iPhone 5 Optimization Requirement - Launch image really necessary?

Question

When trying to upload a binary to App Store, I get the following response in an email:

"iPhone 5 Optimization Requirement - Your binary is not optimized for iPhone 5. As of May 1, all new iPhone apps and app updates submitted must support the 4-inch display on iPhone 5. All apps must include a launch image of the appropriate size. Learn more about iPhone 5 support by reviewing the iOS Human Interface Guidelines."

Also, the status of the app is "Illegal binary".

I've read that I must include a launch image called "[email protected]". Question is: My app was not intending to have a launch image at all. Am I really required to have a launch image now?

Answer 1

Yes you must include one. Not only does the launch image give the hint to the OS about the app's iPhone 5 (4" screen) support, but launch images in general are required:

From Apple's Interface Guidelines

To enhance the user’s experience at app launch, you must provide at least one launch image. A launch image looks very similar to the first screen your app displays. iOS displays this image instantly when the user starts your app and until the app is fully ready to use. As soon as your app is ready for use, your app displays its first screen, replacing the launch placeholder image.

Furthermore:

Generally, design a launch image that is identical to the first screen of the app.

So really, making a launch image that is about the same as the first screen of your app (e.g. if the first screen is a UITableViewController with a toolbar and navigation bar, perhaps the screen looks like an empty navigation bar, an empty toolbar, and an empty table view, which then suddenly all become populated as soon as your app really gets going), is the way to go for the best user experience.

If really you don't want or need this, then make the default images just be black.