Apple updates App Review rules against AI nudify apps and bait-and-switch
Apple Developer News said on October 16, 2026 that App Review Guidelines now explicitly cover nonconsensual intimate imagery—including AI-generated imagery—under 1.2, and that 2.5.19 clarifies bait-and-switch or hidden post-approval capabilities such as nudification can bring App Store removal and removal from the Apple Developer Program.
Apple Developer published a news post on October 16, 2026 stating that the App Review Guidelines underpin App Store trust, and restating the long-standing ban on pornographic material—including apps that generate nudity or sexually explicit imagery and “nudification” apps that create sexually explicit images of real people without consent. Apps hosting user-generated content must still filter objectionable material and offer reporting and blocking.
The posted changes: Guideline 1.2 content-moderation requirements now explicitly cover nonconsensual intimate imagery—including imagery generated with AI tools—as content apps must proactively prevent and remove; developers who fail to implement adequate safeguards or do not remedy violations after notice risk violating the Developer Code of Conduct and being removed from the App Store. Guideline 2.5.19 clarifies the longstanding ban on misrepresenting an app during review and then changing it after approval—for example by adding capabilities that were not in the submitted build; such apps can be removed from the App Store and developers from the Apple Developer Program.
The post also says Section 5 was updated so apps facilitating human trafficking or exploitation of children (including CSAM) are removed from the App Store and blocked from alternative distribution. Apple says that last year it prevented over 150K apps with safety issues from reaching customers and terminated over 193K developer accounts for fraud and abuse. The live App Review Guidelines text remains authoritative.
Sources
- Strengthening App Review Guidelines against nonconsensual intimate imagery and bait-and-switch — Apple Developer