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originality-check

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Guideline-4.3 anti-spam / originality gate — score whether an app (and each portfolio addition) is meaningfully distinct in function, content, and metadata before you invest or submit. Use at validation/new-app time and again before submission. Protects the whole developer account from 4.3 (spam/duplicate) rejections. NOT rejection-handler (that works an existing rejection) and NOT competitive-analysis (that positions in the market).

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Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/rshankras/claude-code-apple-skills/blob/HEAD/skills/app-store/originality-check/SKILL.md

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Copying this prompt does not install or run the skill. Review third-party files before use. Codex skill guide

Originality Check

Decide, with evidence, whether an app is distinct enough to exist — before you build it or submit it.

At portfolio scale, shipping many similar small apps is exactly what triggers Guideline 4.3 (spam / duplicate). One 4.3 is a warning; repeated 4.3s put the whole account at risk. This is the go/no-go distinctness gate that keeps that from happening.

Where it fits (read the seams)

  • Not rejection-handler. That works a rejection you already have. This is upstream — it prevents the 4.3 by catching sameness before you ship.
  • Not competitive-analysis / market-research. Those size demand and position you in the market. This judges distinctness (function + content + metadata) vs your own portfolio and vs near-identical competitors — a spam risk, not a demand question.
  • Two moments to run it: at validate / new-app (don't build a dup) and before submit (don't trip 4.3). Also periodically across the portfolio (internal cannibalization / template-sameness).

Prerequisites

  • The app idea or a shipped app to evaluate (name, one-line function, target metadata).
  • Optional: .planning/VALIDATION.md (competitor + market data). If missing/stale, gather fresh via WebSearch or the product/competitive-analysis skill.
  • Optional ASC access to read the developer's existing portfolio (list_apps / get_metadata).

Flow

  1. Internal check (your own portfolio). list_apps → for each shipped app read its positioning (get_metadata). Does the candidate overlap one you already ship in function, code template, or metadata? Two apps that differ only in theme/reskin = 4.3 risk.

  2. External check (the market). Read VALIDATION.md if present; otherwise WebSearch for close look-alikes. Judge: is the core function a thin reskin of an existing app, or a genuine wedge?

  3. Distinctness scorecard. Score each dimension meaningful difference vs cosmetic, and flag any that is only skin-deep:

    DimensionDistinct if…
    Functionit does something materially different, not a template swap
    Content / dataunique data or content, not a generic wrapper
    Metadataname / keywords / screenshots not near-identical to siblings or competitors
    UX / valuea real reason a user picks this one

  4. Verdict + remedy.

    • Distinct → proceed.
    • Borderline → give concrete ways to differentiate (merge sibling apps into one configurable app, add the unique wedge, or drop it); if approved, name the specific wedge that MUST be built to clear 4.3.
    • Duplicate → recommend not shipping; if several thin apps already exist, recommend consolidating into one strong app (better for ranking and review).

  5. Record. Write the verdict + reasoning to .planning/ (VALIDATION or STATE). For a borderline-approved app, record the wedge as a build requirement so plan/build deliver it.

Done

  • A written verdict (distinct / borderline+wedge / duplicate) with per-dimension reasoning, and — if borderline — the specific differentiation that must ship before submission.

Caveats

  • Cosmetic theming ≠ differentiation. Apple judges function + metadata similarity, not your intent. Score honestly.
  • Protect the account. When in doubt between "borderline ship" and "consolidate," prefer one strong app over several thin ones.
  • Guideline numbers/text drift — confirm current 4.3 wording at the App Review Guidelines (captured 2026-07).