app store connect - iOS app reject because of healthkit

Question

I am using HealthKit in my app to read users daily steps data and for that I enable HealthKit in my app.

I uploaded app without NSHealthShareUsageDescription and NSHealthUpdateUsageDescription key in info.plist.

Apple rejected the app as follow and says this both key must be in info.plist.

NSHealthUpdateUsageDescription - Read your daily steps data for calorie count data

NSHealthShareUsageDescription - Share workout data with apps.

I added that key and upload again.

now app rejected with this reason.

Design - 4.2.1 Your app uses the HealthKit or CareKit APIs but does not indicate integration with the Health app in your Application.

any idea how can I approve it?

Answer 1

From the App Store Review Guidelines

4.2.1 Apps should use APIs and frameworks for their intended purposes and indicate that integration in their app description. For example, the HomeKit framework should provide home automation services; and HealthKit should be used for health and fitness purposes and integrate with the Health app.

It sounds to me that Apple have looked at your app and for some reason, it looks to them as if you're not actually using the step data for anything useful to the user. Does your app actually use the step data and present it back to the user in any meaningful way?

The only other thing I think they might mean is that they don't like the wording you chose for NSHealthShareUsageDescription/NSHealthUpdateUsageDescription (you're supposed to clearly state the purpose why your app needs access to health data).

Edit: Another thought, perhaps your app description doesn't mention that it's an app that uses healthkit/step data.