Apple App Store new policy introduces Required Reason APIs: developers will have to justify API use in order to have their app approved

Apple recently announced a new requirement to submit apps to the Apple App Store: developers will have to explain why their apps use certain APIs, known as "Required Reason APIs". This action is aimed at combating fingerprinting, a technique that collects data to uniquely identify a device, often leading to privacy breaches.

The policy will be implemented this fall with the release of iOS 17, tvOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma. Developers failing to provide necessary explanations for using Required Reason APIs will be notified by Apple. Starting spring 2024, any apps using these APIs without valid justification will be rejected from the App Store.

Despite its intention to enhance user privacy, the policy has raised concerns among developers about potential increases in app and update rejections, which could impact the developer experience on the platform.