What Security Standards Must Apps Meet for Approval?

Most apps get rejected from app stores within their first submission—not because they don't work properly, but because they fail to meet basic security standards. After building apps for nearly a decade, I can tell you that security isn't just a nice-to-have feature anymore; its become the foundation that determines whether your app ever sees the light of day.

The mobile app security landscape has changed dramatically over the years. What started as simple guidelines about not storing passwords in plain text has evolved into comprehensive frameworks covering everything from data encryption to biometric authentication. Apple and Google now run automated security scans on every app submission, and trust me—they catch things you wouldn't expect.

Security compliance isn't about ticking boxes; it's about building trust with users who are increasingly aware of how their personal data gets used and protected

I've seen brilliant apps with fantastic user experiences get knocked back repeatedly because the development team didn't understand the security requirements upfront. The frustrating part? Most of these issues could have been avoided if they'd known what to look for from the beginning. We're not just talking about obvious things like encrypting user data—though that's certainly part of it. Modern security standards cover API security, third-party integrations, user authentication methods, and even how your app handles memory management.

The good news is that once you understand what app stores are looking for, building compliant apps becomes second nature. This guide will walk you through exactly what security standards your app needs to meet, broken down by platform and use case, so you can avoid the common pitfalls that trip up most developers.

Core Security Standards for Mobile Apps

Right, let's talk about the security standards that'll make or break your app's approval chances. I've seen brilliant apps get rejected because developers thought security was something they could bolt on later—spoiler alert, it doesn't work that way!

The fundamental security requirements aren't negotiable anymore. Your app needs to encrypt all sensitive data, both at rest and in transit. We're talking proper encryption here, not some basic scrambling that a teenager could crack. Most platforms require AES-256 encryption as the minimum standard, and honestly? That's what you should be using anyway.

Essential Security Requirements

Authentication is another big one. Gone are the days when "password123" was acceptable—your app needs robust authentication mechanisms. Multi-factor authentication isn't just nice to have; it's becoming the expected standard, especially for apps handling financial or personal data.

• Implement certificate pinning to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks
• Use secure communication protocols (HTTPS/TLS 1.2 minimum)
• Enable code obfuscation to protect against reverse engineering
• Implement proper session management with automatic timeouts
• Add root/jailbreak detection for sensitive applications
• Include proper input validation to prevent injection attacks

Here's something that catches many developers off guard—app stores are getting stricter about third-party libraries. Every SDK you include gets scrutinised, and if one has known vulnerabilities, your entire app could be rejected. I always recommend doing a security audit of your dependencies before submission.

The reality is that security standards keep evolving. What passed review six months ago might not cut it today, so staying current with platform security guidelines isn't optional—it's part of the job.

Platform-Specific Security Requirements

Each app store has its own security rulebook, and they're not messing about when it comes to enforcement. Apple's App Store and Google Play have different approaches—and honestly, keeping track of both can feel like juggling while riding a unicycle sometimes!

Apple takes a pretty strict stance on data handling; they want to know exactly what data you're collecting and why. Their App Store Review Guidelines are particularly fussy about location data, health information, and anything involving children's privacy. iOS apps must use App Transport Security by default, which means all network connections need to be encrypted. No exceptions, no shortcuts.

Google Play has its own set of requirements that focus heavily on permissions and user consent. They've gotten much stricter about apps requesting unnecessary permissions—you can't just ask for camera access "just in case" anymore. Google also requires all apps to use specific API levels for security updates, and they're quite good at scanning for malicious code during the review process.

Always test your app's security features on the actual platform requirements before submission. What works in development doesn't always pass the store's automated security scans.

Key Platform Differences

• iOS requires explicit user consent for tracking across apps and websites
• Android mandates scoped storage for accessing external files
• Apple prohibits apps from accessing device identifiers for advertising without permission
• Google Play requires all apps to support 64-bit architecture
• Both platforms scan for known security vulnerabilities in third-party libraries

The review teams at both stores use automated tools that can spot common security flaws pretty quickly. But here's the thing—they also do manual reviews for apps that handle sensitive data. Getting rejected isn't the end of the world, but it does slow down your launch timeline significantly.

Data Protection and Privacy Compliance

Privacy laws have changed the mobile app game completely—and honestly, it's about time. GDPR in Europe and similar regulations worldwide mean apps can't just hoover up user data without proper consent anymore. As someone who's guided countless apps through these requirements, I can tell you its not optional; it's make-or-break for app store approval.

