App Review

RSS for tag

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.

Posts under App Review tag

200 Posts

Post

Replies

Boosts

Views

Activity

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
0
0
7.1k
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.
0
0
5k
Nov ’25
One App seems to stay in Waiting for Review
So I've got multiple apps on the App Store, one is very complex and another that is more basic. The one that is more basic continually seems to be skipped over in the review process and just sits there in waiting for review (currently been there waiting for a week), while the other gets reviewed within 24 hours. I'm grateful the more complex one clears quickly as I am making several updates each week, but I need the other to clear in a timely manner as well. This is not the first time with this particular app and starting to wonder if there is some issue with the intended audience. I sincerely hope that is not the case. Thank you App Review folks, I know you're swamped, but can you please look into this seemingly repeating issue and let me know why the hold up on this one app I'm particular?
0
0
18
2h
Very long App Review Waiting, no response from support
I submitted my app nearly a week ago, and it's still stuck on I submitted my app nearly a week ago, and it's still stuck on "Waiting for Review." I also contacted App Review Support, but I haven't received a response. For a service that costs so much, this level of communication is disappointing. I understand that reviews can sometimes take longer, but having no updates or response from support is frustrating. Is anyone else experiencing similar delays? I also contacted App Review Support, but I haven't received a response. For a service that costs so much, this level of communication is disappointing. I understand that reviews can sometimes take longer, but having no updates or response from support is frustrating. Is anyone else experiencing similar delays?
1
0
35
4h
App stuck in “Waiting for Review” for 7 days, is this normal?
My app has been in “Waiting for Review” status for 7 days now, which is well beyond the usual turnaround I’ve seen. I haven’t received any communication from App Review, and there’s no message in Resolution Center. I have also raised a ticket but have had no reply. Details: • Submitted: July 7 ‘26 • Type: New app • Status has remained “Waiting for Review” the entire time (not “In Review”) I’ve already confirmed there are no outstanding issues in App Store Connect and no metadata rejections. Has anyone experienced a delay this long recently? Any guidance appreciated.
0
0
23
6h
Preparing background asset for app review
I have finished a new app that integrates Apple hosted background asset. I have tested and confirm that the assets are downloaded both locally and with a TestFlight build. App review is not able to access the background assets. I can see that the assets are updated with status "accepted". But app review is running into error "A server with the specified hostname could not be found.". These are Apple Hosted Assets. Did I miss any configuration?
2
1
206
17h
App Reviewers Keep Responding With Nonsense Rejections
I built what Apple would describe as a "reader" app. Because it involves legal and financial information, however, it doesn't qualify as a standard "news" reader, so Apple is not treating as a reader app. That means it needs to have in-app subscriptions. Fine. I think that's a better UI choice for the user anyway. The problem is that the App Store Connect UI for subscriptions and the training materials for Apple's reviewers on subscriptions are horrendous. As my other posts on these forums have documented, they literally do not work. Now with the app in the review process, the reviewers keep sending back rejections because they keep trying to sign up for a subscription with the provided demo account that is already signed up. Why is the demo account already signed up? Because it's a demo account! And that's what Apple wants (to test each and every feature)! Fortunately, there are additional in-app subscription sandbox accounts I've provided credentials for so that from a clean slate, the reviewers can choose a plan and test signing up using those. But they apparently either don't understand that it makes no sense to sign up twice for a subscription or they refuse to do it without explaining why. Instead, they claim that there is some UI problem with the app because it won't let a signed-up account sign up again. This is bonkers. The obvious solution is that if Apple wants each subscription to have a dedicated test sandbox account, then when you add a subscription plan, the credentials for such an account for the reviewers to use should be required fields. But they're not, and now I've wasted two weeks dealing with a feature that technically should not be required for the app at all by Apple's own guidelines. Apple has been less than helpful when trying to sort this out. The entire process is hugely inefficient. If you could just set up a block of 10-20 minutes as an appointment to speak to your reviewer(s) instead of a round-robin that gets you a response once per day at best, it would eliminate probably 80% of the needless back-and-forth that the current process yields.
