App Review

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App review is the process of evaluating apps and app updates submitted to the App Store to ensure they are reliable, perform as expected, and follow Apple guidelines.

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Handling ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest
An ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest rejection email looks as follows: ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest- Your app includes "<path/to/SDK>", which includes , an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a privacy-impacting third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a privacy-impacting SDK, or an app update adds a new privacy-impacting SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. Glossary ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest: An email that includes the name and path of privacy-impacting SDK(s) with no privacy manifest files in your app bundle. For more information, see https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. : The specified privacy-impacting SDK that doesn't include a privacy manifest file. If you are the developer of the rejected app, gather the name of the SDK from the email you received from Apple, then contact the SDK's provider for an updated version that includes a valid privacy manifest. After receiving an updated version of the SDK, verify the SDK includes a valid privacy manifest file at the expected location. For more information, see Adding a privacy manifest to your app or third-party SDK. If your app includes a privacy manifest file, make sure the file only describes the privacy practices of your app. Do not add the privacy practices of the SDK to your app's privacy manifest. If the email lists multiple SDKs, repeat the above process for all of them. If you are the developer of an SDK listed in the email, publish an updated version of your SDK that includes a privacy manifest file with valid keys and values. Every privacy-impacting SDK must contain a privacy manifest file that only describes its privacy practices. To learn how to add a valid privacy manifest to your SDK, see the Additional resources section below. Additional resources Privacy manifest files Describing data use in privacy manifests Describing use of required reason API Adding a privacy manifest to your app or third-party SDK TN3182: Adding privacy tracking keys to your privacy manifest TN3183: Adding required reason API entries to your privacy manifest TN3184: Adding data collection details to your privacy manifest TN3181: Debugging an invalid privacy manifest
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6.7k
Mar ’25
Preventing Copycat and Impersonation Rejections
In this post, we'll share tips to help you submit apps that deliver original ideas to your users. When working on your app, focus on creating interesting, unique experiences that aren't already available. Apps that actively try to copy other apps won't pass review, and accounts that repeatedly submit copycat apps or attempt to impersonate a service will be closed. The rules that prevent copycat and impersonator apps from being distributed on the App Store are described in App Review Guideline 4.1: 4.1 Copycats (a) Come up with your own ideas. We know you have them, so make yours come to life. Don’t simply copy the latest popular app on the App Store, or make some minor changes to another app’s name or UI and pass it off as your own. In addition to risking an intellectual property infringement claim, it makes the App Store harder to navigate and just isn’t fair to your fellow developers. (b) Submitting apps which impersonate other apps or services is considered a violation of the Developer Code of Conduct and may result in removal from the Apple Developer Program.(c) You cannot use another developer’s icon, brand, or product name in your app’s icon or name, without approval from the developer. These requirements help make the App Store both a safe place for people to discover apps and a platform for all developers to be successful. Best Practices Here are three best practices that will help you submit apps that follow App Review Guideline 4.1: 1. Submit apps with unique content and features. People want apps that provide unique experiences. Find areas that aren't currently being served and build compelling apps for those audiences. Do: Create apps that provide a new experience or a unique spin on an existing concept. Design original, delightful interfaces that elegantly meet your user's needs. Don't: Don’t imitate the features and functionality of other apps. Don’t copy the look and feel of other apps, such as using an identical user interface design. 2. Make sure App Store metadata only contains relevant information and content you either own or have permission to use. The metadata provided in App Store Connect is used to populate your app's product page on the App Store. People rely on this metadata to learn about your app and what it has to offer. Leveraging the popularity of another brand or app, either by including irrelevant references or protected content, is misleading and won't help your app succeed. Do: Use engaging, descriptive language to describe your unique app. Create original content that best represents your app, such as screenshots showing the actual app in use. Don't: Don't use protected material you do not have the necessary permission to use, such as app icons that are similar to icons of a popular app. Don’t include irrelevant references, such as popular app names or trademarked terms, in any metadata fields. 3. Provide information that is authentic and verifiable. People want to know the developers behind their favorite apps are who they say they are. It's important to continually review and provide up-to-date information, including the developer or company name listed on your Apple Developer Program account, the Support URL listed on your app's product page, and other helpful information. This will enable your users to contact you when they need help and it will also hinder people who may try to impersonate you, your app, or your service. Do: Make sure all information, resources, and documentation related to your account and apps are current and accurate. Don't: Don’t provide inaccurate information or resources, such as directing people to outdated support pages. Don’t provide fraudulent documentation. Accounts that submit fraudulent documentation will be removed from the Apple Developer Program. Support Incorporating these best practices into your app's development will help you submit apps that follow App Review Guideline 4.1. If you need additional assistance, consider taking advantage of one of the following support options available from App Review: If your submission has been rejected, reply to the message from App Review in App Store Connect and request clarification. Request an App Review Appointment to discuss the results of our review. Appointments are subject to availability, and take place during local business hours in your region on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you believe your app follows the App Review Guidelines, consider submitting an appeal to the App Review Board. Resources Learn about foundational design principles from Apple designers and the developer community. Learn how to create engaging App Store product pages. Note that apps that violate intellectual property rights are subject to removal through the App Store Content Dispute process. If you believe an app on the App Store violates your intellectual property rights, you can submit a claim.
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4.3k
Nov ’25
My app stuck in waitting for review for 47 days
Hello everyone, I submitted the first update for my app on April 14. On April 18, I canceled that submission and immediately resubmitted it the same day, as many people suggested that resubmitting might help speed up the review process. Today is June 4, and after 47 days, the update is still stuck in “Waiting for Review.” I’ve seen that many other developers are experiencing the same issue, but 47 days is a very long time for me, and I have no idea how much longer I should expect to wait. I hope we can all find a solution to this situation soon. Any advice, insights, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
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PWA (Angular) packaged via WebView for App Store – Guidance on App Review compliance and limitations
Body We are currently evaluating an architecture approach for an iOS application and are looking for guidance on App Store Review expectations and platform limitations. Context We are modernizing an existing healthcare application that handles regulated data (PHI). The application is intended for use by internal staff and authorized third-party contractors (not a consumer-facing app, and no monetization). To support iOS distribution, we are evaluating packaging an Angular-based Progressive Web App (PWA) using a lightweight native wrapper (e.g., via PWABuilder), resulting in a WebView-hosted application. Proposed Architecture Angular PWA hosted remotely and loaded via HTTPS Packaged inside a native iOS container (WKWebView-based) Authentication via Passkeys (WebAuthn / FIDO2) Backend APIs implemented in .NET Limited offline functionality using IndexedDB (non-sensitive data only) No persistent storage of sensitive data on-device The native wrapper primarily provides distribution and lifecycle management; most functionality is delivered via the hosted PWA. Key Consideration This application is not intended to function as a general-purpose browser, but rather as a purpose-built, workflow-specific experience for healthcare operations. Questions 1. App Review / Guideline 4.2 Have developers had success getting WebView-hosted applications (primarily PWA-driven) approved when they provide a complete and production-grade user experience? How does Apple typically evaluate whether such an app meets the “minimum functionality” requirement versus being considered a repackaged website? 2. Dynamic Content / Updates Are there specific restrictions on delivering functionality dynamically via server-hosted content after app approval? At what point would backend-driven changes require a new App Store submission? 3. Data Storage & WebView Behavior Are there notable differences in how iOS handles storage (e.g., IndexedDB, local storage) in: Safari-installed PWAs WebView-based apps distributed via the App Store? Are there known limitations or caveats when relying on IndexedDB within WKWebView? 4. Platform Capabilities Are there practical limitations for WebView-based apps related to: Offline functionality File handling Long-term platform support 5. Healthcare / Regulated Data For apps handling regulated healthcare data (PHI), are there additional expectations or best practices (beyond standard guidelines) that Apple reviewers typically look for? Goal We are trying to determine whether this architecture is viable for App Store distribution before proceeding further with implementation. Any insights, experiences, or pointers to relevant documentation would be greatly appreciated.