The basics are straightforward but the implementation? That's where things get tricky. Your privacy policy needs to be crystal clear about what data you collect, why you collect it, and how users can control it. But here's the thing—app stores actually read these policies now and they'll reject apps that don't match what the code actually does.

Core Privacy Requirements

• Clear consent mechanisms for data collection
• Granular permissions that users can modify
• Data deletion capabilities within the app
• Transparent privacy policy written in plain English
• Secure data handling practices throughout the app
• Regular audits of third-party SDKs and their data practices

One area that trips up many developers is third-party integrations. Every SDK you add—analytics, advertising, crash reporting—needs to be declared in your privacy policy. I've seen apps rejected because they forgot to mention their crash reporting tool collects device information.

The good news? Users actually trust apps more when they're upfront about data usage. Apps that handle privacy well often see better retention rates because people feel more comfortable using them. It's not just about compliance; it's about building genuine trust with your users from day one.

User Authentication and Access Controls

Authentication is where most apps trip up during the approval process—honestly, it's one of the most scrutinised areas by both Apple and Google. You need to prove that only the right people can access the right data at the right time. Sounds simple? It really isn't.

For starters, both platforms require multi-factor authentication if you're handling sensitive data. That means passwords alone won't cut it anymore; you'll need SMS codes, biometric verification, or authentication apps. I've seen apps get rejected because they relied solely on email/password combinations for financial data access. The reviewers flagged it immediately.

Session Management Requirements

Your app needs to handle user sessions properly—no keeping people logged in indefinitely. Both iOS and Android guidelines specify that sensitive apps should timeout after periods of inactivity. Banking apps typically use 5-10 minutes, whilst e-commerce apps might stretch to 30 minutes. But here's the thing: you need to balance security with user experience or people will just stop using your app.

The strongest authentication system in the world is useless if users find workarounds because its too complicated to use daily

Role-based access control is another big requirement, especially for business apps. Different users need different permissions—your admin panel shouldn't be accessible to regular users, and customer data should only be visible to authorised staff members. The app stores check for proper permission boundaries during their security reviews.

Biometric Integration Standards

Both platforms offer built-in biometric systems (Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint scanners) and they expect you to use them properly. Don't try to build your own biometric system—use the platform's secure APIs. They're more secure, more reliable, and the app stores prefer them. Plus, users already trust these systems, so adoption rates are much higher than custom solutions.

Secure Data Storage and Transmission

Right, let's talk about keeping your users data safe—because honestly, this is where a lot of apps fall flat on their faces. I've seen brilliant apps get rejected simply because they were storing passwords in plain text or sending sensitive information over unencrypted connections. Its not just about meeting approval standards; its about protecting the people who trust you with their information.

When it comes to storing data on the device itself, you need to use the proper secure storage mechanisms that each platform provides. On iOS, that means the Keychain for sensitive stuff like passwords and tokens. Android has the Encrypted Shared Preferences and the Android Keystore system. Don't try to roll your own encryption—seriously, I've watched seasoned developers make this mistake and create security holes you could drive a truck through.

Getting Transmission Right

For data transmission, HTTPS isn't optional anymore; it's the bare minimum. But here's what catches people out—you need proper certificate pinning if you're handling anything remotely sensitive. This stops man-in-the-middle attacks, which are more common than you'd think. The app stores are checking for this stuff now, and they'll bounce your app faster than you can say "security vulnerability" if they find unencrypted connections carrying personal data.

One thing that trips up a lot of developers? Local database encryption. SQLite databases sitting unencrypted on a device are basically open books if someone gets physical access. Use SQLCipher or similar solutions to encrypt your local databases. Yes, it adds a bit of complexity, but rejection letters add more stress than a few extra lines of encryption code ever will.

Third-Party Integration Security

Right, lets talk about one of the trickiest parts of app security—dealing with third-party integrations. I mean, most apps these days aren't built in isolation; they're connecting to payment processors, social media platforms, analytics services, you name it. Each one of these connections is basically a door into your app, and if its not secured properly, well... that's how data breaches happen.

When you integrate with third parties, you're essentially trusting them with your users data. But here's the thing—the app stores don't care whose fault it is if something goes wrong. If your app leaks user information through a poorly secured integration, your app gets the boot, not the third-party service. I've seen perfectly good apps rejected because they were using outdated APIs or sending data over unencrypted connections.