1
0
79
21h
Apps stuck in "In Review" for over 4 weeks
We are an established Apple Developer with multiple production apps. Over the past four weeks, every submission under our developer account—including both new apps and updates—has either remained in "Waiting for Review" or "In Review" significantly longer than expected. We have already: Contacted Apple Developer Support multiple times Been granted an expedited review Replied to all support cases Despite this, none of our submissions have progressed. I'm unsure if this could be related to an account-level review or another issue affecting our developer account. Has anyone else experienced similar issues? Thank You!
0
0
52
21h
Recommended App Store distribution strategy for apps that require Foundation Models
Hello, I'm evaluating Foundation Models announced at WWDC 2026 and have a question regarding App Store distribution. My understanding is that Foundation Models are only available on supported devices and operating system versions. For apps that rely on Foundation Models as their primary functionality (rather than offering AI as an optional feature), I'm trying to understand the recommended distribution strategy. Currently, iOS provides Required Device Capabilities to prevent users from installing apps that require hardware features such as GPS, ARKit, or NFC. However, I couldn't find an equivalent Required Device Capability for Foundation Models. I also couldn't find a way to limit App Store availability by supported device models. My questions are: What is the recommended way to distribute an app whose primary functionality depends on Foundation Models? Is there currently any supported mechanism to prevent users with unsupported devices from downloading such an app? Is Apple planning to introduce a Required Device Capability (or a similar App Store filtering mechanism) for Foundation Models before public release? Without such a mechanism, users may be able to install the app successfully but then discover that its primary functionality is unavailable on their device. I'd appreciate any guidance on the recommended approach. Thank you.
5
0
243
1d
First submission stuck in "Waiting for Review" Day 8 — status inquiry unanswered
Our first app, Vrolu (App ID 6784370261), was submitted for review on July 6 and has been in "Waiting for Review" with no status change. It's an iOS app with two auto-renewable subscriptions attached to the version, submitted from a new developer account (organization). We submitted a status inquiry through the App Review Status contact form on July 10 and have not received a response. Is there anything needed from our side, or any way to confirm the submission is queued correctly? Happy to provide any additional information.
0
0
75
1d
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 5 weeks — is this normal?
Hi everyone, My app update has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 5 weeks now, and I'd like to ask if anyone has experienced something similar. App ID: 6763439171 Here's the timeline: Initial submission: took about 1 month in "Waiting for Review" before approval. Long, but I understood it was the first review. Subsequent minor updates: approved within 1–2 days each time. Great experience. Current update (minor UI/interface changes): submitted 5 weeks ago, still "Waiting for Review" with no status change. I've also submitted an expedited review request 3 times during this period, but I haven't received any response — not even a rejection of the expedite request. There's nothing unusual about this update — no new permissions, no new SDKs, just interface adjustments. I've searched the forums and other developers' experiences, but I couldn't find many cases where a simple update waited this long. I'm hesitant to cancel and resubmit, because I'm worried that would put me at the back of the queue and reset the wait to another month or more. My questions: Is a 5-week "Waiting for Review" for a minor update normal these days? Is it normal to get zero response after 3 expedited review requests? Would canceling and resubmitting actually reset my place in the queue? Is there any other way to reach the review team at this point? Any advice or shared experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!
0
0
69
1d
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.