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App Review rejection: 3.1.2(c) missing EULA/Privacy links + 2.1(b) IAP error in sandbox; subscriptions show “Developer Action Needed” in App Store Connect
Hi everyone, I’m trying to fix an App Review rejection related to auto‑renewable subscriptions, and I’m also blocked because my subscriptions don’t work in the sandbox even though configuration looks correct. App Review details App version: 3.5.3 Review device: iPhone 17 Pro Max iOS: 26.4 Guidelines: 3.1.2(c) and 2.1(b) Reviewer message says: Missing required subscription metadata links: Terms of Use (EULA) link in App Description (or custom EULA set in App Store Connect) Privacy Policy link in the Privacy Policy field in App Store Connect IAP bug / error during purchase (sandbox testing during review) What I see in App Store Connect My subscription products show “Developer Action Needed”. Subscription group/products are created (monthly + yearly). I believe all required subscription info is filled out (pricing, localization, etc.), but sandbox purchases still fail. Sandbox behavior / issue In Sandbox on device, attempting to purchase or load products results in an error on IAP (reviewer didn’t provide the exact error text). I’m using StoreKit (happy to share whether it’s StoreKit 1 vs StoreKit 2 if that matters) and fetching products by product IDs. Additional blocker: Banking info stuck “Processing” In App Store Connect → Agreements, Tax, and Banking, my banking section shows: “Your banking updates are processing, and you should see the changes in 24 hours. You won't be able to make any additional updates until then.” But the banking status has stayed Processing for more than 2 weeks and never changes. I don’t know how to resolve this, and I suspect it might be related to why subscriptions are failing in sandbox / showing “Developer Action Needed”. Questions: What are the most common reasons subscriptions show “Developer Action Needed” and are rejected/blocked even when the setup seems complete? For Guideline 3.1.2(c): what is the correct place/best practice to provide the required links? Put Apple Standard EULA link in App Description? Add custom EULA in App Store Connect → App Information → EULA? Add Privacy Policy URL in App Store Connect Privacy Policy field (or the dedicated Privacy Policy URL field)? For the sandbox IAP error during review: Could this be caused by agreements / banking stuck in Processing or Paid Apps Agreement not active/accepted (even though the app is free but uses subscriptions)? Can “Developer Action Needed” prevent sandbox transactions from working for reviewers and my tests? Any recommended step-by-step checklist to validate subscriptions end-to-end (agreements, banking/tax, subscription metadata, product status, storefront, etc.)? Has anyone seen banking updates stuck in Processing for weeks? What is the best way to resolve it (waiting, re-submitting banking info, contacting Apple, specific support channel)?
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App Status Stuck on Waiting for Review
Hello App Review Team, Our app submission has been stuck in the “Waiting for Review” status for an extended period, and we would like to kindly ask whether there is any issue or additional action required from our side. We have already uploaded the latest build and verified the In-App Purchase configuration in App Store Connect. Since the status has not changed, we wanted to check if the submission queue is functioning normally or if there is anything preventing the review from starting. We would appreciate any clarification or guidance you can provide. Submission ID: 85a6b879-5218-4f2c-b444-de09d148268e Apple ID: 6766198981 Best regards, Mert Akgün
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Multiple apps stuck in WAITING_FOR_REVIEW and expedited review form fails
Hello, I’m posting again because our previous forum post received the following Apple Staff reply: “Thank you for your post. We're investigating and will contact you in App Store Connect to provide further assistance. If you continue to experience issues during review, please contact us.” However, the issue has not been resolved yet. We have not received any separate contact in App Store Connect, the Resolution Center, or email. We currently have two active apps in the same developer account that are stuck in Waiting for Review. Because multiple apps in the same account are affected at the same time, this seems like it may be an account-level App Review queue or routing issue rather than an individual app binary issue. For one of the affected apps: App ID: 6760743106 Review submission ID: 6950ecff-f833-404d-b04b-ac34ec552b85 Submitted: June 1, 2026 Review submission state: WAITING_FOR_REVIEW Review submission item state: READY_FOR_REVIEW App Store version state: WAITING_FOR_REVIEW Build processing state: VALID Build audience type: APP_STORE_ELIGIBLE Build expired: false TestFlight installation works normally, and there is no Resolution Center message. We are also unable to submit an expedited review request because the expedited review form itself fails. After selecting the correct app and platform, the form sends a POST request and receives HTTP 200 OK, but the response page displays: “Sorry, we didn’t receive your request. An error has occurred and your submission wasn’t completed. Please go back and try again. If you continue to have issues, contact us.” The POST payload includes the correct app ID and platform: expedite_app_id_req: 6760743106 expedite_app_platform: ios Could Apple Staff please check whether our developer account or these submissions are affected by an internal App Review queue/routing issue? We are currently blocked because the review has not started for multiple apps, we have not received any follow-up contact, and the expedited review request form cannot be submitted.
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App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for one week
Hello Apple Staff, Thank you for your previous reply. After my initial post, I understood that my app would enter the review process shortly. However, another three days have passed, and the status of my app remains “Waiting for Review.” I am becoming increasingly concerned about whether my app has successfully entered the review queue. Prior to this, I have already tried the following support channels without success: Contacting Apple support by phone Reaching out via email Requesting an expedited review Posting on developer forums I fully understand that app review times may vary, and I truly respect the work of the App Review team. However, this situation is becoming more serious for us. This submission is critical for our users, and the ongoing delay is having a significant impact on our operations and business. App Details: App ID: 6764726742 Submit time: 2026-06-01 Submission ID: 187011d0-1390-4abe-9252-f13410307c31 Current Status: Waiting for Review I would greatly appreciate it if Apple could kindly verify the following: Whether the current submission is properly queued for App Review Whether there is any internal processing or queuing issue preventing the review from starting Whether any action is required from my side that is not visible in App Store Connect If possible, could an Apple staff member please escalate this case to the App Review team, or at least confirm that the submission is correctly queued? I would be extremely grateful for any help or clarification. We feel stuck because we have tried every available support channel, yet the app remains in “Waiting for Review” with no progress. Thank you very much for your time and support. Best regards, Leon
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Multiple apps stuck in WAITING_FOR_REVIEW and expedited review form fails
Hello, I’m posting again because our previous forum post received the following Apple Staff reply: “Thank you for your post. We're investigating and will contact you in App Store Connect to provide further assistance. If you continue to experience issues during review, please contact us.” However, the issue has not been resolved yet. We have not received any separate contact in App Store Connect, the Resolution Center, or email. We currently have two active apps in the same developer account that are stuck in Waiting for Review. Because multiple apps in the same account are affected at the same time, this seems like it may be an account-level App Review queue or routing issue rather than an individual app binary issue. For one of the affected apps: App ID: 6760743106 Review submission ID: 6950ecff-f833-404d-b04b-ac34ec552b85 Submitted: June 1, 2026 Review submission state: WAITING_FOR_REVIEW Review submission item state: READY_FOR_REVIEW App Store version state: WAITING_FOR_REVIEW Build processing state: VALID Build audience type: APP_STORE_ELIGIBLE Build expired: false TestFlight installation works normally, and there is no Resolution Center message. We are also unable to submit an expedited review request because the expedited review form itself fails. After selecting the correct app and platform, the form sends a POST request and receives HTTP 200 OK, but the response page displays: “Sorry, we didn’t receive your request. An error has occurred and your submission wasn’t completed. Please go back and try again. If you continue to have issues, contact us.” The POST payload includes the correct app ID and platform: expedite_app_id_req: 6760743106 expedite_app_platform: ios Could Apple Staff please check whether our developer account or these submissions are affected by an internal App Review queue/routing issue? We are currently blocked because the review has not started for multiple apps, we have not received any follow-up contact, and the expedited review request form cannot be submitted.
