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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6.9k
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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4.5k
Nov ’25
App in review for 2 months with no sensible outcome
The app is waiting for review since April 22 (nearly 2 months!) with no sensible outcome. The first review never happened I contacted support several times and after more than 40 days I just deleted the submission and created a new one which was quickly rejected on June 3 with the following reasons: The app contains hidden features. The app provides a limited user experience as it is not sufficiently different from a web browsing experience. The reasons do not reflect the reality and I explained why this fully native app, high performance app can't be considered as it provides a limited user experience nor does it contain any hidden features. I referred to the video and explained the tech stack that could falsely trigger any webview concerns. On June 9 I had a call with Apple representative. Before anything the representative suggested for me to do something else in life and not chase the outcome of the review (!). In the end of the meeting he suggested I submit the appeal and so I did right after the call. 30 minutes later I was contacted via mobile by the same representative and he asked to not submit the appeal as they might have a resolution for my review and should just resubmit the same version. I did as suggested and the app has been waiting for review ever since with no communication whatsoever. Does anyone else have similar experience? Anything I can do at all? Submission ID c37cc165-1f58-435a-a394-35fbbee787f8
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Apps Still in Waiting for Review and Expedited Review Request Form Fails
Hello Apple Staff, I’m posting again because this issue has not been resolved yet. We currently have two active apps under the same developer account that are still in Waiting for Review. For one of the affected apps, the details are as follows: App ID: 6760743106 Review submission ID: 6950ecff-f833-404d-b04b-ac34ec552b85 We also tried to submit an expedited review request, but the expedited review form does not complete successfully. The following error message is displayed: “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.” Could Apple Staff please check the current status of these review submissions and let us know if any additional action is required from our side? We would greatly appreciate your assistance, as the review process has not started and we are currently unable to submit an expedited review request. Thank you for your time and support.
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Guideline 5.1.1(v) Rejection for Account-Dependent Social Entertainment App
This is our second App Store submission for Rex, a social entertainment discovery app whose core features depend on account-based personalization, saved history, and social/group functionality. Rex’s core features include Rex AI, which provides personalized movie and TV recommendations, along with social watchlists and Party Mode for group recommendations. These features do not function in any meaningful way without an account because they rely on user preferences, saved history, social connections, and persistent recommendation data to deliver the intended experience. Our app is being rejected under Guideline 5.1.1(v), even though account-based functionality is central to the premise of the product. Sign-in is not being used as a gate in front of otherwise accessible content. It is required because the product itself depends on an account-based experience. We have now received the same generic rejection message twice, with no indication that our previous responses were reviewed or considered. We submitted detailed explanations of how Rex works and why sign-in is foundational to the experience, but those points have not been acknowledged or addressed. The responses we have received do not engage with the specific nature of our app, do not address the 5.1.1(v) exception for apps whose core functionality is account-dependent, and appear to repeat the same form language without responding to the context we provided. This is a significant investment of time and resources, and we are trying to understand what Apple is specifically asking us to change. We are not trying to gate free content behind a login. We are trying to ship a product that, by design, requires an account for its core functionality to work. Can someone from Apple or the developer community help clarify how Guideline 5.1.1(v) should be applied to apps where personalization, social features, saved history, and group recommendations are the core product experience?
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TestFlight external build stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 6+ days
Hi everyone, App Name: StAIle Build: 6 (Version 1.0.0) I submitted this build for TestFlight external testing on June 12, 2026. It has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" status ever since (6+ days now), well beyond the typical 24-48 hour window. What I've tried so far: Sent an email to App Store Connect support — no response after 2+ days Submitted an expedited review request via the official form — still waiting on that too No message in the Resolution Center, no compliance flag I'm a solo developer trying to run external beta tests before submitting the app for full App Store review, and this delay is blocking that step entirely. Has anyone else experienced something similar recently, or found a way to get this moving? Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
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Declared Age Range usage and requirements
I’ve been using the Age Assurance support page and related Developer News posts as the source of truth for understanding Apple’s expectations around Age Assurance on Apple platforms: https://developer.apple.com/support/age-assurance/ https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=sg176nne Can anyone from Apple clarify whether anything has recently changed with App Review expectations related to Age Assurance? Specifically, are there any new requirements or updated guidance around implementing technologies like DeclaredAgeRange or PermissionKit? I didn’t see any sessions or announcements that indicated these frameworks are now required but with all of the new child safety announcements I thought I'd ask and document for the developer community. I did see the new sample code for implementing Age Assurance and permissions, but nothing suggesting their use is mandatory for App Store approval. https://developer.apple.com/documentation/declaredagerange/implementing-age-assurance-and-permissions Just trying to confirm whether current guidance remains the same, or if App Review expectations are evolving.