4
2
256
1d
EU Digital Services Act compliance stuck "In Review" for 6+ weeks — blocking EU distribution
Hi, My app "Stories for Two" has been approved and is ready for distribution, but it's blocked in all 27 EU countries because my DSA trader status has been stuck "In Review" since April 26, 2026 — over 6 weeks ago. I've already submitted all the required information. The "DAC7 Directive" line shows as Active, but "Digital Services Act" remains stuck in review with no way to action it from my side. Has anyone experienced this and found a fix? I've seen someone suggest canceling and resubmitting the review request — is that possible and if so, how exactly? Thanks! Boris
2
0
260
1d
App Rejected due to Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata
Recently, my app got rejected due to Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata and I got a message during rejection as: The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. If this submission includes bug fixes and you'd like to have it approved at this time, reply to this message and let us know. You do not need to resubmit your app for us to proceed. I replied to them, requesting approval, and resubmitted the app, but app again got rejected. I think the reason for rejection may be that I resubmitted, which the review didn't ask. After the second rejection, I replied immediately within 5 minutes, requesting approval without resubmitting the app. The following is the timeline for the review process happened so far in GST: Jul 11, 2026 at 12:17 AM - Waiting for review Jul 11, 2026 at 3:27 AM - Rejected Jul 11, 2026 at 7:11 AM - Replied for Approval since eligible Jul 11, 2026, at 6:54 PM - Changed the status to Waiting for review since no update from Apple, and resubmitted Jul 12, 2026 at 7:06 PM - Rejected again with the same reason - Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata (The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. If this submission includes bug fixes and you'd like to have it approved at this time, reply to this message and let us know. You do not need to resubmit your app for us to proceed.) Jul 12, 2026 at 7:10 PM - Requested approval through comments. (Within 5 minutes after rejection) Jul 13, 2026 at 6:28 AM - Follow-up message to review team: This release contains a critical production bug fix for our users, and the actual release has already been delayed too much, so we would greatly appreciate any update on the review status and approval as early as possible. Since this is a critical release, can anyone tell me whether the steps I followed are correct?
0
0
42
1d
App rejection due to meta data issue
Apple rejected my app during review: Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata Issue Description: The 6.7-inch iPhone, 6.5-inch iPhone, and 5.5-inch iPhone screenshots still do not show the actual app in use in the majority of the screenshots. Screenshots should highlight the app's core concept to help users understand the app’s functionality and value. Also the review team given an exception this time as following: The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. If this submission includes bug fixes and you'd like to have it approved at this time, reply to this message and let us know. You do not need to resubmit your app for us to proceed. Since we are eligible for app approval this time, we replied back requesting for approval this time and resubmitted the app. but after 12 hours App got rejected again. This time we got the same comments from Apple: "The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. If this submission includes bug fixes and you'd like to have it approved at this time, reply to this message and let us know. You do not need to resubmit your app for us to proceed." This time we just replied requesting for approval, and didn't resubmit the app. Is this the correct way to respond to the Apple review team? I am thinking App got rejected again since they told not to resubmit but I resubmitted due to the delayed approval process and second time I reply back to them within 5 minute after the rejection of app.
0
0
39
1d
Subscriptions missing after initial app release
Hey everyone, I'm dealing with a strange issue with auto-renewable subscriptions in my app, and hoping someone can help or point me to the right direction. Here's what happened: Earlier I got my initial app version approved and released with monthly and yearly subscriptions in App Store Connect. And I checked that the app went live, and I could see the subscriptions in a fresh App Store install. But a few weeks after that, I noticed the subscriptions were gone from the app, then I went checking in App Store Connect, and found subscriptions were in some developer attention required state (something along the line). I then submitted a new app version with an additional subscription item, hoping I could reselect the prev 2 subscriptions and the new one for review, together with the new app build. And the subscriptions were in Waiting for Review status. But app reviewer responded that they can't see any subscription for review, and can't proceed with the review. And I noticed that the Subscriptions page shows the banner Your first subscription must be submitted with a new app version. Create your subscription, then select it from the app’s In-App Purchases and Subscriptions section on the version page before submitting the version to App Review., as if I had never got any subscription approved & released before. Now I'm completely stuck. App reviewer can't see the subscriptions, and I see in App Store Connect my subscriptions are in Waiting for Review status. Thanks a lot for any help!
0
0
114
1d
Typical App Review time for a first-time app submission?
Hi all, I submitted my first app for review on Friday evening and it's currently in "Waiting for Review". As a first-time developer I'm just curious about the process: What review times are you all seeing lately for a brand-new (first version) app? Does the weekend tend to slow things down, or is review running 7 days a week? For an app that requires sign-in, is it common for review to take a little longer since the reviewer has to log in and test? Not in a rush, just curious what to expect. Thanks!
2
0
219
2d
Guideline 5.6 Rejection with NO Screenshots or Crash Logs – How to Diagnose?
