[SOLVED 2/6/24 6:34 AM EDT] iOS Store review submissions problem - App Tracking Transparency

Questions about Thunkable Publishing
1

Hello,
I am trying to update a previously published iOS app and they are rejecting the publication because they say they don’t get the “App Tracking Transparency” message.

Where or when should the message pop up? In my tests with TestFlight I don’t see this message anywhere either.

The full message they are sending is as follows:

Hello,

Thank you for your response and the information provided.

Regarding 2.1.0, we are unable to locate the App Tracking Transparency permission request when reviewed on iOS 16.5.1.

Specifically, we were unable to locate the request when first opening the app or when using the app.

To resolve this issue, it would be appropriate to “explain where we can find the App Tracking Transparency permission request in your app”. The request should appear before any data is collected that could be used to track the user.

Additionally, note that the purpose string on the App Tracking Transparency permission request should explain to users why you are [tracking them across apps and websites owned by other companies](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/user-privacy-and-data-use/#permission-to-track) and include a specific example of how you will use the data you collect for tracking purposes.

Best regards,

App Store Review

Thanks for all.
Alberto

2

hi @albertogon
To solve this issue, you will need to set your User Tracking Usage Description when publishing your app. Setting this description when you publish your app with Thunkable will trigger the alert to users when they open your app.

How can I set a User Tracking Usage Description string in my Thunkable Project?

There are two places where you can set your Tracking Usage Description:

  1. Project Settings
  2. Publishing Wizard

What should I say in my Tracking Usage Description?

If your app does not contain AdMob, Location Sensor, Push Notifications, or a Web Viewer then you should leave the Tracking Usage Description field blank. Do not enter a string explaining that you are not tracking anything. If there is any text in this box Apple will think you are tracking your end users.

The requirements for a UTUD vary depending on what components your project uses. If your app contains AdMob, Location Sensor, Push Notifications, or a Web Viewer then you will be required to inform your user why the app is requesting permission for user or device tracking.

AdMob

AdMob can use your end users’ location to show them relevant ads. Your end users need to consent to their location being used to show them relevant ads.

Example: This identifier will be used to deliver personalized ads to you.

Push Notifications

OneSignal has the option of collecting user data. You must include this information in your Tracking Usage Description.

Example: In-app activity is tracked to deliver relevant messaging at relevant times for the user

Web Viewer

Most websites collect or utilize some kind of user data. This includes but isn’t limited to: username, password, real name, medical issue, etc. Your end users need to consent to this data being tracked.

Note: you do not need to include a permission string if your Web Viewer only accesses a local HTML file.

Example: This app accesses X website. Your data may be shared with this website to facilitate functionality.

Location Sensor*

Your end user’s location is sensitive data. If you include a Location Sensor and transmit the users location to an external service for any purpose, you must tell your end user exactly why you need to track their location.

Example: This app uses your location to show you information relevant to your area.

Open Link Blocks

Most websites collect some kind of user data. Your end users need to consent to this data being tracked. It is your responsibility to identify and account for any data being tracked.

Example: This app opens links in browsers that in turn ask for location information or mic access to provide a better end user experience.

Hope this helps, let us know how what Apple says once you update this tracking description in your app.

3

Hello matt_conroy,
We use OneSignal push notifications, location sensor and web viewer.

  1. Project Settings
    image

  2. Publishing Wizard
    image

Thanks for all.
Alberto

4

Let us know how the new publishing attempt goes!

5

Same message from Apple:

The issues we previously identified still need your attention.

If you have any questions, we are here to help. Reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know.

Guideline 2.1 - Information Needed

We need more information to continue. Your app uses the AppTrackingTransparency framework, but we are unable to locate the App Tracking Transparency permission request when reviewed on iOS 16.5.

Specifically, we were unable to locate the request when first opening the app.

Next Steps

Please explain where we can find the App Tracking Transparency permission request in your app. The request should appear before any data is collected that could be used to track the user.

If you’ve implemented App Tracking Transparency but the permission request is not appearing on devices running the latest OS, please review the available documentation and confirm App Tracking Transparency has been correctly implemented.

6

Hi @albertogon , some weeks ago I had a similar problem: I tried to publish a new app in the app store and it got rejected 9 (!) times. The last 5 responses were about app tracking transparency. In my last response to appstoreconnect I described in detail when and where the app tracking message should appear: in my app I use a webviewer, but it gets used in the “settings” screen which appears only if a users wants to change settings…

I also didn’t get a message in my testflight: you must open “settings” on your iPhone, go to “Data privacy & security” → “Tracking” and activate the slider “allow apps to ask for tracking” (the message may slightly differ). BTW I added this hint also in my response to the appstoreconnect, because I got the feeling the guys didn’t notice that this setting must be activated explicitely on their iPhones.

In the end my app got accepted in appstoreconnect.

1 Like
7

Hi @Michael_Rogulla , Thanks for the advice.
It worked and I have already published the version.

8

For those having this problem:

  • Thunkable demands a Tracking Usage Description when you use Push messages is your app, but don’t actually track users or use AdMob;
  • Apple’s App Store rejects your app because they are unable to locate the App Tracking Transparency permission;
  • and you can’t change your tracking settings to “No” in the App Store because that requires a new upload from Thunkable without a Tracking Usage Description and that would mean you can’t use Push messages anymore

I found there is a very simple solution:

  • enter one space character (" ") in the Tracking Usage Description and upload your app
  • in the App Store, you can now set your tracking settings to “no” (in Your app/General/App privacy/DeviceID)
  • the App Store accepts your submission, provided you did not mess up other stuff :wink:

Happy Thunking!

9

You may not understand what’s happening behind the scenes but if you integrate push messaging, you are in fact enabling tracking by default.

2 Likes
10

Thank you jared. Indeed i did not know that - the app doesn’t need any tracking for its functionality and I did not think about tracking on OneSignal’s end. I stand corrected :-).