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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 taking too long time to get in review queue
I submitted my app to App Review on June 5, 2026, and it has remained in the "Waiting for Review" status ever since. As of today, it has been waiting for review for 16 days without any updates from Apple. This is my first time experiencing such a long delay, and I wanted to ask if anyone else is facing similar review times recently or if there is anything I can do to expedite the process. App Details: Submission Date: June 5, 2026 Current Status: Waiting for Review Waiting Time: 16 Days Any guidance or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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TestFlight External Build Stuck in 'Waiting for Review' for 32+ Hours
Hi everyone, My TestFlight build has been stuck in 'Waiting for Review' for over 32 hours and I'm hoping someone can help or share their experience. The situation: I have an External Testing group with a Public Link set up. The build was submitted for Beta App Review on March 19th but it's been over 32 hours with no update. I have 25+ testers waiting to install the app. What I've tried: Waited patiently Checked App Store Connect multiple times No rejection emails received No issues flagged by Apple Questions: Is anyone else experiencing unusually long review times for TestFlight external builds right now? Is there anything I can do to speed up the process or check if something is wrong? Has anyone successfully resolved this by contacting Apple Developer Support directly? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Apple Support Case ID: 102846633409
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Request for Apple Review Team Assistance – Submission Stuck in "Waiting for Review" Since May 28 (20 days) Despite Approved Expedited Review.
Hello, I am posting here because I have exhausted the normal support channels and I am seeking clarification from Apple engineers or the App Review team regarding an unusually prolonged review process. Current situation Application submitted on May 28, 2026 Status has remained "Waiting for Review" since submission (20 days). An expedited review request was submitted and approved by Apple but the status remains unchanged. Case reference: case IDs (102907712466 and 102915319049) If any Apple engineer or App Review representative is able to provide help or guidance, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you for your time and assistance.
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收到知识产权投诉并完成整改后,Apple 会如何看待后续重复投诉?有开发者遇到过类似情况吗?
大家好, 想请教一下是否有开发者遇到过类似情况,并愿意分享处理经验。 假设某 App 收到第三方发起的知识产权投诉(例如图片、字体、素材等相关内容)。 开发者收到投诉后已经: 完成内部核查; 删除或替换了被投诉内容; 发布整改版本; 当前 App 及相关线上服务中已无法访问被投诉内容。 但投诉方认为双方争议并未解决,并持续基于历史使用行为提出异议或再次发起投诉。 想了解大家是否遇到过类似情况: 开发者完成整改后,Apple 是否曾针对同一事项再次联系过你们? Apple 是否要求过额外材料,例如整改说明、授权证明或其他补充文件? 如果当前版本和线上服务已经无法访问被投诉内容,Apple 在后续处理中通常更关注哪些方面? 有没有开发者遇到过已经完成整改,但仍然因为同一事项被进一步处理甚至下架的情况? 对于这类已经完成整改、但双方仍存在历史争议的问题,Apple 后续通常是如何处理的? 我理解每个案件情况不同,也理解 Apple 会根据个案进行评估。 这里只是希望了解其他开发者的实际处理经验,以便更好地理解 App Store 在知识产权投诉方面的一般处理方式。 感谢大家分享经验。
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Missing TestFlight Webhook: WAITING_FOR_BETA_REVIEW
Hello, I noticed the webhook event BUILD_BETA_DETAIL_EXTERNAL_BUILD_STATE_UPDATED does not fire when a build is submitted for external beta review. It is only fired when the review completes. It would be great if we can get notified when an external beta review has started, similar to how we do get notified when a review gets started for the App Store build. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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Pending Termination Notice – Looking for Guidance
Hello, We are seeking guidance regarding our Apple Developer Program account, which is currently under a Pending Termination Notice related to Section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. The notice stated that our account had repeatedly submitted apps with unresolved guideline violations and that Apple believed these submissions were attempting to evade the review process. We want to make it clear that we never intended to mislead Apple or bypass the review process. We understand the seriousness of Apple's concerns and have taken the matter very seriously. Following the notice, we submitted an appeal to the App Review Board on June 4, 2026. In our appeal, we acknowledged the issues raised, explained the circumstances that led to the repeated submissions, and committed to implementing stronger internal review and compliance procedures. We also expressed our willingness to remove the app involved if necessary to ensure full compliance with Apple's policies. We have been members of the Apple Developer Program for several years and have always aimed to build products that comply with Apple's guidelines. We value the App Store ecosystem and would like the opportunity to address any concerns and continue serving our users responsibly. We want to resolve this properly and rebuild trust. We would be grateful for any guidance from Apple Team or the community on the best way to confirm our materials are under active review, and on any additional steps that would help. Thank you. Thank you for your time and any guidance you can provide.