Hi everyone,  I'm a relatively new developer and I just received my first App Store rejection. I'm posting here because I'm genuinely stuck and hoping the community can help me figure out where to even begin.  The Problem:  My app was rejected under Guideline 5.6 - Developer Code of Conduct - Review Suspended. The full message is the standard one: the app doesn't meet the "required quality standard," it's "not eligible for resubmission," and I should "ensure every screen, interaction, and piece of content has been thoughtfully designed" before submitting a new app.  Here's why I'm confused:  The rejection came with ZERO attachments. No screenshots. No screen recordings. No crash logs. No specific mention of a buggy feature, a broken button, or an unfinished screen. It's just a blanket statement about "quality" and "polish."  in my case, there's absolutely nothing to go on.  What I've checked so far:  I've tested the app on multiple physical devices (iPhone 12, 14, 15) – no crashes. I've reviewed every screen for placeholder text, "Lorem Ipsum," or dummy images – none found. I've checked the In-App Purchase / subscription screen for proper legal disclaimers and auto-renewal text – all present. I've made sure there are no debug logs or test toggles left in the production build. Everything looks fine to me, which is why I'm so lost. Without specific feedback, I don't know if the issue is:  A UI inconsistency I'm blind to? A subtle crash that only happens on a device I don't own? An issue with the paywall flow that I've misunderstood? Something about the metadata, screenshots, or app description? My questions for the community:  Has anyone else received a Guideline 5.6 rejection with no attachments? Is this common, or does it suggest the reviewer flagged the app as "low-quality" purely based on first impressions (like the design feels outdated or the concept is too simple)? Since the message says replies and resubmissions of this binary won't be reviewed, and I can't get clarification from the reviewer, what's the safest way to proceed? Should I:  Create a completely new App ID and submit as a new app? Or can I submit a new version under the same App ID? (I've heard mixed answers on this.) More importantly – how do I figure out what to fix? Without a starting point, I'm worried I'll fix the wrong things and get rejected again, which I know can lead to account termination after repeated violations. Are there any "hidden" quality checks that reviewers apply that aren't obvious to developers? For example, does Apple penalize apps that:  Have a generic icon or unpolished splash screen? Take too long to load on first launch? Have unclear navigation or confusing user flow? Lack a proper onboarding/tutorial for first-time users?   Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. I really want to get this right and not waste my one or two remaining chances. my app id : 6764726742
7
3
592
2d
First app stuck in "Waiting for Review". Can App Review verify my submission is queued correctly?
Hi, I'm looking for some guidance regarding my first App Store submission. My app has been stuck In "Waiting for Review" stage with no status change. I thoroughly went through guidelines and prepare forums before submitting, not sure what to do next or where my app stands after passing estimated wait times. If anyone from App Review is able to confirm that the submission is properly queued or let me know if there's anything I need to do I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
0
0
152
2d
Expedited review granted, subscription products still Waiting for Review
App: Sprin World, Apple ID 6759182613. Our first three auto-renewable subscriptions (com.sprinworld.app.pass_weekly / pass_monthly / pass_yearly, group 22209642) were rejected July 8 under Guideline 3.1.2(c) for a missing Terms of Use link in the App Description. We fixed the metadata and resubmitted the three products on July 10, and also submitted version 2.5.2, whose review notes ask that the products be reviewed together with the version. An expedited review was granted July 10 at 5:15 PM PT. As of July 11, version 2.5.2, all three subscription products, and the subscription group localization still show Waiting for Review. The subscription UI is visible to live users, who currently cannot purchase. Is there anything else we should do so the subscription product reviews get picked up alongside the version? Thank you.
0
0
144
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
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
7.1k
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.
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
5k
Activity
Nov ’25
One App seems to stay in Waiting for Review
So I've got multiple apps on the App Store, one is very complex and another that is more basic. The one that is more basic continually seems to be skipped over in the review process and just sits there in waiting for review (currently been there waiting for a week), while the other gets reviewed within 24 hours. I'm grateful the more complex one clears quickly as I am making several updates each week, but I need the other to clear in a timely manner as well. This is not the first time with this particular app and starting to wonder if there is some issue with the intended audience. I sincerely hope that is not the case. Thank you App Review folks, I know you're swamped, but can you please look into this seemingly repeating issue and let me know why the hold up on this one app I'm particular?
