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

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.

I submitted a software update for one iOS app several days ago. It was approved two days ago. I received a message about distribution that said The status of your app has changed to Ready for Distribution I happened at the iTunes Connect website at that very moment in order to submit a totally new iOS app to the App Store. Its status said 'Removed from App Store.' I thought it was a rare mistake. Unfortunately, it's not. The one that I was submitting was approved some 15 minutes ago. I received the 'Ready for Distribution' message by email. Yet, it's been removed from the store as you see in the screenshot below. As you see in the 2nd screenshot below, it says that it's Ready for Distribution. But it's not? So is this a new norm? And we have to go back the iTunes Connect website to change the app status every time we submit a software title and then get it approved?

I’m experiencing an issue with my app submission that has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” for several days, and I wanted to check if others are facing a similar situation or if this is currently expected.

Hi all, Like others my app submission has been stuck in “waiting for review” for weeks. I know initial app reviews take longer than updates, but this has been delayed far too long and makes me concerned about repeating the process in the future. I submitted this app for review back on Feb 10. It was initially rejected for a minor issue, which I resolved and resubmitted the same day. After that, the build remained in “Waiting for Review” for about two weeks with no further communication. At that point I canceled the submission and resubmitted the build, thinking it may have been stuck in the queue (I now know not to do this next time). Unfortunately the new submission has also been waiting for review for another 9 days now with no messages or updates. I’ve contacted app review support as well (case ID- 102826632729). I understand review times can vary, but delays like this make it difficult for developers to plan launches or push updates when the review process is the only path to distributing apps. As paying members of the Apple Developer Program, we rely heavily on this pipeline functioning reliably. Hoping this post will reach someone from Apple who can help move the process along. If any other devs have suggestions/tips that have worked for them, please share so others in this position can become unblocked. Thanks in advance.

Hello, I’m experiencing a delay with the App Store review process and wanted to check if this is normal. My app was initially approved very quickly (within a few hours after submission). However, shortly after that I noticed a few minor UI bugs, so I fixed them and submitted a new build. The new version has now been waiting for review for about 5 days, and there has been no update since submission. I also want to mention that I have already contacted Apple Developer Support twice about this issue but have not yet received any response. Previously the review happened very quickly, so I’m wondering if something might be wrong with the submission or if this delay is expected.

​I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the noticeable and unusual delays in the app and update review process throughout this month of February. ​We have observed that all of our recent submissions have been stuck in the "Waiting for Review" status for periods that far exceed the standard App Store review times. This continuous delay is having a direct and negative impact on our workflow, as it is hindering our ability to: ​Release critical updates and timely bug fixes. ​Roll out new features that our users are expecting. ​Adhere to our planned marketing strategies and launch schedules. ​While we highly value your ongoing efforts to maintain the quality and security of the App Store, we kindly request some clarification on the cause of these widespread delays this month. We also urgently request that you expedite the review process for our pending submissions to prevent further disruption to our users' experience. ​Here are the details of the affected I have sent many emails no response

Hello, I have multiple iOS app updates (for already live apps) that have remained in “Waiting for Review” status since early February (approximately 4–5 weeks). These are standard updates (minor improvements / maintenance). All builds are properly attached, agreements are active, and there are no compliance or metadata warnings in App Store Connect. The apps were moved to “Waiting for Review” on February 6–11 and have not progressed to “In Review” since. Has anyone else experienced unusually long review times for updates recently? Could this indicate a queue issue at the account level? I have already contacted App Review Support and one of the submissions was marked for expedited review approximately one week ago, but the status remains unchanged in “Waiting for Review.” Thank you in advance.

Hello, I am experiencing the same severe delays as many other developers on the forum recently. I have multiple apps ( 6759218500 and 6758253704)that have been completely stuck in the "Waiting for Review" status, with one sitting there since mid-February. I have already tried reaching out via the "Contact Us" form multiple times, but my open support case (Case ID: 102828235824) has received no follow-up or resolution. Could someone from the app review team please look into this, any assistance would be greatly appreciated, as the standard support channels seem to be unresponsive. Thank you.

Anyone else experiencing crazy delays right now? Submitted an update (bug fixes, nothing major) 13 days ago. It was "Waiting for Review" for 10 days, and now it’s been "In Review" for 3 days. No messages from Apple, no rejection, just silence. Normally my apps go through in 1-2 days. Is there a backlog right now or something? Should I keep waiting or appeal? Anyone got stuck like this recently?

Hello, My app "Zen Mahjong!" has been stuck in the App Review process for an unusually long time and I’m trying to understand if something might be wrong with the submission. Timeline: First submission entered “In Review” and stayed there for 6 days without a decision. I rejected that build, uploaded a new build and resubmitted on February 17. Since then the app has been in “Waiting for Review” for more than 3 weeks. Additional context: App size ~40 MB Only IAP is a “Remove Ads” purchase I already contacted Developer Support and opened an expedited review request. Support also mentioned that this delay seems unusual. Has anyone experienced something similar or could this indicate that the submission is stuck in the review pipeline? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hey team, I am reaching out about an app I submitted for review (app id: 6748933312). I started the review process Feb 4th, 26 days ago. The process started off positively - I got my first response within 3 days and had to go back and forth a couple times to bake in some review feedback, which was expected since this was the first submission. I even jumped on a call with Bill who gave some super helpful clarifying guidance! Thanks Bill :) But it then went downhill from there... I submitted my 3rd version on Feb 12th and was hoping that would get me the approval. But then I didn't hear anything for 10 days despite calls to support and a request for expedited review. At which point I wasn't sure what to do and I wanted to iron out some bugs, so i pulled and resubmitted on Feb 22nd, and I still haven't heard back from the team. Stuck in "Waiting for review" for another 10 days. I really don't know what to do now, I can't tell if Apple has just stopped accepting new apps altogether? My friends are able to submit updates to existing apps and get approvals within hours. Pls help, I'm losing hope as a new app developer. -James