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Received Final Termination Notice While Preparing My Reinstatement Request
Hi, I'm the founder of a small independent mobile app company based in Istanbul, Turkey. I'm sharing this because I'm trying to understand whether anyone else has experienced something similar and whether there are any realistic paths forward after a final Apple Developer Program termination. In April 2026, our app received several App Review rejections. We addressed the issues raised by Apple and submitted updated versions of the app as requested. On April 27, 2026, we received a Pending Termination Notice alleging App Review circumvention. We submitted a formal appeal on April 28 and followed up with additional information and documentation on May 15. On June 2, Apple informed us that our appeal was insufficient and that our membership would be terminated. What caught my attention was that the same communication also stated that submitting a reinstatement request could potentially lead to reconsideration. I took that seriously. We immediately shifted our focus toward a complete compliance review of the app, brought in outside assistance, and reviewed everything we could think of: app metadata, screenshots and marketing assets, user flows, source code, business logic, and third-party integrations. The changes were not cosmetic. Entire features were removed, workflows were redesigned, and significant parts of the application's architecture were revised. Our goal was to address every concern we could identify and submit a comprehensive reinstatement request. Then, on June 6, before we were able to complete and submit that request, we received the final termination notice. To be clear, I'm not claiming Apple made the wrong decision, nor am I posting this to generate outrage. What I found difficult to understand was being told that reinstatement could be considered, investing significant time and resources into preparing that submission, and then receiving a final termination before having the opportunity to submit it. For context: We never used external payment systems. We never purchased or manipulated ratings or reviews. We never distributed binaries hidden from App Review. We never intentionally attempted to deceive Apple or bypass review procedures. I'm 24 years old and this is my first company. Looking back, I can see that some of my decisions came down to inexperience. That's exactly why I took the reinstatement process seriously. I wanted to fix what I could. A few questions: Has anyone received reconsideration after a final Apple Developer Program termination? Has anyone experienced receiving a final termination while actively preparing a reinstatement request? Are there any official communication channels available once App Store Connect access has been removed? Thank you for reading. Batuhan Özdemir Founder, Liquid Apps Team ID: 7K3Z69D85W
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Stuck submitting subscription for review
We are stuck in AppStoreConnect limbo. We have a new subscription group + two Subscriptions in Ready To Review state in appstoreconnect, but Apple Review rejected our latest app version because they weren't included with the version. Our app version has been rejected for a few issues before this which maybe broke something. When I go to edit the version, there is no Subscriptions & Purchases section to add them for review. I tried editing the subscriptions and subscription group localization to see if that got it out of Waiting For Review state or showed the version section but no luck. So we can't add the Subscriptions for review and we are rejected from App Review if we don't. I submitted an Apple support email 8 days ago and haven't received any response. Does anyone know of a way to get this unblocked?
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App version and TestFlight build both stuck in “Waiting for Review”. Is this expected?
