Apple's review process checks for apps that consume excessive CPU, GPU, or network resources relative to their apparent functionality — background processes or polling loops that keep the device awake unnecessarily fall under this.
Frequently caused by a background location or network polling interval set far more aggressively than the feature actually needs.
"Your app consumes an excessive amount of energy, even when running in the background, per guideline 2.4.2. Please optimize your app's power usage."
Guideline 2.4.2 addresses apps that use too much power for what they do. Excessive CPU, GPU or network use, and background processes that keep the device awake needlessly, can be flagged during review. Battery impact is a user-experience matter, but it is also checked because it reveals misuse of system resources.
Battery life is one of the most visible parts of the iPhone experience, and users tend to blame the device or the operating system when an app quietly drains it. Because one poorly behaved app can damage that perception for everything else, Apple asks that apps use CPU, GPU, network and sensors in proportion to what they actually do. The guideline also protects the broader platform by discouraging patterns, such as constant polling, that waste shared resources.
No fixed number. Reviewers judge whether usage is reasonable for the app.
Yes, for legitimate purposes in the allowed background modes.
Heavy background work such as mining is treated as a violation.
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.