path to Apple Card

See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211030

If your Apple Card application was declined, you might receive an opportunity to enroll in Path to Apple Card if Goldman Sachs determines that you could meet the requirements for approval after you complete the steps in your program. The program provides customized steps to help you get approved for Apple Card in the future. If you successfully complete the program, you will receive an invitation to reapply for Apple Card that’s good for 14 days

Not sure but Apple says this on this page https://www.apple.com/apple-card/financial-health/ :

Not all declined Apple Card applicants will be invited to participate in Path to Apple Card, and completion of the steps in Path to Apple Card does not guarantee that you will be approved. The credit policy, program terms, and monthly emails for Path to Apple Card are managed by Goldman Sachs Bank USA and created to help customers get approved for Apple Card. For more information on the program, see https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211030

You are correct.