Hello everyone, I am an iOS developer and both my apps are experiencing an unusual App Store review delay that I have not been able to resolve through the normal support channels. These are existing apps on app store with simple updates. It has not moved to “In Review”, and I have not received any rejection message or request for additional information from the App Review team. AppleID: 6756242440 and 6746870245 Please help us resolve the issue. Thanks in advance

My app has now been back and forth stuck in review for a couple weeks. This is a crucial update which we promised users weeks ago. We tried expedited review a week ago and was quickly reviewed and rejected and apple mention not to use it again. However, my next reviews have been stuck for 5 days. I have tried to expedite again but no luck. Is there something wrong with my review or is this a worldwide problem?

Hi everyone, I submitted a new version (1.4) of my app,last Wednesday at 9:02 AM. It has been in the "Waiting for Review" status for over 5 days now. My previous updates were usually processed within 24-48 hours, so I’m concerned if there might be an issue with this specific build or if there's a general delay in the review queue. Has anyone else experienced similar delays recently? Should I continue to wait, or is it time to contact the App Review team directly?

Hi, my app has been stuck in Waiting for Review for 18 days. I contacted you via your contact us link a week ago, and haven't heard back. Overall I'm very disappointed by your inability to communicate The app ID is 6758786767

Hi everyone, I submitted a new version (1.4) of my app,last Wednesday at 9:02 AM. It has been in the "Waiting for Review" status for over 5 days now. My previous updates were usually processed within 24-48 hours, so I’m concerned if there might be an issue with this specific build or if there's a general delay in the review queue. Has anyone else experienced similar delays recently? Should I continue to wait, or is it time to contact the App Review team directly?

Hello, I have quite a few apps that have been stuck in "Waiting for Review" since February 9th. This is unusual as my previous updates were always processed quickly. Due to the long delay and the number of accumulated updates pending, I decided to reset all submissions today to see if it triggers any movement. Has anyone else experienced this sudden stall with multiple apps and updates recently? Any advice on how to handle this would be appreciated.

Hello everyone, I am an iOS developer based in South Korea, and I’m currently experiencing an unusual App Store review delay that I have not been able to resolve through the normal support channels. My app has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” for more than two weeks, and there has been no progress at all during this time. It has not moved to “In Review”, and I have not received any rejection message or request for additional information from the App Review team. App Information Platform: iOS App Name: WOOTA Apple ID: 6759412826 Status: Waiting for Review Submission Date: February 20, 2026 Developer Account Region: South Korea What I Have Already Tried: I have already attempted the following steps: Submitted an inquiry via App Store Connect → Contact Us → App Review Received a response from Developer Support saying they understand my concern and that they contacted the review team However, since then there have been no updates at all. The app status remains “Waiting for Review”, and there are no messages in the Resolution Center. Questions I would appreciate any insight into the following: Is it normal for an app to remain in “Waiting for Review” for more than two weeks without any status change? Are there any recent delays in the App Review queue that could cause this kind of situation? Is there any other support channel I should try in order to get more information (for example phone support or another ticket)? Is it possible that some hidden issue with my account or metadata could cause the submission to remain stuck in “Waiting for Review”? What I Verified I double-checked the following: All required metadata fields are completed Screenshots and app information are properly filled The status shows “Waiting for Review”, not Metadata Rejected or Missing Information There are no messages in the Resolution Center Previous versions of the app were approved without issues Concern I am worried that the submission might be stuck somewhere in the review queue or blocked for an unknown reason. This update contains important improvements and fixes for existing users, so the long delay is quite concerning. If anyone has experienced a similar situation recently, I would really appreciate your advice. If any Apple staff member happens to see this post, I would be extremely grateful if you could help check whether there is any issue with this submission. Thank you very much for your time and assistance. Best regards, Lee Yuchang

My app (App ID: 6757516331) has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" since February 3rd. It has been over a week, and I have not received any updates yet. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

We are an App Developer for past 16 years so have seen a lot happen with App Review over the years (even back when 2 month review times were the norm). However, we have all come to expect app review to take only 48 hours typically. We submitted several macOS Tahoe updates in Feb all approved within 24 to 48 hours, but 2 updates submitted on 25th Feb are stuck in 'waiting for review'. Very strange indeed and checking this forum, it seems many other devs are having the same issue, but from way earlier than us. Is this a known issue currently? I suspect their are different app review queues by region and maybe even app category and popularity of the app, but even accounting for all that, this is unusual. There seems to be no logic to which apps are approved same day vs those kept stuck in 'waiting for review'.

Hello Apple Developer Support, My app has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” since February 7, and I have submitted multiple inquiries without receiving any response. This delay has now become extremely concerning. Missing a planned launch due to an indefinite review timeline is very difficult for independent developers. If there is an issue with the submission, I would appreciate clear communication. If there are review delays, transparency would help us plan accordingly. I respect the review process, but the lack of updates after this amount of time is frustrating. I would sincerely appreciate clarification on the status. I kindly ask for a specific and personalized response regarding my case, as my previous inquiries received only general or automated replies without addressing the actual issue. Apple ID: 6758804549 Thank you.