Hi everyone, I’m trying to understand if what I’m seeing in App Store Connect is normal, or if there’s something I should check on my side. I submitted an iOS 1.2 app version for App Review and I also submitted a TestFlight beta build around the same time. Both are still showing as Waiting for Review. The app version was submitted Thursday at around 10:59 PM, and the beta build was submitted Thursday at around 6:48 PM. Usually my beta builds have moved much faster than this, so I’m not sure if this is just current review backlog or if having both the app version and beta build waiting at the same time can slow things down. A few details: App: Mossly: Plant Care Journal Platform: iOS Version: iOS 1.2 Beta build: iOS 1.2 (40) Both currently show: Waiting for Review I haven’t received any message from App Review asking for more information. Has anyone else seen TestFlight beta review and App Review sit in “Waiting for Review” for several days at the same time? Is there anything I can do besides wait, or any setting/submission state I should double-check? Thanks.
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App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 19+ days
Hi Apple, I'm reaching out because my app Lynup (Bundle ID: ai.lynup.app, Apple ID: 6766385801) has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" since May 6, 2026 — that's now over 19 days with no movement. Here's what I've already tried: Submitted an expedited review request — twice Opened a support ticket with App Review (Case ID: 102892962160) on May 18, 2026 Despite both actions, the status hasn't changed and I haven't received any meaningful update beyond the initial acknowledgment. This is a first submission and the delay is significantly impacting our launch timeline. Any help, advice, or update would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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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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6.9k
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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4.5k
Activity
Nov ’25
App in review for 2 months with no sensible outcome
The app is waiting for review since April 22 (nearly 2 months!) with no sensible outcome. The first review never happened I contacted support several times and after more than 40 days I just deleted the submission and created a new one which was quickly rejected on June 3 with the following reasons: The app contains hidden features. The app provides a limited user experience as it is not sufficiently different from a web browsing experience. The reasons do not reflect the reality and I explained why this fully native app, high performance app can't be considered as it provides a limited user experience nor does it contain any hidden features. I referred to the video and explained the tech stack that could falsely trigger any webview concerns. On June 9 I had a call with Apple representative. Before anything the representative suggested for me to do something else in life and not chase the outcome of the review (!). In the end of the meeting he suggested I submit the appeal and so I did right after the call. 30 minutes later I was contacted via mobile by the same representative and he asked to not submit the appeal as they might have a resolution for my review and should just resubmit the same version. I did as suggested and the app has been waiting for review ever since with no communication whatsoever. Does anyone else have similar experience? Anything I can do at all? Submission ID c37cc165-1f58-435a-a394-35fbbee787f8
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2
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204
Activity
10h
Apps Still in Waiting for Review and Expedited Review Request Form Fails
Hello Apple Staff, I’m posting again because this issue has not been resolved yet. We currently have two active apps under the same developer account that are still in Waiting for Review. For one of the affected apps, the details are as follows: App ID: 6760743106 Review submission ID: 6950ecff-f833-404d-b04b-ac34ec552b85 We also tried to submit an expedited review request, but the expedited review form does not complete successfully. The following error message is displayed: “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.” Could Apple Staff please check the current status of these review submissions and let us know if any additional action is required from our side? We would greatly appreciate your assistance, as the review process has not started and we are currently unable to submit an expedited review request. Thank you for your time and support.
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3
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12
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440
Activity
10h
App waiting for review
Hello App Review Team, My app, SUB PREMIUM TV (Apple ID: 6769972609, Version 1.0), has been in “Waiting for Review” status for several days. I would like to confirm whether there is any issue with my submission or if any additional information is needed from me. Thank you for your time and assistance. Best regards, Babucarr Ngum
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0
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0
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34
Activity
10h
App stuck in 'Waiting for review'
Hello App Review team - My app(App ID: 6756242440) is stuck in 'Waiting for review'. Once in a while updates are getting stuck like this, while other times same app reviews go through in 48 hours. Please help us understand any reasoning behind this so we can plan our development accordingly. Thanks in advance!
