Error 403 on Apple App Store

‍What Causes Error 403?

Error 403 usually results from a permissions conflict or non-compliance with Apple’s guidelines. This can happen if the app’s metadata, screenshots, or required permissions are not configured according to Apple’s standards. Additionally, the error can be triggered if there are restrictions related to specific app features, like in-app purchases, that require explicit approval or validation in App Store Connect.

Understanding these causes can help developers ensure compliance and proper configuration, avoiding potential submission delays.

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Common Scenarios for Error 403 - Forbidden

This error commonly occurs in the following situations:

1. Non-Compliance with App Store Guidelines: Submission fails if the app’s metadata or functionality does not meet Apple’s guidelines.
2. Missing Required Permissions: Error appears when permissions for specific features (e.g., location, camera access) are not included or configured correctly.
3. Incorrect In-App Purchase Setup: The error may arise if in-app purchases or subscriptions are configured improperly in App Store Connect.
4. Geographic Restrictions: Attempting to submit an app with location-based restrictions without setting up proper configurations.

Step-by-Step Solutions for Error 403 - Forbidden

Solution 1: Review and Comply with App Store Guidelines

• Purpose: Ensures that all app metadata, features, and configurations align with Apple’s standards.
• Steps:

1. Review App Store Guidelines carefully, especially sections related to restricted features or app content.
2. Make sure your app’s metadata (descriptions, screenshots, keywords) aligns with these standards.
3. If needed, update the app’s content or functionality to meet compliance.

• Result: Ensuring compliance can eliminate potential rejections based on guideline violations.

Solution 2: Set Up Permissions Correctly in Xcode and App Store Connect

• Purpose: Ensures all required permissions are correctly set up, allowing Apple to approve sensitive or restricted features.
• Steps:

1. In Xcode, navigate to your project settings and verify that all required permissions (e.g., location, microphone) are configured in Info.plist.
2. In App Store Connect, go to your app’s App Information and confirm that any additional permissions are selected as needed.

• Result: Configuring permissions properly allows Apple to approve the app without additional permission errors.

Solution 3: Verify In-App Purchase and Subscription Setup

• Purpose: Ensures that all in-app purchases and subscriptions meet Apple’s requirements and are configured correctly in App Store Connect.
• Steps:

1. Go to App Store Connect and navigate to In-App Purchases.
2. Confirm that each in-app purchase or subscription product is correctly listed, with accurate product IDs and pricing.
3. Check that any subscription features or renewable items are in compliance with Apple’s policies.

• ‍Result: Ensuring correct setup of in-app purchases can reduce submission rejections based on this common error.

Solution 4: Configure Geographic and Regional Restrictions

• Purpose: Ensures that the app’s geographic availability settings align with Apple’s regional restrictions.
• Steps:

1. In App Store Connect, go to the Pricing and Availability section.
2. Confirm that your app is available in the intended regions and that any regional restrictions are correctly configured.
3. Save changes and reattempt the submission if necessary

• Result: Proper regional configuration reduces conflicts and avoids 403 errors due to unsupported regions.

Solution 5: Contact Apple Developer Support if Issue Persists

• Purpose: For persistent cases, contacting Apple’s support team can provide specific insights into the rejection.
• Steps:

1. Document all the troubleshooting steps taken so far.
2. Reach out to Apple Developer Support and provide relevant details.
3. Follow any additional guidance provided by Apple’s support team to correct the issue.

• Result: Apple’s support team can provide tailored guidance to ensure the app meets all necessary requirements.

Conclusion

Error 403 - Forbidden often results from non-compliance with Apple’s guidelines, missing permissions, or incorrectly configured app settings in App Store Connect. Following these steps—reviewing guidelines, setting permissions, verifying in-app purchases, and configuring geographic restrictions—can resolve the issue and improve the app’s chances of successful submission.

With Nami’s low-code solutions, developers can avoid these configuration hassles and rely on Nami to streamline in-app purchase setups, allowing you to focus on core app features. Learn more about simplifying your app deployment at NamiML.

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