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
18
Activity
2h
6 days in "Waiting for Review"
Hello. My app (new iOS app, previously shipped macOS app) has now been waiting in review for 6 days. I submitted it on Wednesday July 8th 2026. Does it normally take this long? Seems pretty long.
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
25
Activity
3h
Very long App Review Waiting, no response from support
I submitted my app nearly a week ago, and it's still stuck on I submitted my app nearly a week ago, and it's still stuck on "Waiting for Review." I also contacted App Review Support, but I haven't received a response. For a service that costs so much, this level of communication is disappointing. I understand that reviews can sometimes take longer, but having no updates or response from support is frustrating. Is anyone else experiencing similar delays? I also contacted App Review Support, but I haven't received a response. For a service that costs so much, this level of communication is disappointing. I understand that reviews can sometimes take longer, but having no updates or response from support is frustrating. Is anyone else experiencing similar delays?
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
35
Activity
4h
App stuck in “Waiting for Review” for 7 days, is this normal?
My app has been in “Waiting for Review” status for 7 days now, which is well beyond the usual turnaround I’ve seen. I haven’t received any communication from App Review, and there’s no message in Resolution Center. I have also raised a ticket but have had no reply. Details: • Submitted: July 7 ‘26 • Type: New app • Status has remained “Waiting for Review” the entire time (not “In Review”) I’ve already confirmed there are no outstanding issues in App Store Connect and no metadata rejections. Has anyone experienced a delay this long recently? Any guidance appreciated.
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
23
Activity
6h
Preparing background asset for app review
I have finished a new app that integrates Apple hosted background asset. I have tested and confirm that the assets are downloaded both locally and with a TestFlight build. App review is not able to access the background assets. I can see that the assets are updated with status "accepted". But app review is running into error "A server with the specified hostname could not be found.". These are Apple Hosted Assets. Did I miss any configuration?
Replies
2
Boosts
1
Views
206
Activity
17h
Complete Newbie in app development
Just a mum who made 2 apps to solve a personal problem that I thought would help others. Submitted over a week ago to AppStore Connect. Says "Waiting in Review". Tried to go to apple developer support and ask about the status, but their support page when I hit submit just gives an error. So not sure how I can get a hold of anyone or where to go from here?
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
55
Activity
21h
App Reviewers Keep Responding With Nonsense Rejections
I built what Apple would describe as a "reader" app. Because it involves legal and financial information, however, it doesn't qualify as a standard "news" reader, so Apple is not treating as a reader app. That means it needs to have in-app subscriptions. Fine. I think that's a better UI choice for the user anyway. The problem is that the App Store Connect UI for subscriptions and the training materials for Apple's reviewers on subscriptions are horrendous. As my other posts on these forums have documented, they literally do not work. Now with the app in the review process, the reviewers keep sending back rejections because they keep trying to sign up for a subscription with the provided demo account that is already signed up. Why is the demo account already signed up? Because it's a demo account! And that's what Apple wants (to test each and every feature)! Fortunately, there are additional in-app subscription sandbox accounts I've provided credentials for so that from a clean slate, the reviewers can choose a plan and test signing up using those. But they apparently either don't understand that it makes no sense to sign up twice for a subscription or they refuse to do it without explaining why. Instead, they claim that there is some UI problem with the app because it won't let a signed-up account sign up again. This is bonkers. The obvious solution is that if Apple wants each subscription to have a dedicated test sandbox account, then when you add a subscription plan, the credentials for such an account for the reviewers to use should be required fields. But they're not, and now I've wasted two weeks dealing with a feature that technically should not be required for the app at all by Apple's own guidelines. Apple has been less than helpful when trying to sort this out. The entire process is hugely inefficient. If you could just set up a block of 10-20 minutes as an appointment to speak to your reviewer(s) instead of a round-robin that gets you a response once per day at best, it would eliminate probably 80% of the needless back-and-forth that the current process yields.
