App Store Considerations

Apple App Store Review

1. WebView Wrapper Rejection

Apple rejects "simple website wrappers" that don't provide functionality beyond what a web browser offers. Guideline 4.2 requires apps to have sufficient native features.

Our mitigation: The app uses genuine native Capacitor plugins:

• Push notifications (APNs)
• Haptic feedback
• Biometric re-authentication (future)
• Native status bar control
• Android back button handling
• App lifecycle management
• Splash screen

Recommendation: Document native API usage in App Review notes when submitting.

2. In-App Purchase Requirement

If Feed sells points/credits for real money via Stripe in the app, Apple requires using their IAP system (30% cut). App Store Guidelines 3.1.1.

Options:

1. Remove Stripe from mobile app — link out to web for purchases. Users buy on web, use in app.
2. Implement IAP via @capacitor-community/in-app-purchases plugin. Apple gets 30% (15% for small business program).
3. Only offer free features in the mobile app. No purchases at all.

Decision needed: This is a business decision with revenue implications.

3. Prediction Markets / Crypto Policy

App Store Guidelines 3.1.1 (Payments) and 3.1.5 (Cryptocurrencies). Prediction markets may be classified as gambling.

Key questions:

• Does Feed involve real-money prediction markets?
• Are users wagering actual cryptocurrency?
• Do prediction market outcomes constitute "gambling" under Apple's definition?

If classified as gambling: Apple requires:

• Compliance with local gambling regulations
• Possible geographic restrictions
• Specific licensing in supported jurisdictions
• Age verification

Recommendation: Legal review before submission. Research precedent — apps like Polymarket, Kalshi, and Robinhood (options) for how they handle App Store compliance.

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Google Play Store

Real-Money Gambling

Google has specific requirements in its Gambling and Games policy. If prediction markets qualify:

• Must apply to Google's Real-Money Games program
• Geographic restrictions may apply
• Age gates required

Crypto Compliance

Google enforces local laws for crypto apps. Generally less restrictive than Apple but still enforced. Apps must comply with financial services regulations in each supported country.

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OTA Updates

Apple App Store Guidelines section 3.3.2 allows OTA JavaScript updates for WebView-based apps:

"Interpreted code may only be used in an Application if [...] it is downloaded and run by Apple's built-in WebKit framework."

Capacitor apps use WebKit, so OTA JS updates via Capgo or Capacitor Live Update are permitted. This allows:

• Bug fixes without App Store review
• UI changes without resubmission
• Feature additions that don't require new native plugins

Cannot be updated OTA: Native plugin additions, app icon changes, permission changes — these require a new App Store submission.

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Submission Checklist

Item	Status
App icon (1024×1024)	✅ Source image ready, generate:assets script ready
Splash screen	✅ Configured in capacitor.config.ts
Screenshots (iPhone 6.7", 6.5", iPad)	❌ Needs device captures
Screenshots (Android phone, tablet)	❌ Needs device captures
App description	❌ Needs copywriting
Keywords	❌ Needs research
Privacy policy URL	❌ Needs legal
Apple Developer account ($99/year)	❌ Needs purchase
Google Play Developer account ($25 one-time)	❌ Needs purchase
iOS code signing (certificates + provisioning profiles)	❌ Needs Apple Developer portal
Android release keystore	❌ Needs generation
apple-app-site-association TEAM_ID	❌ Needs Apple Developer account
assetlinks.json SHA256 fingerprint	❌ Needs Android signing key
Regulatory research	❌ Needs legal review
Stripe IAP decision	❌ Needs business decision