The more realistic the depiction of violence, gore, or human suffering, the more restricted it is — apps aimed at general audiences can't include realistic, as opposed to clearly fictional or stylized, violent imagery.
Why apps actually get flagged
News, true-crime, or war-documentation apps that include unfiltered real photos or video without an appropriate age rating or content warning are a common trigger.
A real example
"Your app contains realistic depictions of violence that are not appropriate for the app's current age rating, per guideline 1.1.2."
The short version, in more detail
Guideline 1.1.2 limits realistic depictions of violence. The more lifelike the imagery, the tighter the limit, which is why stylised or clearly fictional violence is handled differently from photographs or video of real harm. News, documentary and true-crime apps sit close to this line because their subject matter is real, so how they present it matters.
What this guideline covers
Photo-realistic or video depictions of violence, gore and human suffering.
The difference between stylised or cartoon violence and realistic imagery.
Apps that include real footage, such as news, war reporting and true crime.
How content warnings and age ratings relate to what is shown.
What usually triggers this rejection
A news or documentary app that displays unfiltered graphic photos or footage by default.
A game that uses realistic gore aimed at a general audience.
Violent user-uploaded video that appears without any warning or filter.
A true-crime app that shows crime scene imagery without context or an appropriate rating.
Content that glorifies real violence or real victims.
How reviewers evaluate it
Reviewers compare how realistic the imagery is with the audience the app is rated for.
They look for warnings, rating choices and whether graphic content is behind a deliberate step.
They consider the purpose, since reporting is treated differently from entertainment.
Realistic violence aimed at young audiences is evaluated strictly.
Common misunderstandings
Realism matters more than the amount. A little realistic gore can be treated more strictly than a lot of cartoon violence.
News use does not remove all limits. Presentation and rating still count.
An age rating alone does not cover content that is prohibited outright.
Common questions
Are video games with violence allowed?
Yes. Games with stylised or fictional violence are common. The limits tighten as the depiction becomes more realistic.
Do news apps have an exemption?
They get some context, but graphic real imagery is still reviewed against rating and presentation.
Where does user-generated video fit?
It falls under both this rule and the user-generated content requirements.
Platform rules change often. This page is a plain-language explanation written by AppReviewFix, not official guidance. Check the current App Store Review Guidelines for the exact wording.
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