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
79
Activity
21h
Apps stuck in "In Review" for over 4 weeks
We are an established Apple Developer with multiple production apps. Over the past four weeks, every submission under our developer account—including both new apps and updates—has either remained in "Waiting for Review" or "In Review" significantly longer than expected. We have already: Contacted Apple Developer Support multiple times Been granted an expedited review Replied to all support cases Despite this, none of our submissions have progressed. I'm unsure if this could be related to an account-level review or another issue affecting our developer account. Has anyone else experienced similar issues? Thank You!
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
52
Activity
21h
Recommended App Store distribution strategy for apps that require Foundation Models
Hello, I'm evaluating Foundation Models announced at WWDC 2026 and have a question regarding App Store distribution. My understanding is that Foundation Models are only available on supported devices and operating system versions. For apps that rely on Foundation Models as their primary functionality (rather than offering AI as an optional feature), I'm trying to understand the recommended distribution strategy. Currently, iOS provides Required Device Capabilities to prevent users from installing apps that require hardware features such as GPS, ARKit, or NFC. However, I couldn't find an equivalent Required Device Capability for Foundation Models. I also couldn't find a way to limit App Store availability by supported device models. My questions are: What is the recommended way to distribute an app whose primary functionality depends on Foundation Models? Is there currently any supported mechanism to prevent users with unsupported devices from downloading such an app? Is Apple planning to introduce a Required Device Capability (or a similar App Store filtering mechanism) for Foundation Models before public release? Without such a mechanism, users may be able to install the app successfully but then discover that its primary functionality is unavailable on their device. I'd appreciate any guidance on the recommended approach. Thank you.
Replies
5
Boosts
0
Views
243
Activity
1d
First submission stuck in "Waiting for Review" Day 8 — status inquiry unanswered
Our first app, Vrolu (App ID 6784370261), was submitted for review on July 6 and has been in "Waiting for Review" with no status change. It's an iOS app with two auto-renewable subscriptions attached to the version, submitted from a new developer account (organization). We submitted a status inquiry through the App Review Status contact form on July 10 and have not received a response. Is there anything needed from our side, or any way to confirm the submission is queued correctly? Happy to provide any additional information.
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
75
Activity
1d
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 5 weeks — is this normal?
Hi everyone, My app update has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 5 weeks now, and I'd like to ask if anyone has experienced something similar. App ID: 6763439171 Here's the timeline: Initial submission: took about 1 month in "Waiting for Review" before approval. Long, but I understood it was the first review. Subsequent minor updates: approved within 1–2 days each time. Great experience. Current update (minor UI/interface changes): submitted 5 weeks ago, still "Waiting for Review" with no status change. I've also submitted an expedited review request 3 times during this period, but I haven't received any response — not even a rejection of the expedite request. There's nothing unusual about this update — no new permissions, no new SDKs, just interface adjustments. I've searched the forums and other developers' experiences, but I couldn't find many cases where a simple update waited this long. I'm hesitant to cancel and resubmit, because I'm worried that would put me at the back of the queue and reset the wait to another month or more. My questions: Is a 5-week "Waiting for Review" for a minor update normal these days? Is it normal to get zero response after 3 expedited review requests? Would canceling and resubmitting actually reset my place in the queue? Is there any other way to reach the review team at this point? Any advice or shared experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
69
Activity
1d
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.
