Building a "download this video or song" feature that pulls from a streaming platform or other source without that source's permission is a copyright violation regardless of how the technical download mechanism works.
Very common with "video downloader" utility apps built around a social platform or streaming service's content without any licensing arrangement.
"Your app enables the downloading of copyrighted audio or video content from third-party sources without permission, per guideline 5.2.3."
Guideline 5.2.3 targets features that let users download audio or video from streaming sites or other sources without permission. Such downloads can infringe copyright regardless of the technical method used. Video-downloader utilities built around a social platform or streaming service are the usual source of rejections under this rule.
Platforms and artists license their content for viewing in particular ways, and downloads often break those terms. Apple hosts apps that could make unauthorised copying easy, so it restricts them to protect rights holders and to avoid legal exposure. The rule applies to the capability itself, so a downloader cannot avoid it by claiming that users are responsible for what they choose to save.
Content the user is entitled to save, or where the source allows it, is treated differently.
Yes, when provided by the licensed service within its terms.
If they enable downloads of protected media, the same concerns apply.
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.