Background:
We are developing an application for one of our customer to go along with their device. The application by itself cannot do anything, and must be connected to the device via Wi-Fi in order to function.
Question:
Do we:
- just submit the app the standard way, even though there’s no way for Apple to really test the functionality of the app?
or - do we need to provide a test device to Apple to really test the functionality of the app? If so, what’s the procedure for doing this?
Edit:
Apple’s Not-Very-Helpful Response
While we cannot pre-approve apps, we can address compliance questions about specific App Store Review Guidelines or sections of the iOS Developer Program License Agreement (PLA). I understand that this may be a little frustrating and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however, we may only answer specific questions concerning the following resources, unless the app is submitted for review so that we may test the functionality.
App Store Review Guidelines: https://developer.apple.com/appstore/resources/approval/guidelines.html
iOS Developer Program License Agreement: http://developer.apple.com/membercenter/index.action#agreements
There are a few possibilites that have been reported.
One is to submit a video of the app running with your companion device, with a complete walk-through of the app’s functionality using that device.
Another is to provide a device emulator as a test mode built into the app (perhaps requiring two devices).
Another is to provide an demo account in the Review notes; and have that account wifi tunnel out to control a remote wifi device at your location, maybe with a webcam aimed at that device and viewable by Apple.
Include proper contact info for that possibility where Apple may want you to send them a sample device for evaluation.