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App Store Connect Pending Termination Notice — no response after multiple appeals and support case
Hello, I received a Pending Termination Notice for my Apple Developer Program account. I submitted my first appeal on May 19, 2026. After receiving no response for an extended period, I submitted a second appeal with additional clarification and information. Most recently, I opened an Apple Developer Program Support case on June 2, 2026. I received the automatic confirmation email and case ID, but I have not received any further communication. At this time: My App Store Connect account remains accessible. I have not received a final decision. I have not received any request for additional information. I have not received any update regarding the status of the review. I understand that account reviews may take time, but I am unsure whether this length of silence is normal for a Pending Termination Notice case. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Is there any recommended way to follow up, or should I simply continue waiting for a response from Apple? Thank you for any guidance.
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No response after multiple appeals
I'm hoping someone here has been through a similar situation and can help. Our app was rejected under Guideline 4.3 (Design Spam), but I believe this is a misunderstanding. This app was previously approved under a different developer account — we had to resubmit under a new account due to an internal business restructuring. The app itself has not changed at all. Here's the timeline: May 24 — Filed an appeal May 26 — Filed another appeal Jun 4 — Filed another appeal Jun 7 (today) — Filed yet another appeal It has now been over 2 weeks since the first appeal with no response whatsoever. This is genuinely just a resubmission of an already-approved app due to a company account change — not an attempt to game the review process in any way. The situation is urgent as we have a launch scheduled for this week. Every day of delay is directly affecting our users and timeline. Has anyone experienced this? How did you get it resolved? Is there any way to escalate beyond the Resolution Center? Any advice would be truly appreciated.
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TestFlight External Testing Build Stuck in “Waiting for Review” for Several Days
Hello, Our iOS app’s TestFlight external testing build has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” for several days. This is for TestFlight External Testing, not an App Store public release submission. We have already provided the Beta App Review Information, including review notes, test instructions, contact information, and a working demo account. Current situation: App name: Linic Platform: iOS Submission type: TestFlight External Testing Status: Waiting for Review Submitted date: June 4 ~ June 5, 2026 Build number: 1.4.2(8)、1.4.3(9) Bundle ID: com.lincept.linny Beta App Review Information: already updated Demo account: provided in App Store Connect We would like to understand whether this is currently expected queue behavior, whether TestFlight external beta reviews are experiencing delays, or whether there is any additional information we should provide to help the review proceed. Has anyone recently experienced a similar delay with TestFlight External Testing builds stuck in “Waiting for Review”? If so, did contacting Apple Developer Support or submitting an expedited review request help? Thank you.
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TestFlight External Testing Build Stuck in “Waiting for Review” for Several Days
Hello, Our iOS app’s TestFlight external testing build has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” for several days. This is for TestFlight External Testing, not an App Store public release submission. We have already provided the Beta App Review Information, including review notes, test instructions, contact information, and a working demo account. Current situation: App name: Linic Platform: iOS Submission type: TestFlight External Testing Status: Waiting for Review Submitted date: June 4 ~ June 5, 2026 Build number: 1.4.2(8)、1.4.3(9) Bundle ID: com.lincept.linny Beta App Review Information: already updated Demo account: provided in App Store Connect We would like to understand whether this is currently expected queue behavior, whether TestFlight external beta reviews are experiencing delays, or whether there is any additional information we should provide to help the review proceed. Has anyone recently experienced a similar delay with TestFlight External Testing builds stuck in “Waiting for Review”? If so, did contacting Apple Developer Support or submitting an expedited review request help? Thank you.
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App stuck in “Waiting for Review” since April 23 despite Developer Support escalation
Hello, I need help with an App Store Connect review issue that has become very frustrating. My iOS app “Mamos Trend Color” has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” since April 23, 2026 at 09:41. App details: App name: Mamos Trend Color App Apple ID: 6762326235 Platform: iOS Version: 1.1 Current status: Waiting for Review Submitted on: April 23, 2026 at 09:41 I already contacted Apple Developer Support. On May 26, 2026, Developer Support confirmed that there was no update on the review and said the issue had been escalated to the App Review team. Unfortunately, nothing has changed since then. The app is still not in review, there is no rejection, no message, no request for information, and no visible progress in App Store Connect. This is not a normal review delay anymore. It looks like the submission is stuck somewhere in the system. I am honestly very disappointed by the lack of transparency. I paid for the Apple Developer Program, submitted the app correctly, followed the App Store Connect process, opened a support request, waited after escalation, and I still have no clear answer. I fully understand that the Apple Developer Program fee does not guarantee app approval. But I do expect a working review process, clear communication, and a way to resolve a submission that appears blocked for weeks. Can someone from Apple please manually check this submission or tell me exactly what I need to do? Specifically: Is the app still waiting in the normal review queue? Has the review actually been escalated to App Review? Is there a hidden issue with the app record? Should I remove the current submission and submit a new build? Is there another official channel to resolve this kind of stuck status? I can provide the Developer Support case number privately if needed. Thank you.
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Unable to Submit Reinstatement Request After Account Termination
Hello, I am posting here because I no longer have access to the communication channels that were previously available to discuss my developer account with Apple. My appeal was denied, but Apple informed me that I could submit a reinstatement request after addressing the concerns that had been identified. Following that communication, I spent considerable time reviewing my applications, metadata, screenshots, codebase, user flows, and business practices. Although I do not believe my account was involved in dishonest or fraudulent activity, I nevertheless made extensive changes in an effort to address any potential concerns Apple may have had. The main difficulty is that the specific conduct that led to the termination decision was never clearly explained to me. Apple cited Section 3.2(f) and provided examples of prohibited behavior, but did not identify which specific action or activity was associated with my account. As a result, I was left attempting to correct every possible issue without understanding what the actual concern was. In addition, throughout my participation in the Apple Developer Program, I had never previously encountered a notice, suspension, or similar action of this nature. This made it even more difficult for me to understand what specific issue Apple believed had occurred and how best to address it. While I was still implementing changes and preparing what I believed would be a reinstatement submission, I received a termination notice. Since the termination, I have lost access to the Contact Us page and the communication channels that were previously available to me. I would therefore appreciate guidance from Apple or from developers who may have experienced a similar situation: How is a developer expected to submit a reinstatement request after termination if the Contact Us page is no longer accessible? Is there an alternative channel through which reinstatement requests can be submitted? Has anyone successfully submitted a reinstatement request after account termination and received a review? I am not asking Apple to reverse its decision through this forum. I am simply trying to understand how a developer is expected to submit a reinstatement request after termination when the previously available communication channels are no longer accessible. Thank you for your time.
