Dear App Review Board,
I am formally appealing the repeated rejection of our app, Sekiz, under Guideline 4.3(b) – Design – Spam. We strongly believe that this classification is unfair and does not accurately reflect the unique nature of our platform. While we acknowledge that the dating and networking category is competitive, Sekiz is fundamentally different from the traditional apps in this space, both in its functionality and target market.
Below, I will outline the distinct features that set Sekiz apart and explain why the rejection does not align with the App Store’s mission to promote innovation, regional diversity, and unique user experiences.
1. Sekiz is Not Just Another Generic Dating App
Sekiz is not a typical swiping-based dating app and should not be dismissed as such. Unlike mainstream global apps, Sekiz:
- Operates on an Invite-Only Model: Users must receive an invite or join a waitlist before gaining access. This ensures quality interactions and eliminates spam accounts, a problem that plagues traditional dating apps.
- Focuses on Quality Over Quantity: Instead of an endless swiping experience, Sekiz offers only 8 curated daily matches at 20:00, encouraging users to be intentional about their interactions.
- Has No Monetization or Premium Features: Unlike most dating apps, which are designed around paywalls and paid features, Sekiz is entirely free, prioritizing genuine, algorithm-driven matching rather than profit-driven engagement.
- Acts as a Social Networking Platform Beyond Dating: While Sekiz allows romantic connections, it is also a networking tool that enables friendships and social opportunities in a structured and exclusive manner.
Given these core differences, classifying Sekiz as merely “another dating app” ignores the fundamental innovation we bring to this space.
2. Sekiz is Designed for a Specific Market with No Comparable Alternatives
Sekiz is not attempting to compete in a global saturated market. Instead, it is a localized solution tailored for Turkey,where no comparable apps exist.
- Turkey-Specific Features: Sekiz is designed to align with cultural and social preferences that international apps fail to accommodate.
- Regional Market Gap: Unlike generic global platforms, Sekiz provides a localized experience that meets the unique needs of Turkish users, which is not currently available on the App Store.
Rejecting an app solely on the basis of global market saturation without considering regional demand and market gaps is unfair and contradicts the App Store’s mission to support diverse, innovative apps worldwide.
3. Apple’s Own Guidelines Encourage Innovation in Competitive Spaces
Apple has consistently emphasized that:
- Apps must bring something new to the platform.
- Innovation is encouraged, even in competitive categories.
- Regional differences and underserved markets should be considered.
Sekiz fulfills all these criteria by:
- Introducing a daily curated match system instead of infinite swiping.
- Prioritizing invite-based access for a more authentic user base.
- Eliminating monetization in favor of meaningful, high-quality interactions.
- Being Turkey’s first platform of its kind, addressing a clear market need.
By rejecting Sekiz under 4.3(b), Apple is essentially discouraging innovation in dating and networking apps, even when clear differentiators exist.
4. Request for Fair Treatment and Re-Evaluation
Given the above facts, we believe Sekiz has been unfairly categorized as spam. We kindly request that:
- A senior App Review Board member evaluates the case to ensure a fair assessment beyond a broad classification of “saturated category.”
- Apple considers the Turkish market’s needs and acknowledges that there are no direct competitors to Sekiz in this region.
- A dialogue is opened with the App Review team to clarify any aspects of Sekiz that need further differentiation.
We have worked diligently to ensure Sekiz adheres to Apple’s guidelines and principles of innovation. A rejection based purely on saturation without considering regional demand and differentiation is unjust.
We kindly ask for a thorough and unbiased reassessment of Sekiz. We remain open to discussions and potential refinements if necessary, but we firmly believe Sekiz deserves a place on the App Store.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
Ado
Adahan@olict.com
Sekiz Team