In the changes to the App Store Review Guidelines for iOS 11, Apple has announced that developers must use the App Store rating API. The API was introduced in the iOS 10.3 beta period as something that would eventually become mandatory. Now, Apple has followed through on that promise.
With the API, all requests for ratings will occur in-app, meaning that you will no longer be redirected to the App Store. Now, a popup will simply ask users to rate the app from one to five stars, and — after submitting a rating or ignoring the request — they will be able to continue using the app.
Use the provided API to prompt users to review your app; this functionality allows customers to provide an App Store rating and review without the inconvenience of leaving your app, and we will disallow custom review prompts.
Another change enforced by Apple is a limit to how many times developers can ask users for reviews. An app can now only prompt users for reviews three times per year. If a user submits a rating, they can never be prompted to provide a review again. This change may frustrate developers who want feedback about changes to their apps from users who have already submitted reviews.
While these changes cater to users, Apple has also given users the power to determine if they even want to be prompted to review apps at all. A feature has now been added to allow users to disable annoying rating and review popups. To learn more about how all of this works, check out our full guide on the topic:
Just updated your iPhone? You’ll find new emoji, enhanced security, podcast transcripts, Apple Cash virtual numbers, and other useful features. There are even new additions hidden within Safari. Find out what’s new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 17.4 update.
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