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Ready for Distribution" status for 4 days and Apple Support unresponsive
Hi everyone, I’m having an issue with an app update in App Store Connect and wanted to ask if there is anyway to get urgent support. The update was approved successfully, and the status has been showing as “Ready for Distribution” for over 4 days. Usually, once an update reaches this stage, it becomes available on the App Store within a few hours, but this time it still hasn’t appeared. So far, I’ve checked the following: The app review was completed successfully. The version is approved and showing a green status. I contacted Apple Developer Support a few days ago. Case ID: 102906011756 I have not received any update from Apple Support yet, other than the initial confirmation. Has anyone else recently had an approved app update stay in “Ready for Distribution” for several days? Is there anything I can do from App Store Connect to push the release forward, or do I just need to wait for Apple Support? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Subscriptions fail to load during App Review but work correctly in TestFlight
To the Apple Review and Developer Support Teams, We are experiencing the same issue described in this thread: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/827016 Our application has been rejected under Guideline 2.1 - Performance because the subscription plans do not load during the App Review process. According to the review feedback, there's an error indicating that the In-App Purchases product list is empty. We are unable to reproduce this issue on our side. The subscription screen works correctly in TestFlight on multiple physical devices and with sandbox tester accounts. The paywall loads successfully, localized prices are returned correctly, and test purchases can be completed without errors. We have verified the following: All subscription products are attached to the submitted app version in App Store Connect. The product identifiers used in the application match the identifiers configured in App Store Connect. The relevant agreements, tax information, and banking details are active and up to date. The same build works correctly in TestFlight. The issue appears to occur exclusively in the App Review environment. This makes it difficult for us to diagnose the root cause or validate a fix. Could you please investigate whether there is an issue affecting StoreKit product retrieval during the review process? Any logs, diagnostics, or guidance on how to reproduce the App Review environment behavior would be helpful. Submission details: Date Submitted: Jun 1, 2026 at 2:01 PM Submission ID: 1260550e-ba11-4cbe-925a-7694f89ce715 Thank you for your assistance.
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App Stuck in "Waiting for Review" Since May 18 – No Response from Support
I submitted an updated version of my app for review on May 18, 2026, and its status has remained "Waiting for Review" ever since. It has now been more than two weeks without any progress or communication from Apple. To resolve the issue, I have: Submitted multiple support tickets through Apple Developer Support. Received the standard message that I would receive a response within 48 hours. Waited more than 15 days, but have not received any reply to any of my tickets. Attempted to contact Developer Support by phone during U.S. business hours, but after waiting on hold for more than two hours, I was unable to reach anyone. This delay is affecting my ability to release important updates to my users, and I am running out of options. Has anyone experienced a similar situation recently? Is there any other channel or escalation process that I can use to get assistance or have my submission reviewed? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Region-by-region App Store payment compliance: when is Apple IAP required vs external payments like Stripe?
Hi everyone, I’m based in Europe, and I’m trying to fully understand the current App Store payment rules for an iOS app that sells digital services or premium functionality used inside the app. My goal is not to bypass App Store rules, but to implement the correct, compliant payment flow depending on the user’s region and the App Store requirements that apply there. The app would offer things like premium features, credits, or access to digital functionality inside the iOS app. The payment flow I would ideally like to support, where allowed, is: iOS app -> Cloud ahndling -> Stripe Checkout page -> user pays -> Stripe handling -> my backend marks the user as premium What I’m trying to understand is whether this flow is allowed, restricted, or prohibited depending on the user’s App Store storefront / region. My questions are: For digital goods, subscriptions, credits, or premium features used inside an iOS app, is Apple In-App Purchase still required by default? In which regions, exactly, can an iOS app use or link to an external payment provider such as Stripe for digital services used inside the app? For users in the United States, after the Epic Games v. Apple changes, can an app show an external payment option such as “Subscribe on the web” or “Pay with Stripe”? If yes, what are the exact requirements, limitations, wording rules, Apple fees, or reporting obligations? For users in the European Union, under the DMA-related rules, does Apple allow external purchases through Stripe or a web checkout? If yes, do I need specific Apple entitlements, StoreKit External Purchase APIs, Apple approval, transaction reporting, or payment of Apple fees? For the rest of the world, should I assume that Apple IAP is mandatory for digital content, subscriptions, credits, and premium app functionality unless Apple has a specific regional program allowing external payments? What is the correct way to determine which payment flow a user should see? Should this be based on the user’s App Store storefront / StoreKit storefront, rather than IP address, device locale, billing address, or country selected manually by the user? Would a regional routing approach like this be compliant? if App Store storefront == US: show Apple-compliant external purchase link / Stripe option if allowed elif App Store storefront is in the EU and the app has the required Apple entitlement: show Apple-compliant external purchase flow else: show Apple In-App Purchase only If a user pays through Stripe or another external checkout in a region where external payments are allowed, can my backend unlock premium features inside the iOS app? Or are there restrictions on granting access inside the app when the purchase was not completed through Apple IAP? For a first App Store release, is the safest approach to launch with Apple IAP only, then later add external payment options only in regions where Apple explicitly allows them? For developers who have recently submitted apps with external payment links for digital services: Which countries or storefronts were accepted? Did App Review require special entitlements? Were there specific wording or UI requirements? Did Apple require transaction reporting or apply additional fees? Were there differences between the US, EU, and other regions? In short, I’m trying to understand the practical compliant architecture: iOS app = Apple IAP by default external Stripe / web checkout = only where regionally allowed by Apple backend = unlock premium access after valid payment, whether Apple IAP or approved external payment payment UI = adapted based on App Store storefront / region I would really appreciate answers from developers, App Review experiences, or anyone familiar with the current Apple rules after the Epic ruling, DMA changes, and Apple’s External Purchase Link / StoreKit External Purchase programs. Thanks!
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Subscriptions stuck in "In Review" after withdrawing a rejected submission, no way to remove from review
After a 2.3.2 rejection (two promoted subscriptions had identical display name + description), I withdrew the review submission to edit the subscription metadata. The app version moved to "Developer Rejected," but both auto-renewable subscriptions stayed stuck in "In Review." There is no active review submission attached to them anymore, yet: The subscription metadata (display name / description) is locked / not editable. There is no "Remove from Review" control on the subscription page or the version page. The version page no longer shows an "In-App Purchases and Subscriptions" section. Has anyone hit this orphaned "In Review" state? Is there a developer-side way to release a subscription from review, or is contacting Developer Support the only path? Appreciate any pointers, I'm on a deadline. App: Mossly: Plant Care Journal - Apple ID 6770594348 Subscription Group: Mossly Premium - 22098178 Subscriptions, both stuck: Mossly Premium - Monthly - 6770598241 (com.mossly.app.monthly) Mossly Premium - Yearly - 6770599597 (com.mossly.app.annual1)
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2d
App stuck in Waiting for Review despite phone support, email, forum post, and expedited review request
Hello Apple Staff, I am writing again because my app review issue is still unresolved, and I am becoming increasingly concerned that the submission may not be properly moving through the normal App Review queue. App ID: 6760743106 Submission ID: 6950ecff-f833-404d-b04b-ac34ec552b85 Current status: Waiting for Review At first, I waited for approximately two days with no progress. Since the status did not move at all, I submitted a new build and resubmitted the app, thinking there may have been an issue with the previous submission. However, it has now been nearly one week since the resubmission, and the app is still stuck in Waiting for Review. The status has not moved to In Review. I have already tried multiple official support channels: I contacted Apple Developer Support by phone. I submitted an email support request. I posted on the Developer Forums. I submitted an expedited review request. Unfortunately, nothing has changed so far, and I have not received any clear confirmation that the current submission is properly queued for review. I fully understand that App Review times can vary, and I sincerely respect the work of the App Review team. However, this situation is becoming very serious for us. The update is important for our users, and the continued delay is creating significant operational and business impact. At this point, I am not asking to cancel the submission or resubmit the app again. I am asking whether Apple can please verify the following: Whether the current submission is properly queued for App Review. Whether there is any internal processing or queueing issue preventing the review from starting. Whether there is any action required from my side that is not visible in App Store Connect. If possible, could an Apple Staff member please escalate this case to the App Review team or confirm that the submission is correctly queued? I would be extremely grateful for any help or clarification. We are feeling very stuck because we have tried every support channel available to us, but the app remains in Waiting for Review with no progress. Thank you very much for your time and support.