API Security Requirements

Every API connection needs to use HTTPS—no exceptions. Any service still using HTTP in todays world is basically asking for trouble. You also need to implement proper authentication tokens, and honestly, make sure those tokens expire regularly. I always tell clients to treat API keys like passwords; they should be stored securely and rotated frequently.

Managing Third-Party Permissions

The principle of least privilege applies big time here. Don't request more permissions than you actually need from third-party services. If you only need to read user profiles, don't ask for write permissions too. App reviewers notice this stuff, and users definitely do—nothing screams "untrustworthy app" like excessive permission requests.

Always audit your third-party integrations regularly. Services update their APIs, change their security requirements, and sometimes even shut down entirely. What worked six months ago might not meet todays compliance requirements.

Documentation is your friend here. Keep detailed records of what data each integration accesses and why. When app reviewers come knocking with questions about your third-party connections, you'll be glad you did the homework upfront.

Right, let's talk about what actually happens when you submit your app to the stores. I mean, this is where all your security work gets put to the test—and trust me, both Apple and Google have gotten much stricter over the years.

The review process isn't just about checking if your app crashes or looks pretty. Both platforms now run automated security scans that check for known vulnerabilities, suspicious code patterns, and compliance with their security guidelines. Apple's review team will flag apps that don't properly implement App Transport Security, while Google Play Protect scans for malware and privacy violations before your app even goes live.

What Reviewers Actually Look For

Here's the thing—reviewers aren't just ticking boxes. They're looking at how you handle user data, whether your permissions make sense, and if you've implemented proper encryption. I've seen apps rejected because they requested camera access but never explained why in their privacy policy. Silly mistakes like that.

Apple tends to be more hands-on with manual reviews, especially for apps dealing with financial data or children's information. Google relies more heavily on automated systems but will flag apps for manual review if something looks dodgy. Both platforms now check that your app matches what you've declared in your privacy policy—so no fibbing about data collection!

Common Rejection Reasons

The most common security-related rejections I see? Missing privacy policies, over-requesting permissions, weak authentication systems, and apps that store sensitive data in plain text. Oh, and don't get me started on apps that try to bypass the stores security features—that's an instant rejection.

The good news is that if you've followed proper security standards throughout development, the approval process should be straightforward. It's when you try to cut corners that things get messy.

Ongoing Security Maintenance and Updates

Right, so you've got your app approved and it's live in the stores. Job done? Not quite. This is where the real work begins, honestly. Security isn't something you tick off your list and forget about—it's an ongoing commitment that'll stick with you for the life of your app.

I've seen too many developers think that passing the initial security review means they're sorted. But here's the thing: new vulnerabilities get discovered all the time, operating systems change their requirements, and hackers... well, they never sleep. Your app needs regular security updates just like your phone needs iOS or Android updates.

The app stores aren't just checking you once either. They run periodic security scans on live apps, and if something dodgy gets flagged, you'll get a nice email asking you to fix it. Fast. Apple and Google have both started pulling apps that don't keep up with their evolving security standards—even apps that were previously approved.

Security maintenance should account for roughly 15-20% of your ongoing development budget if you want to stay compliant and protect your users properly

Keep your third-party libraries updated too. That payment SDK you integrated six months ago? It probably has security patches by now. Set up automated dependency checking if you can—it'll save you from nasty surprises down the road. Understanding how to handle third-party library updates without breaking code is crucial for maintaining both security and functionality.

Building secure mobile apps isn't just about ticking boxes anymore—it's about creating trust with your users from day one. After working with hundreds of clients over the years, I can tell you that the ones who prioritise security from the start always come out ahead. Not just in terms of getting approved by the app stores, but in building sustainable businesses that users actually want to engage with.

The security landscape changes constantly, and what worked six months ago might not cut it today. But here's the thing: if you focus on the fundamentals we've covered—proper authentication, secure data handling, regular updates, and transparent privacy practices—you'll be in a strong position regardless of how the requirements evolve. I've seen too many promising apps get rejected or worse, suffer security breaches that could have been prevented with basic security hygiene.

Your app's security isn't something you can bolt on at the end of development. It needs to be baked into every decision you make, from choosing your tech stack to designing user flows. Sure, it adds complexity and yes, it takes more time upfront. But the alternative—dealing with a security incident or getting your app pulled from the stores—is far more expensive and damaging to your reputation.

The good news? Users are becoming more security-conscious, which means they're actively looking for apps they can trust. By meeting these security standards, you're not just avoiding problems—you're creating a competitive advantage. In a world where data breaches make headlines daily, being the app that takes security seriously is one of the best investments you can make.