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2
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0
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166
Activity
10h
Guideline 5.1.1(v) Rejection for Account-Dependent Social Entertainment App
This is our second App Store submission for Rex, a social entertainment discovery app whose core features depend on account-based personalization, saved history, and social/group functionality. Rex’s core features include Rex AI, which provides personalized movie and TV recommendations, along with social watchlists and Party Mode for group recommendations. These features do not function in any meaningful way without an account because they rely on user preferences, saved history, social connections, and persistent recommendation data to deliver the intended experience. Our app is being rejected under Guideline 5.1.1(v), even though account-based functionality is central to the premise of the product. Sign-in is not being used as a gate in front of otherwise accessible content. It is required because the product itself depends on an account-based experience. We have now received the same generic rejection message twice, with no indication that our previous responses were reviewed or considered. We submitted detailed explanations of how Rex works and why sign-in is foundational to the experience, but those points have not been acknowledged or addressed. The responses we have received do not engage with the specific nature of our app, do not address the 5.1.1(v) exception for apps whose core functionality is account-dependent, and appear to repeat the same form language without responding to the context we provided. This is a significant investment of time and resources, and we are trying to understand what Apple is specifically asking us to change. We are not trying to gate free content behind a login. We are trying to ship a product that, by design, requires an account for its core functionality to work. Can someone from Apple or the developer community help clarify how Guideline 5.1.1(v) should be applied to apps where personalization, social features, saved history, and group recommendations are the core product experience?
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1
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0
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43
Activity
10h
TestFlight external build stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 6+ days
Hi everyone, App Name: StAIle Build: 6 (Version 1.0.0) I submitted this build for TestFlight external testing on June 12, 2026. It has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" status ever since (6+ days now), well beyond the typical 24-48 hour window. What I've tried so far: Sent an email to App Store Connect support — no response after 2+ days Submitted an expedited review request via the official form — still waiting on that too No message in the Resolution Center, no compliance flag I'm a solo developer trying to run external beta tests before submitting the app for full App Store review, and this delay is blocking that step entirely. Has anyone else experienced something similar recently, or found a way to get this moving? Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
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1
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0
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38
Activity
16h
Declared Age Range usage and requirements
I’ve been using the Age Assurance support page and related Developer News posts as the source of truth for understanding Apple’s expectations around Age Assurance on Apple platforms: https://developer.apple.com/support/age-assurance/ https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=sg176nne Can anyone from Apple clarify whether anything has recently changed with App Review expectations related to Age Assurance? Specifically, are there any new requirements or updated guidance around implementing technologies like DeclaredAgeRange or PermissionKit? I didn’t see any sessions or announcements that indicated these frameworks are now required but with all of the new child safety announcements I thought I'd ask and document for the developer community. I did see the new sample code for implementing Age Assurance and permissions, but nothing suggesting their use is mandatory for App Store approval. https://developer.apple.com/documentation/declaredagerange/implementing-age-assurance-and-permissions Just trying to confirm whether current guidance remains the same, or if App Review expectations are evolving.
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0
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30
Activity
16h
Why apple review take so long
I have been waiting for 18 days for review my app. I don't know why or because many app AI Slop is waiting for review?
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0
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18
Activity
22h
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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1
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77
Activity
1d
App taking too long time to get in review queue
I submitted my app to App Review on June 5, 2026, and it has remained in the "Waiting for Review" status ever since. As of today, it has been waiting for review for 16 days without any updates from Apple. This is my first time experiencing such a long delay, and I wanted to ask if anyone else is facing similar review times recently or if there is anything I can do to expedite the process. App Details: Submission Date: June 5, 2026 Current Status: Waiting for Review Waiting Time: 16 Days Any guidance or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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1
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0
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56
Activity
1d
TestFlight External Build Stuck in 'Waiting for Review' for 32+ Hours
Hi everyone, My TestFlight build has been stuck in 'Waiting for Review' for over 32 hours and I'm hoping someone can help or share their experience. The situation: I have an External Testing group with a Public Link set up. The build was submitted for Beta App Review on March 19th but it's been over 32 hours with no update. I have 25+ testers waiting to install the app. What I've tried: Waited patiently Checked App Store Connect multiple times No rejection emails received No issues flagged by Apple Questions: Is anyone else experiencing unusually long review times for TestFlight external builds right now? Is there anything I can do to speed up the process or check if something is wrong? Has anyone successfully resolved this by contacting Apple Developer Support directly? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Apple Support Case ID: 102846633409
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2
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1
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308
Activity
1d
Request for Apple Review Team Assistance – Submission Stuck in "Waiting for Review" Since May 28 (20 days) Despite Approved Expedited Review.