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3d
Handling ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest
An ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest rejection email looks as follows: ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest- Your app includes "<path/to/SDK>", which includes , an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a privacy-impacting third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a privacy-impacting SDK, or an app update adds a new privacy-impacting SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. Glossary ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest: An email that includes the name and path of privacy-impacting SDK(s) with no privacy manifest files in your app bundle. For more information, see https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. : The specified privacy-impacting SDK that doesn't include a privacy manifest file. If you are the developer of the rejected app, gather the name of the SDK from the email you received from Apple, then contact the SDK's provider for an updated version that includes a valid privacy manifest. After receiving an updated version of the SDK, verify the SDK includes a valid privacy manifest file at the expected location. For more information, see Adding a privacy manifest to your app or third-party SDK. If your app includes a privacy manifest file, make sure the file only describes the privacy practices of your app. Do not add the privacy practices of the SDK to your app's privacy manifest. If the email lists multiple SDKs, repeat the above process for all of them. If you are the developer of an SDK listed in the email, publish an updated version of your SDK that includes a privacy manifest file with valid keys and values. Every privacy-impacting SDK must contain a privacy manifest file that only describes its privacy practices. To learn how to add a valid privacy manifest to your SDK, see the Additional resources section below. Additional resources Privacy manifest files Describing data use in privacy manifests Describing use of required reason API Adding a privacy manifest to your app or third-party SDK TN3182: Adding privacy tracking keys to your privacy manifest TN3183: Adding required reason API entries to your privacy manifest TN3184: Adding data collection details to your privacy manifest TN3181: Debugging an invalid privacy manifest
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6.7k
Activity
Mar ’25
Preventing Copycat and Impersonation Rejections
In this post, we'll share tips to help you submit apps that deliver original ideas to your users. When working on your app, focus on creating interesting, unique experiences that aren't already available. Apps that actively try to copy other apps won't pass review, and accounts that repeatedly submit copycat apps or attempt to impersonate a service will be closed. The rules that prevent copycat and impersonator apps from being distributed on the App Store are described in App Review Guideline 4.1: 4.1 Copycats (a) Come up with your own ideas. We know you have them, so make yours come to life. Don’t simply copy the latest popular app on the App Store, or make some minor changes to another app’s name or UI and pass it off as your own. In addition to risking an intellectual property infringement claim, it makes the App Store harder to navigate and just isn’t fair to your fellow developers. (b) Submitting apps which impersonate other apps or services is considered a violation of the Developer Code of Conduct and may result in removal from the Apple Developer Program.(c) You cannot use another developer’s icon, brand, or product name in your app’s icon or name, without approval from the developer. These requirements help make the App Store both a safe place for people to discover apps and a platform for all developers to be successful. Best Practices Here are three best practices that will help you submit apps that follow App Review Guideline 4.1: 1. Submit apps with unique content and features. People want apps that provide unique experiences. Find areas that aren't currently being served and build compelling apps for those audiences. Do: Create apps that provide a new experience or a unique spin on an existing concept. Design original, delightful interfaces that elegantly meet your user's needs. Don't: Don’t imitate the features and functionality of other apps. Don’t copy the look and feel of other apps, such as using an identical user interface design. 2. Make sure App Store metadata only contains relevant information and content you either own or have permission to use. The metadata provided in App Store Connect is used to populate your app's product page on the App Store. People rely on this metadata to learn about your app and what it has to offer. Leveraging the popularity of another brand or app, either by including irrelevant references or protected content, is misleading and won't help your app succeed. Do: Use engaging, descriptive language to describe your unique app. Create original content that best represents your app, such as screenshots showing the actual app in use. Don't: Don't use protected material you do not have the necessary permission to use, such as app icons that are similar to icons of a popular app. Don’t include irrelevant references, such as popular app names or trademarked terms, in any metadata fields. 3. Provide information that is authentic and verifiable. People want to know the developers behind their favorite apps are who they say they are. It's important to continually review and provide up-to-date information, including the developer or company name listed on your Apple Developer Program account, the Support URL listed on your app's product page, and other helpful information. This will enable your users to contact you when they need help and it will also hinder people who may try to impersonate you, your app, or your service. Do: Make sure all information, resources, and documentation related to your account and apps are current and accurate. Don't: Don’t provide inaccurate information or resources, such as directing people to outdated support pages. Don’t provide fraudulent documentation. Accounts that submit fraudulent documentation will be removed from the Apple Developer Program. Support Incorporating these best practices into your app's development will help you submit apps that follow App Review Guideline 4.1. If you need additional assistance, consider taking advantage of one of the following support options available from App Review: If your submission has been rejected, reply to the message from App Review in App Store Connect and request clarification. Request an App Review Appointment to discuss the results of our review. Appointments are subject to availability, and take place during local business hours in your region on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you believe your app follows the App Review Guidelines, consider submitting an appeal to the App Review Board. Resources Learn about foundational design principles from Apple designers and the developer community. Learn how to create engaging App Store product pages. Note that apps that violate intellectual property rights are subject to removal through the App Store Content Dispute process. If you believe an app on the App Store violates your intellectual property rights, you can submit a claim.
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4.3k
Activity
Nov ’25
My app stuck in waitting for review for 47 days
Hello everyone, I submitted the first update for my app on April 14. On April 18, I canceled that submission and immediately resubmitted it the same day, as many people suggested that resubmitting might help speed up the review process. Today is June 4, and after 47 days, the update is still stuck in “Waiting for Review.” I’ve seen that many other developers are experiencing the same issue, but 47 days is a very long time for me, and I have no idea how much longer I should expect to wait. I hope we can all find a solution to this situation soon. Any advice, insights, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
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235
Activity
4h
PWA (Angular) packaged via WebView for App Store – Guidance on App Review compliance and limitations
Body We are currently evaluating an architecture approach for an iOS application and are looking for guidance on App Store Review expectations and platform limitations. Context We are modernizing an existing healthcare application that handles regulated data (PHI). The application is intended for use by internal staff and authorized third-party contractors (not a consumer-facing app, and no monetization). To support iOS distribution, we are evaluating packaging an Angular-based Progressive Web App (PWA) using a lightweight native wrapper (e.g., via PWABuilder), resulting in a WebView-hosted application. Proposed Architecture Angular PWA hosted remotely and loaded via HTTPS Packaged inside a native iOS container (WKWebView-based) Authentication via Passkeys (WebAuthn / FIDO2) Backend APIs implemented in .NET Limited offline functionality using IndexedDB (non-sensitive data only) No persistent storage of sensitive data on-device The native wrapper primarily provides distribution and lifecycle management; most functionality is delivered via the hosted PWA. Key Consideration This application is not intended to function as a general-purpose browser, but rather as a purpose-built, workflow-specific experience for healthcare operations. Questions 1. App Review / Guideline 4.2 Have developers had success getting WebView-hosted applications (primarily PWA-driven) approved when they provide a complete and production-grade user experience? How does Apple typically evaluate whether such an app meets the “minimum functionality” requirement versus being considered a repackaged website? 2. Dynamic Content / Updates Are there specific restrictions on delivering functionality dynamically via server-hosted content after app approval? At what point would backend-driven changes require a new App Store submission? 3. Data Storage & WebView Behavior Are there notable differences in how iOS handles storage (e.g., IndexedDB, local storage) in: Safari-installed PWAs WebView-based apps distributed via the App Store? Are there known limitations or caveats when relying on IndexedDB within WKWebView? 4. Platform Capabilities Are there practical limitations for WebView-based apps related to: Offline functionality File handling Long-term platform support 5. Healthcare / Regulated Data For apps handling regulated healthcare data (PHI), are there additional expectations or best practices (beyond standard guidelines) that Apple reviewers typically look for? Goal We are trying to determine whether this architecture is viable for App Store distribution before proceeding further with implementation. Any insights, experiences, or pointers to relevant documentation would be greatly appreciated.
