App Store Guideline 4.5.1 explained: Apple RSS and scraping restrictions

Guideline 4.5.1 sits in Apple's Design section and is most relevant to extensions, Apple services, and platform integrations.

This page summarizes the review risk in practical terms and links to the official Apple source for the exact rule text.

Apple will check that the integration uses the right framework, entitlement, user permission, and platform behavior for its stated purpose.

Apple will check that the integration uses the right framework, entitlement, user permission, and platform behavior for its stated purpose.

Extension and Apple-service features should be scoped to the app's core functionality instead of becoming a hidden data collection or marketing channel.

Reviewer notes should explain any entitlement, account, service, or hardware requirement that is not obvious from the first launch experience.

The feature asks for broad access without a clear connection to the app's core use case.

Metadata implies Apple service support, extension behavior, or platform access that the build does not implement correctly.

The submission omits setup steps, entitlement context, or required test conditions.

Narrow permissions and explain the user-facing purpose before access is requested.

Align App Store metadata with the actual extension or service behavior.

Document setup steps, test accounts, and entitlement-sensitive behavior in review notes.

If Apple cited Guideline 4.5.1, reply with the exact change you made and where the reviewer can verify it.

If you believe the app already complies, provide concise evidence, navigation steps, and any supporting documentation instead of a generic appeal.

Keep the tone factual and cooperative. Avoid promising approval or arguing beyond what the submitted build and metadata can prove.