Hello, I am posting here because I have exhausted the normal support channels and I am seeking clarification from Apple engineers or the App Review team regarding an unusually prolonged review process. Current situation Application submitted on May 28, 2026 Status has remained "Waiting for Review" since submission (20 days). An expedited review request was submitted and approved by Apple but the status remains unchanged. Case reference: case IDs (102907712466 and 102915319049) If any Apple engineer or App Review representative is able to provide help or guidance, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you for your time and assistance.
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0
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39
Activity
1d
收到知识产权投诉并完成整改后,Apple 会如何看待后续重复投诉?有开发者遇到过类似情况吗?
大家好, 想请教一下是否有开发者遇到过类似情况,并愿意分享处理经验。 假设某 App 收到第三方发起的知识产权投诉(例如图片、字体、素材等相关内容)。 开发者收到投诉后已经: 完成内部核查; 删除或替换了被投诉内容; 发布整改版本; 当前 App 及相关线上服务中已无法访问被投诉内容。 但投诉方认为双方争议并未解决,并持续基于历史使用行为提出异议或再次发起投诉。 想了解大家是否遇到过类似情况: 开发者完成整改后,Apple 是否曾针对同一事项再次联系过你们? Apple 是否要求过额外材料,例如整改说明、授权证明或其他补充文件? 如果当前版本和线上服务已经无法访问被投诉内容,Apple 在后续处理中通常更关注哪些方面? 有没有开发者遇到过已经完成整改,但仍然因为同一事项被进一步处理甚至下架的情况? 对于这类已经完成整改、但双方仍存在历史争议的问题,Apple 后续通常是如何处理的? 我理解每个案件情况不同,也理解 Apple 会根据个案进行评估。 这里只是希望了解其他开发者的实际处理经验,以便更好地理解 App Store 在知识产权投诉方面的一般处理方式。 感谢大家分享经验。
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0
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0
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24
Activity
1d
Missing TestFlight Webhook: WAITING_FOR_BETA_REVIEW
Hello, I noticed the webhook event BUILD_BETA_DETAIL_EXTERNAL_BUILD_STATE_UPDATED does not fire when a build is submitted for external beta review. It is only fired when the review completes. It would be great if we can get notified when an external beta review has started, similar to how we do get notified when a review gets started for the App Store build. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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0
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0
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23
Activity
1d
Pending Termination Notice – Looking for Guidance
Hello, We are seeking guidance regarding our Apple Developer Program account, which is currently under a Pending Termination Notice related to Section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. The notice stated that our account had repeatedly submitted apps with unresolved guideline violations and that Apple believed these submissions were attempting to evade the review process. We want to make it clear that we never intended to mislead Apple or bypass the review process. We understand the seriousness of Apple's concerns and have taken the matter very seriously. Following the notice, we submitted an appeal to the App Review Board on June 4, 2026. In our appeal, we acknowledged the issues raised, explained the circumstances that led to the repeated submissions, and committed to implementing stronger internal review and compliance procedures. We also expressed our willingness to remove the app involved if necessary to ensure full compliance with Apple's policies. We have been members of the Apple Developer Program for several years and have always aimed to build products that comply with Apple's guidelines. We value the App Store ecosystem and would like the opportunity to address any concerns and continue serving our users responsibly. We want to resolve this properly and rebuild trust. We would be grateful for any guidance from Apple Team or the community on the best way to confirm our materials are under active review, and on any additional steps that would help. Thank you. Thank you for your time and any guidance you can provide.