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16
Activity
4h
App Review rejection: 3.1.2(c) missing EULA/Privacy links + 2.1(b) IAP error in sandbox; subscriptions show “Developer Action Needed” in App Store Connect
Hi everyone, I’m trying to fix an App Review rejection related to auto‑renewable subscriptions, and I’m also blocked because my subscriptions don’t work in the sandbox even though configuration looks correct. App Review details App version: 3.5.3 Review device: iPhone 17 Pro Max iOS: 26.4 Guidelines: 3.1.2(c) and 2.1(b) Reviewer message says: Missing required subscription metadata links: Terms of Use (EULA) link in App Description (or custom EULA set in App Store Connect) Privacy Policy link in the Privacy Policy field in App Store Connect IAP bug / error during purchase (sandbox testing during review) What I see in App Store Connect My subscription products show “Developer Action Needed”. Subscription group/products are created (monthly + yearly). I believe all required subscription info is filled out (pricing, localization, etc.), but sandbox purchases still fail. Sandbox behavior / issue In Sandbox on device, attempting to purchase or load products results in an error on IAP (reviewer didn’t provide the exact error text). I’m using StoreKit (happy to share whether it’s StoreKit 1 vs StoreKit 2 if that matters) and fetching products by product IDs. Additional blocker: Banking info stuck “Processing” In App Store Connect → Agreements, Tax, and Banking, my banking section shows: “Your banking updates are processing, and you should see the changes in 24 hours. You won't be able to make any additional updates until then.” But the banking status has stayed Processing for more than 2 weeks and never changes. I don’t know how to resolve this, and I suspect it might be related to why subscriptions are failing in sandbox / showing “Developer Action Needed”. Questions: What are the most common reasons subscriptions show “Developer Action Needed” and are rejected/blocked even when the setup seems complete? For Guideline 3.1.2(c): what is the correct place/best practice to provide the required links? Put Apple Standard EULA link in App Description? Add custom EULA in App Store Connect → App Information → EULA? Add Privacy Policy URL in App Store Connect Privacy Policy field (or the dedicated Privacy Policy URL field)? For the sandbox IAP error during review: Could this be caused by agreements / banking stuck in Processing or Paid Apps Agreement not active/accepted (even though the app is free but uses subscriptions)? Can “Developer Action Needed” prevent sandbox transactions from working for reviewers and my tests? Any recommended step-by-step checklist to validate subscriptions end-to-end (agreements, banking/tax, subscription metadata, product status, storefront, etc.)? Has anyone seen banking updates stuck in Processing for weeks? What is the best way to resolve it (waiting, re-submitting banking info, contacting Apple, specific support channel)?
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288
Activity
9h
App Status Stuck on Waiting for Review
Hello App Review Team, Our app submission has been stuck in the “Waiting for Review” status for an extended period, and we would like to kindly ask whether there is any issue or additional action required from our side. We have already uploaded the latest build and verified the In-App Purchase configuration in App Store Connect. Since the status has not changed, we wanted to check if the submission queue is functioning normally or if there is anything preventing the review from starting. We would appreciate any clarification or guidance you can provide. Submission ID: 85a6b879-5218-4f2c-b444-de09d148268e Apple ID: 6766198981 Best regards, Mert Akgün
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56
Activity
16h
Multiple apps stuck in WAITING_FOR_REVIEW and expedited review form fails
Hello, I’m posting again because our previous forum post received the following Apple Staff reply: “Thank you for your post. We're investigating and will contact you in App Store Connect to provide further assistance. If you continue to experience issues during review, please contact us.” However, the issue has not been resolved yet. We have not received any separate contact in App Store Connect, the Resolution Center, or email. We currently have two active apps in the same developer account that are stuck in Waiting for Review. Because multiple apps in the same account are affected at the same time, this seems like it may be an account-level App Review queue or routing issue rather than an individual app binary issue. For one of the affected apps: App ID: 6760743106 Review submission ID: 6950ecff-f833-404d-b04b-ac34ec552b85 Submitted: June 1, 2026 Review submission state: WAITING_FOR_REVIEW Review submission item state: READY_FOR_REVIEW App Store version state: WAITING_FOR_REVIEW Build processing state: VALID Build audience type: APP_STORE_ELIGIBLE Build expired: false TestFlight installation works normally, and there is no Resolution Center message. We are also unable to submit an expedited review request because the expedited review form itself fails. After selecting the correct app and platform, the form sends a POST request and receives HTTP 200 OK, but the response page displays: “Sorry, we didn’t receive your request. An error has occurred and your submission wasn’t completed. Please go back and try again. If you continue to have issues, contact us.” The POST payload includes the correct app ID and platform: expedite_app_id_req: 6760743106 expedite_app_platform: ios Could Apple Staff please check whether our developer account or these submissions are affected by an internal App Review queue/routing issue? We are currently blocked because the review has not started for multiple apps, we have not received any follow-up contact, and the expedited review request form cannot be submitted.
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0
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37
Activity
16h
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for one week
Hello Apple Staff, Thank you for your previous reply. After my initial post, I understood that my app would enter the review process shortly. However, another three days have passed, and the status of my app remains “Waiting for Review.” I am becoming increasingly concerned about whether my app has successfully entered the review queue. Prior to this, I have already tried the following support channels without success: Contacting Apple support by phone Reaching out via email Requesting an expedited review Posting on developer forums I fully understand that app review times may vary, and I truly respect the work of the App Review team. However, this situation is becoming more serious for us. This submission is critical for our users, and the ongoing delay is having a significant impact on our operations and business. App Details: App ID: 6764726742 Submit time: 2026-06-01 Submission ID: 187011d0-1390-4abe-9252-f13410307c31 Current Status: Waiting for Review I would greatly appreciate it if Apple could kindly verify the following: Whether the current submission is properly queued for App Review Whether there is any internal processing or queuing issue preventing the review from starting Whether any action is required from my side that is not visible in App Store Connect If possible, could an Apple staff member please escalate this case to the App Review team, or at least confirm that the submission is correctly queued? I would be extremely grateful for any help or clarification. We feel stuck because we have tried every available support channel, yet the app remains in “Waiting for Review” with no progress. Thank you very much for your time and support. Best regards, Leon
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36
Activity
16h
Multiple apps stuck in WAITING_FOR_REVIEW and expedited review form fails
Hello, I’m posting again because our previous forum post received the following Apple Staff reply: “Thank you for your post. We're investigating and will contact you in App Store Connect to provide further assistance. If you continue to experience issues during review, please contact us.” However, the issue has not been resolved yet. We have not received any separate contact in App Store Connect, the Resolution Center, or email. We currently have two active apps in the same developer account that are stuck in Waiting for Review. Because multiple apps in the same account are affected at the same time, this seems like it may be an account-level App Review queue or routing issue rather than an individual app binary issue. For one of the affected apps: App ID: 6760743106 Review submission ID: 6950ecff-f833-404d-b04b-ac34ec552b85 Submitted: June 1, 2026 Review submission state: WAITING_FOR_REVIEW Review submission item state: READY_FOR_REVIEW App Store version state: WAITING_FOR_REVIEW Build processing state: VALID Build audience type: APP_STORE_ELIGIBLE Build expired: false TestFlight installation works normally, and there is no Resolution Center message. We are also unable to submit an expedited review request because the expedited review form itself fails. After selecting the correct app and platform, the form sends a POST request and receives HTTP 200 OK, but the response page displays: “Sorry, we didn’t receive your request. An error has occurred and your submission wasn’t completed. Please go back and try again. If you continue to have issues, contact us.” The POST payload includes the correct app ID and platform: expedite_app_id_req: 6760743106 expedite_app_platform: ios Could Apple Staff please check whether our developer account or these submissions are affected by an internal App Review queue/routing issue? We are currently blocked because the review has not started for multiple apps, we have not received any follow-up contact, and the expedited review request form cannot be submitted.
