No remote configuration that enables policy-violating behavior post-approval
Why it matters
Apple's guideline 2.5.2 prohibits downloading and executing code after approval. Remote configuration that can enable gambling mechanics, cryptocurrency payments, adult content, or affiliate link injection after a binary passes review is treated as deliberate deception — the consequence is not just rejection but developer account termination, which affects every app in the account. The pattern is detectable: reviewers who see LaunchDarkly or Statsig in a binary will check what flags control and whether any could enable policy-violating behavior. Dynamic code construction from remote strings — eval-equivalent patterns — is a hard rejection regardless of what the code does.
Severity rationale
High because enabling policy-violating features via remote config post-approval is treated by Apple as deception, with account termination (not just app removal) as the consequence.
Remediation
Audit every remote config flag before submission. List each flag and what it gates — any flag controlling a feature category that wasn't present at review time is a risk.
// scripts/audit-feature-flags.ts
// Run before every App Store submission
const HIGH_RISK_FLAG_PATTERNS = [
/crypto|payment|gambling|adult|affiliate|porn/i,
];
const flags = await launchDarkly.getAllFlags();
for (const [key] of Object.entries(flags)) {
if (HIGH_RISK_FLAG_PATTERNS.some(p => p.test(key))) {
console.error(`HIGH RISK FLAG: ${key} — verify feature was present at last review`);
}
}
For any flag that could enable a new payment flow or major feature: disable it and submit a new app version with that feature already built in and visible to reviewers. Remove all patterns that construct logic from remote-fetched strings at runtime.
DetectionPro
The detection method for this pattern is part of AuditBuffet Pro.
The full method (what to look for, pass and fail conditions, and how results get reported) ships inside the App Store Review Blockers Audit. The pattern definition, severity rationale, and remediation remain openly licensed under CC-BY-4.0.
External references
- external · apple-guideline-2.5.2-hidden-features — Apple App Store Review Guideline 2.5.2 — No Hidden Features or Remote Code Enabling Policy Violations
Taxons
History
- 2026-04-18·v1.0.0·Initial import from app-store-review-blockers·automated