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0
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30
Activity
1d
Received Final Termination Notice While Preparing My Reinstatement Request
Hi, I'm the founder of a small independent mobile app company based in Istanbul, Turkey. I'm sharing this because I'm trying to understand whether anyone else has experienced something similar and whether there are any realistic paths forward after a final Apple Developer Program termination. In April 2026, our app received several App Review rejections. We addressed the issues raised by Apple and submitted updated versions of the app as requested. On April 27, 2026, we received a Pending Termination Notice alleging App Review circumvention. We submitted a formal appeal on April 28 and followed up with additional information and documentation on May 15. On June 2, Apple informed us that our appeal was insufficient and that our membership would be terminated. What caught my attention was that the same communication also stated that submitting a reinstatement request could potentially lead to reconsideration. I took that seriously. We immediately shifted our focus toward a complete compliance review of the app, brought in outside assistance, and reviewed everything we could think of: app metadata, screenshots and marketing assets, user flows, source code, business logic, and third-party integrations. The changes were not cosmetic. Entire features were removed, workflows were redesigned, and significant parts of the application's architecture were revised. Our goal was to address every concern we could identify and submit a comprehensive reinstatement request. Then, on June 6, before we were able to complete and submit that request, we received the final termination notice. To be clear, I'm not claiming Apple made the wrong decision, nor am I posting this to generate outrage. What I found difficult to understand was being told that reinstatement could be considered, investing significant time and resources into preparing that submission, and then receiving a final termination before having the opportunity to submit it. For context: We never used external payment systems. We never purchased or manipulated ratings or reviews. We never distributed binaries hidden from App Review. We never intentionally attempted to deceive Apple or bypass review procedures. I'm 24 years old and this is my first company. Looking back, I can see that some of my decisions came down to inexperience. That's exactly why I took the reinstatement process seriously. I wanted to fix what I could. A few questions: Has anyone received reconsideration after a final Apple Developer Program termination? Has anyone experienced receiving a final termination while actively preparing a reinstatement request? Are there any official communication channels available once App Store Connect access has been removed? Thank you for reading. Batuhan Özdemir Founder, Liquid Apps Team ID: 7K3Z69D85W
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0
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115
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1d
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Hi everyone, Thanks in advance to anyone who shares their experience.
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0
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56
Activity
2d
Stuck submitting subscription for review
We are stuck in AppStoreConnect limbo. We have a new subscription group + two Subscriptions in Ready To Review state in appstoreconnect, but Apple Review rejected our latest app version because they weren't included with the version. Our app version has been rejected for a few issues before this which maybe broke something. When I go to edit the version, there is no Subscriptions & Purchases section to add them for review. I tried editing the subscriptions and subscription group localization to see if that got it out of Waiting For Review state or showed the version section but no luck. So we can't add the Subscriptions for review and we are rejected from App Review if we don't. I submitted an Apple support email 8 days ago and haven't received any response. Does anyone know of a way to get this unblocked?
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5
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0
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204
Activity
2d
App version and TestFlight build both stuck in “Waiting for Review”. Is this expected?
Hi everyone, I’m trying to understand if what I’m seeing in App Store Connect is normal, or if there’s something I should check on my side. I submitted an iOS 1.2 app version for App Review and I also submitted a TestFlight beta build around the same time. Both are still showing as Waiting for Review. The app version was submitted Thursday at around 10:59 PM, and the beta build was submitted Thursday at around 6:48 PM. Usually my beta builds have moved much faster than this, so I’m not sure if this is just current review backlog or if having both the app version and beta build waiting at the same time can slow things down. A few details: App: Mossly: Plant Care Journal Platform: iOS Version: iOS 1.2 Beta build: iOS 1.2 (40) Both currently show: Waiting for Review I haven’t received any message from App Review asking for more information. Has anyone else seen TestFlight beta review and App Review sit in “Waiting for Review” for several days at the same time? Is there anything I can do besides wait, or any setting/submission state I should double-check? Thanks.
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2
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0
Views
155
Activity
2d
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 19+ days
Hi Apple, I'm reaching out because my app Lynup (Bundle ID: ai.lynup.app, Apple ID: 6766385801) has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" since May 6, 2026 — that's now over 19 days with no movement. Here's what I've already tried: Submitted an expedited review request — twice Opened a support ticket with App Review (Case ID: 102892962160) on May 18, 2026 Despite both actions, the status hasn't changed and I haven't received any meaningful update beyond the initial acknowledgment. This is a first submission and the delay is significantly impacting our launch timeline. Any help, advice, or update would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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2
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2
Views
144
Activity
2d