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19
Activity
16h
App Store Connect Pending Termination Notice — no response after multiple appeals and support case
Hello, I received a Pending Termination Notice for my Apple Developer Program account. I submitted my first appeal on May 19, 2026. After receiving no response for an extended period, I submitted a second appeal with additional clarification and information. Most recently, I opened an Apple Developer Program Support case on June 2, 2026. I received the automatic confirmation email and case ID, but I have not received any further communication. At this time: My App Store Connect account remains accessible. I have not received a final decision. I have not received any request for additional information. I have not received any update regarding the status of the review. I understand that account reviews may take time, but I am unsure whether this length of silence is normal for a Pending Termination Notice case. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Is there any recommended way to follow up, or should I simply continue waiting for a response from Apple? Thank you for any guidance.
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1
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192
Activity
16h
No response after multiple appeals
I'm hoping someone here has been through a similar situation and can help. Our app was rejected under Guideline 4.3 (Design Spam), but I believe this is a misunderstanding. This app was previously approved under a different developer account — we had to resubmit under a new account due to an internal business restructuring. The app itself has not changed at all. Here's the timeline: May 24 — Filed an appeal May 26 — Filed another appeal Jun 4 — Filed another appeal Jun 7 (today) — Filed yet another appeal It has now been over 2 weeks since the first appeal with no response whatsoever. This is genuinely just a resubmission of an already-approved app due to a company account change — not an attempt to game the review process in any way. The situation is urgent as we have a launch scheduled for this week. Every day of delay is directly affecting our users and timeline. Has anyone experienced this? How did you get it resolved? Is there any way to escalate beyond the Resolution Center? Any advice would be truly appreciated.
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1
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67
Activity
22h
TestFlight External Testing Build Stuck in “Waiting for Review” for Several Days
Hello, Our iOS app’s TestFlight external testing build has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” for several days. This is for TestFlight External Testing, not an App Store public release submission. We have already provided the Beta App Review Information, including review notes, test instructions, contact information, and a working demo account. Current situation: App name: Linic Platform: iOS Submission type: TestFlight External Testing Status: Waiting for Review Submitted date: June 4 ~ June 5, 2026 Build number: 1.4.2(8)、1.4.3(9) Bundle ID: com.lincept.linny Beta App Review Information: already updated Demo account: provided in App Store Connect We would like to understand whether this is currently expected queue behavior, whether TestFlight external beta reviews are experiencing delays, or whether there is any additional information we should provide to help the review proceed. Has anyone recently experienced a similar delay with TestFlight External Testing builds stuck in “Waiting for Review”? If so, did contacting Apple Developer Support or submitting an expedited review request help? Thank you.
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0
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60
Activity
1d
TestFlight External Testing Build Stuck in “Waiting for Review” for Several Days
Hello, Our iOS app’s TestFlight external testing build has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” for several days. This is for TestFlight External Testing, not an App Store public release submission. We have already provided the Beta App Review Information, including review notes, test instructions, contact information, and a working demo account. Current situation: App name: Linic Platform: iOS Submission type: TestFlight External Testing Status: Waiting for Review Submitted date: June 4 ~ June 5, 2026 Build number: 1.4.2(8)、1.4.3(9) Bundle ID: com.lincept.linny Beta App Review Information: already updated Demo account: provided in App Store Connect We would like to understand whether this is currently expected queue behavior, whether TestFlight external beta reviews are experiencing delays, or whether there is any additional information we should provide to help the review proceed. Has anyone recently experienced a similar delay with TestFlight External Testing builds stuck in “Waiting for Review”? If so, did contacting Apple Developer Support or submitting an expedited review request help? Thank you.
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14
Activity
1d
Waiting for review
I have submitted my app since the last 3 weeks, until now it is still "Waiting for review" I also did not receive any errors or notifications saying why its stuck. Can someone help me?
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19
Activity
1d
App stuck in “Waiting for Review” since April 23 despite Developer Support escalation
Hello, I need help with an App Store Connect review issue that has become very frustrating. My iOS app “Mamos Trend Color” has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” since April 23, 2026 at 09:41. App details: App name: Mamos Trend Color App Apple ID: 6762326235 Platform: iOS Version: 1.1 Current status: Waiting for Review Submitted on: April 23, 2026 at 09:41 I already contacted Apple Developer Support. On May 26, 2026, Developer Support confirmed that there was no update on the review and said the issue had been escalated to the App Review team. Unfortunately, nothing has changed since then. The app is still not in review, there is no rejection, no message, no request for information, and no visible progress in App Store Connect. This is not a normal review delay anymore. It looks like the submission is stuck somewhere in the system. I am honestly very disappointed by the lack of transparency. I paid for the Apple Developer Program, submitted the app correctly, followed the App Store Connect process, opened a support request, waited after escalation, and I still have no clear answer. I fully understand that the Apple Developer Program fee does not guarantee app approval. But I do expect a working review process, clear communication, and a way to resolve a submission that appears blocked for weeks. Can someone from Apple please manually check this submission or tell me exactly what I need to do? Specifically: Is the app still waiting in the normal review queue? Has the review actually been escalated to App Review? Is there a hidden issue with the app record? Should I remove the current submission and submit a new build? Is there another official channel to resolve this kind of stuck status? I can provide the Developer Support case number privately if needed. Thank you.
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23
Activity
1d
Unable to Submit Reinstatement Request After Account Termination
Hello, I am posting here because I no longer have access to the communication channels that were previously available to discuss my developer account with Apple. My appeal was denied, but Apple informed me that I could submit a reinstatement request after addressing the concerns that had been identified. Following that communication, I spent considerable time reviewing my applications, metadata, screenshots, codebase, user flows, and business practices. Although I do not believe my account was involved in dishonest or fraudulent activity, I nevertheless made extensive changes in an effort to address any potential concerns Apple may have had. The main difficulty is that the specific conduct that led to the termination decision was never clearly explained to me. Apple cited Section 3.2(f) and provided examples of prohibited behavior, but did not identify which specific action or activity was associated with my account. As a result, I was left attempting to correct every possible issue without understanding what the actual concern was. In addition, throughout my participation in the Apple Developer Program, I had never previously encountered a notice, suspension, or similar action of this nature. This made it even more difficult for me to understand what specific issue Apple believed had occurred and how best to address it. While I was still implementing changes and preparing what I believed would be a reinstatement submission, I received a termination notice. Since the termination, I have lost access to the Contact Us page and the communication channels that were previously available to me. I would therefore appreciate guidance from Apple or from developers who may have experienced a similar situation: How is a developer expected to submit a reinstatement request after termination if the Contact Us page is no longer accessible? Is there an alternative channel through which reinstatement requests can be submitted? Has anyone successfully submitted a reinstatement request after account termination and received a review? I am not asking Apple to reverse its decision through this forum. I am simply trying to understand how a developer is expected to submit a reinstatement request after termination when the previously available communication channels are no longer accessible. Thank you for your time.
