App Store guideline 5.6: Developer Code of Conduct
Developers are asked to treat everyone with respect and to follow the Developer Code of Conduct. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Guideline
- 5.6 Developer Code of Conduct
- Section
- 5. Legal
- This page
- Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Version
- Guidelines last updated October 16, 2026
- Official source
- Apple's App Review Guidelines
What it means
- Respect applies to replies to App Store reviews, to customer support requests and to communication with Apple, including in App Store Connect. The text rules out harassment of any kind, discriminatory practices, intimidation and bullying, and encouraging others to do any of these.
- Customer trust is described as a cornerstone. Apps should never prey on users, rip off customers, trick them into unwanted purchases, force them to hand over unnecessary data, raise prices in a tricky manner, bill for features or content that never arrive, or use other manipulative practices inside or outside the app.
- A developer account that is not in line with the Code of Conduct will be terminated. To restore it, the developer may give a written statement of the improvements planned. If Apple approves the plan and confirms the changes have been made, the account may be restored.
What reviewers look at
The guideline says a pattern of manipulative or misleading behavior, or other fraud, leads to removal from the Apple Developer Program.
Related guidelines
Apple's text
This page is an unofficial explanation in our own words. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails. Apple's wording is on its page, linked below.
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