App Store RejectionGuideline 1.1.1 — Objectionable Content

Your app was rejected for objectionable content. Here's how to fix it.

Guideline 1.1.1 is one of Apple's broadest rejection reasons. Whether it's graphic violence, disturbing imagery, or content Apple deems harmful, this guide walks you through exactly what reviewers want to see before they'll approve your app.

What Apple said

“We found that your app contains content that many users would find objectionable, including graphic or gratuitous depictions of violence. Apps should not include content that a reasonable person would find offensive, insensitive, or disturbing.”

What this actually means

Apple has a subjective but real line around content that could embarrass the App Store brand or disturb a general audience. This usually means graphic violence, gore, or realistic portrayals of harm — even in games or creative apps. The reviewer flagged something specific, and until you address it, the app won't move forward.

What Apple needs to see

  • Graphic violence or gore either removed or gated behind an explicit age rating with proper content warnings
  • A clear content description in your App Store metadata that accurately reflects the nature of the content
  • If the content is fictional or artistic, context that makes the intent clear and non-gratuitous
  • For games with violence, ensure depictions are stylized or abstract rather than realistic and disturbing
  1. 1Review your screenshots, preview video, and in-app content side by side with Apple's Guideline 1.1.1 examples
  2. 2Remove, blur, or redesign any scene Apple's reviewer specifically mentioned — check the Resolution Center for detail
  3. 3Add a content warning screen on first launch if violence or disturbing content is integral to the experience
  4. 4Update your age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect to accurately reflect the content present
  5. 5Resubmit with a clear reviewer note explaining the changes you made and why the remaining content is appropriate

While you're at it — Apple also requires these pages for every app.

Fix this rejection, then make sure you're covered on the compliance side too. Apple requires every app to link to a hosted Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Support page, and Data Deletion page. No link means another rejection — just for a different reason.

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Support Page
Data Deletion Page
Generate my compliance pages — $9

Common questions

Can I appeal a 1.1.1 rejection instead of changing the content?
Yes, you can use the App Review Board appeal process, but appeals for 1.1.1 rarely succeed unless you can demonstrate the content is clearly mischaracterized. It's usually faster to make the change and resubmit.
My game has violence but it's cartoon-style — why was I rejected?
Apple evaluates whether violence feels gratuitous in context, not just whether it's realistic. Even cartoon violence can be rejected if it's excessive, prolonged, or targets vulnerable characters. Tone down the intensity and resubmit.
What age rating do I need for mature content to be allowed?
A 17+ rating gives you more latitude but doesn't grant unlimited permission. Apple still rejects apps with content it considers beyond the pale regardless of age rating. Use the rating honestly and remove anything genuinely gratuitous.