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27
Activity
2d
Ready for Distribution" status for 4 days and Apple Support unresponsive
Hi everyone, I’m having an issue with an app update in App Store Connect and wanted to ask if there is anyway to get urgent support. The update was approved successfully, and the status has been showing as “Ready for Distribution” for over 4 days. Usually, once an update reaches this stage, it becomes available on the App Store within a few hours, but this time it still hasn’t appeared. So far, I’ve checked the following: The app review was completed successfully. The version is approved and showing a green status. I contacted Apple Developer Support a few days ago. Case ID: 102906011756 I have not received any update from Apple Support yet, other than the initial confirmation. Has anyone else recently had an approved app update stay in “Ready for Distribution” for several days? Is there anything I can do from App Store Connect to push the release forward, or do I just need to wait for Apple Support? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
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1
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171
Activity
2d
Subscriptions fail to load during App Review but work correctly in TestFlight
To the Apple Review and Developer Support Teams, We are experiencing the same issue described in this thread: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/827016 Our application has been rejected under Guideline 2.1 - Performance because the subscription plans do not load during the App Review process. According to the review feedback, there's an error indicating that the In-App Purchases product list is empty. We are unable to reproduce this issue on our side. The subscription screen works correctly in TestFlight on multiple physical devices and with sandbox tester accounts. The paywall loads successfully, localized prices are returned correctly, and test purchases can be completed without errors. We have verified the following: All subscription products are attached to the submitted app version in App Store Connect. The product identifiers used in the application match the identifiers configured in App Store Connect. The relevant agreements, tax information, and banking details are active and up to date. The same build works correctly in TestFlight. The issue appears to occur exclusively in the App Review environment. This makes it difficult for us to diagnose the root cause or validate a fix. Could you please investigate whether there is an issue affecting StoreKit product retrieval during the review process? Any logs, diagnostics, or guidance on how to reproduce the App Review environment behavior would be helpful. Submission details: Date Submitted: Jun 1, 2026 at 2:01 PM Submission ID: 1260550e-ba11-4cbe-925a-7694f89ce715 Thank you for your assistance.
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2
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1
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276
Activity
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App Stuck in "Waiting for Review" Since May 18 – No Response from Support
I submitted an updated version of my app for review on May 18, 2026, and its status has remained "Waiting for Review" ever since. It has now been more than two weeks without any progress or communication from Apple. To resolve the issue, I have: Submitted multiple support tickets through Apple Developer Support. Received the standard message that I would receive a response within 48 hours. Waited more than 15 days, but have not received any reply to any of my tickets. Attempted to contact Developer Support by phone during U.S. business hours, but after waiting on hold for more than two hours, I was unable to reach anyone. This delay is affecting my ability to release important updates to my users, and I am running out of options. Has anyone experienced a similar situation recently? Is there any other channel or escalation process that I can use to get assistance or have my submission reviewed? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Region-by-region App Store payment compliance: when is Apple IAP required vs external payments like Stripe?
Hi everyone, I’m based in Europe, and I’m trying to fully understand the current App Store payment rules for an iOS app that sells digital services or premium functionality used inside the app. My goal is not to bypass App Store rules, but to implement the correct, compliant payment flow depending on the user’s region and the App Store requirements that apply there. The app would offer things like premium features, credits, or access to digital functionality inside the iOS app. The payment flow I would ideally like to support, where allowed, is: iOS app -> Cloud ahndling -> Stripe Checkout page -> user pays -> Stripe handling -> my backend marks the user as premium What I’m trying to understand is whether this flow is allowed, restricted, or prohibited depending on the user’s App Store storefront / region. My questions are: For digital goods, subscriptions, credits, or premium features used inside an iOS app, is Apple In-App Purchase still required by default? In which regions, exactly, can an iOS app use or link to an external payment provider such as Stripe for digital services used inside the app? For users in the United States, after the Epic Games v. Apple changes, can an app show an external payment option such as “Subscribe on the web” or “Pay with Stripe”? If yes, what are the exact requirements, limitations, wording rules, Apple fees, or reporting obligations? For users in the European Union, under the DMA-related rules, does Apple allow external purchases through Stripe or a web checkout? If yes, do I need specific Apple entitlements, StoreKit External Purchase APIs, Apple approval, transaction reporting, or payment of Apple fees? For the rest of the world, should I assume that Apple IAP is mandatory for digital content, subscriptions, credits, and premium app functionality unless Apple has a specific regional program allowing external payments? What is the correct way to determine which payment flow a user should see? Should this be based on the user’s App Store storefront / StoreKit storefront, rather than IP address, device locale, billing address, or country selected manually by the user? Would a regional routing approach like this be compliant? if App Store storefront == US: show Apple-compliant external purchase link / Stripe option if allowed elif App Store storefront is in the EU and the app has the required Apple entitlement: show Apple-compliant external purchase flow else: show Apple In-App Purchase only If a user pays through Stripe or another external checkout in a region where external payments are allowed, can my backend unlock premium features inside the iOS app? Or are there restrictions on granting access inside the app when the purchase was not completed through Apple IAP? For a first App Store release, is the safest approach to launch with Apple IAP only, then later add external payment options only in regions where Apple explicitly allows them? For developers who have recently submitted apps with external payment links for digital services: Which countries or storefronts were accepted? Did App Review require special entitlements? Were there specific wording or UI requirements? Did Apple require transaction reporting or apply additional fees? Were there differences between the US, EU, and other regions? In short, I’m trying to understand the practical compliant architecture: iOS app = Apple IAP by default external Stripe / web checkout = only where regionally allowed by Apple backend = unlock premium access after valid payment, whether Apple IAP or approved external payment payment UI = adapted based on App Store storefront / region I would really appreciate answers from developers, App Review experiences, or anyone familiar with the current Apple rules after the Epic ruling, DMA changes, and Apple’s External Purchase Link / StoreKit External Purchase programs. Thanks!
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Subscriptions stuck in "In Review" after withdrawing a rejected submission, no way to remove from review
After a 2.3.2 rejection (two promoted subscriptions had identical display name + description), I withdrew the review submission to edit the subscription metadata. The app version moved to "Developer Rejected," but both auto-renewable subscriptions stayed stuck in "In Review." There is no active review submission attached to them anymore, yet: The subscription metadata (display name / description) is locked / not editable. There is no "Remove from Review" control on the subscription page or the version page. The version page no longer shows an "In-App Purchases and Subscriptions" section. Has anyone hit this orphaned "In Review" state? Is there a developer-side way to release a subscription from review, or is contacting Developer Support the only path? Appreciate any pointers, I'm on a deadline. App: Mossly: Plant Care Journal - Apple ID 6770594348 Subscription Group: Mossly Premium - 22098178 Subscriptions, both stuck: Mossly Premium - Monthly - 6770598241 (com.mossly.app.monthly) Mossly Premium - Yearly - 6770599597 (com.mossly.app.annual1)
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App stuck in Waiting for Review despite phone support, email, forum post, and expedited review request
Hello Apple Staff, I am writing again because my app review issue is still unresolved, and I am becoming increasingly concerned that the submission may not be properly moving through the normal App Review queue. App ID: 6760743106 Submission ID: 6950ecff-f833-404d-b04b-ac34ec552b85 Current status: Waiting for Review At first, I waited for approximately two days with no progress. Since the status did not move at all, I submitted a new build and resubmitted the app, thinking there may have been an issue with the previous submission. However, it has now been nearly one week since the resubmission, and the app is still stuck in Waiting for Review. The status has not moved to In Review. I have already tried multiple official support channels: I contacted Apple Developer Support by phone. I submitted an email support request. I posted on the Developer Forums. I submitted an expedited review request. Unfortunately, nothing has changed so far, and I have not received any clear confirmation that the current submission is properly queued for review. I fully understand that App Review times can vary, and I sincerely respect the work of the App Review team. However, this situation is becoming very serious for us. The update is important for our users, and the continued delay is creating significant operational and business impact. At this point, I am not asking to cancel the submission or resubmit the app again. I am asking whether Apple can please verify the following: Whether the current submission is properly queued for App Review. Whether there is any internal processing or queueing issue preventing the review from starting. Whether there is any action required from my side that is not visible in App Store Connect. If possible, could an Apple Staff member please escalate this case to the App Review team or confirm that the submission is correctly queued? I would be extremely grateful for any help or clarification. We are feeling very stuck because we have tried every support channel available to us, but the app remains in Waiting for Review with no progress. Thank you very much for your time and support.
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