Replies
4
Boosts
2
Views
256
Activity
1d
EU Digital Services Act compliance stuck "In Review" for 6+ weeks — blocking EU distribution
Hi, My app "Stories for Two" has been approved and is ready for distribution, but it's blocked in all 27 EU countries because my DSA trader status has been stuck "In Review" since April 26, 2026 — over 6 weeks ago. I've already submitted all the required information. The "DAC7 Directive" line shows as Active, but "Digital Services Act" remains stuck in review with no way to action it from my side. Has anyone experienced this and found a fix? I've seen someone suggest canceling and resubmitting the review request — is that possible and if so, how exactly? Thanks! Boris
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
260
Activity
1d
App Rejected due to Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata
Recently, my app got rejected due to Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata and I got a message during rejection as: The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. If this submission includes bug fixes and you'd like to have it approved at this time, reply to this message and let us know. You do not need to resubmit your app for us to proceed. I replied to them, requesting approval, and resubmitted the app, but app again got rejected. I think the reason for rejection may be that I resubmitted, which the review didn't ask. After the second rejection, I replied immediately within 5 minutes, requesting approval without resubmitting the app. The following is the timeline for the review process happened so far in GST: Jul 11, 2026 at 12:17 AM - Waiting for review Jul 11, 2026 at 3:27 AM - Rejected Jul 11, 2026 at 7:11 AM - Replied for Approval since eligible Jul 11, 2026, at 6:54 PM - Changed the status to Waiting for review since no update from Apple, and resubmitted Jul 12, 2026 at 7:06 PM - Rejected again with the same reason - Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata (The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. If this submission includes bug fixes and you'd like to have it approved at this time, reply to this message and let us know. You do not need to resubmit your app for us to proceed.) Jul 12, 2026 at 7:10 PM - Requested approval through comments. (Within 5 minutes after rejection) Jul 13, 2026 at 6:28 AM - Follow-up message to review team: This release contains a critical production bug fix for our users, and the actual release has already been delayed too much, so we would greatly appreciate any update on the review status and approval as early as possible. Since this is a critical release, can anyone tell me whether the steps I followed are correct?
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
42
Activity
1d
App rejection due to meta data issue
Apple rejected my app during review: Guideline 2.3.3 - Performance - Accurate Metadata Issue Description: The 6.7-inch iPhone, 6.5-inch iPhone, and 5.5-inch iPhone screenshots still do not show the actual app in use in the majority of the screenshots. Screenshots should highlight the app's core concept to help users understand the app’s functionality and value. Also the review team given an exception this time as following: The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. If this submission includes bug fixes and you'd like to have it approved at this time, reply to this message and let us know. You do not need to resubmit your app for us to proceed. Since we are eligible for app approval this time, we replied back requesting for approval this time and resubmitted the app. but after 12 hours App got rejected again. This time we got the same comments from Apple: "The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. If this submission includes bug fixes and you'd like to have it approved at this time, reply to this message and let us know. You do not need to resubmit your app for us to proceed." This time we just replied requesting for approval, and didn't resubmit the app. Is this the correct way to respond to the Apple review team? I am thinking App got rejected again since they told not to resubmit but I resubmitted due to the delayed approval process and second time I reply back to them within 5 minute after the rejection of app.
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
39
Activity
1d
Subscriptions missing after initial app release
Hey everyone, I'm dealing with a strange issue with auto-renewable subscriptions in my app, and hoping someone can help or point me to the right direction. Here's what happened: Earlier I got my initial app version approved and released with monthly and yearly subscriptions in App Store Connect. And I checked that the app went live, and I could see the subscriptions in a fresh App Store install. But a few weeks after that, I noticed the subscriptions were gone from the app, then I went checking in App Store Connect, and found subscriptions were in some developer attention required state (something along the line). I then submitted a new app version with an additional subscription item, hoping I could reselect the prev 2 subscriptions and the new one for review, together with the new app build. And the subscriptions were in Waiting for Review status. But app reviewer responded that they can't see any subscription for review, and can't proceed with the review. And I noticed that the Subscriptions page shows the banner Your first subscription must be submitted with a new app version. Create your subscription, then select it from the app’s In-App Purchases and Subscriptions section on the version page before submitting the version to App Review., as if I had never got any subscription approved & released before. Now I'm completely stuck. App reviewer can't see the subscriptions, and I see in App Store Connect my subscriptions are in Waiting for Review status. Thanks a lot for any help!
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
114
Activity
1d
Typical App Review time for a first-time app submission?
