circumvention. Apple approved after description changes.