Hi all, I submitted my first app for review on Friday evening and it's currently in "Waiting for Review". As a first-time developer I'm just curious about the process: What review times are you all seeing lately for a brand-new (first version) app? Does the weekend tend to slow things down, or is review running 7 days a week? For an app that requires sign-in, is it common for review to take a little longer since the reviewer has to log in and test? Not in a rush, just curious what to expect. Thanks!
Replies
2
Boosts
0
Views
219
Activity
2d
Guideline 5.6 Rejection with NO Screenshots or Crash Logs – How to Diagnose?
Hi everyone,  I'm a relatively new developer and I just received my first App Store rejection. I'm posting here because I'm genuinely stuck and hoping the community can help me figure out where to even begin.  The Problem:  My app was rejected under Guideline 5.6 - Developer Code of Conduct - Review Suspended. The full message is the standard one: the app doesn't meet the "required quality standard," it's "not eligible for resubmission," and I should "ensure every screen, interaction, and piece of content has been thoughtfully designed" before submitting a new app.  Here's why I'm confused:  The rejection came with ZERO attachments. No screenshots. No screen recordings. No crash logs. No specific mention of a buggy feature, a broken button, or an unfinished screen. It's just a blanket statement about "quality" and "polish."  in my case, there's absolutely nothing to go on.  What I've checked so far:  I've tested the app on multiple physical devices (iPhone 12, 14, 15) – no crashes. I've reviewed every screen for placeholder text, "Lorem Ipsum," or dummy images – none found. I've checked the In-App Purchase / subscription screen for proper legal disclaimers and auto-renewal text – all present. I've made sure there are no debug logs or test toggles left in the production build. Everything looks fine to me, which is why I'm so lost. Without specific feedback, I don't know if the issue is:  A UI inconsistency I'm blind to? A subtle crash that only happens on a device I don't own? An issue with the paywall flow that I've misunderstood? Something about the metadata, screenshots, or app description? My questions for the community:  Has anyone else received a Guideline 5.6 rejection with no attachments? Is this common, or does it suggest the reviewer flagged the app as "low-quality" purely based on first impressions (like the design feels outdated or the concept is too simple)? Since the message says replies and resubmissions of this binary won't be reviewed, and I can't get clarification from the reviewer, what's the safest way to proceed? Should I:  Create a completely new App ID and submit as a new app? Or can I submit a new version under the same App ID? (I've heard mixed answers on this.) More importantly – how do I figure out what to fix? Without a starting point, I'm worried I'll fix the wrong things and get rejected again, which I know can lead to account termination after repeated violations. Are there any "hidden" quality checks that reviewers apply that aren't obvious to developers? For example, does Apple penalize apps that:  Have a generic icon or unpolished splash screen? Take too long to load on first launch? Have unclear navigation or confusing user flow? Lack a proper onboarding/tutorial for first-time users?   Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. I really want to get this right and not waste my one or two remaining chances. my app id : 6764726742
Replies
7
Boosts
3
Views
592
Activity
2d
First app stuck in "Waiting for Review". Can App Review verify my submission is queued correctly?
Hi, I'm looking for some guidance regarding my first App Store submission. My app has been stuck In "Waiting for Review" stage with no status change. I thoroughly went through guidelines and prepare forums before submitting, not sure what to do next or where my app stands after passing estimated wait times. If anyone from App Review is able to confirm that the submission is properly queued or let me know if there's anything I need to do I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
152
Activity
2d
Expedited review granted, subscription products still Waiting for Review
App: Sprin World, Apple ID 6759182613. Our first three auto-renewable subscriptions (com.sprinworld.app.pass_weekly / pass_monthly / pass_yearly, group 22209642) were rejected July 8 under Guideline 3.1.2(c) for a missing Terms of Use link in the App Description. We fixed the metadata and resubmitted the three products on July 10, and also submitted version 2.5.2, whose review notes ask that the products be reviewed together with the version. An expedited review was granted July 10 at 5:15 PM PT. As of July 11, version 2.5.2, all three subscription products, and the subscription group localization still show Waiting for Review. The subscription UI is visible to live users, who currently cannot purchase. Is there anything else we should do so the subscription product reviews get picked up alongside the version? Thank you.
Replies
0
Boosts
0
Views
144
Activity
3d