Hi everyone, I’m looking for guidance regarding an unusually long App Review delay. My first iOS app, EmpowerFI, has been in “Waiting for Review” for almost 30 days. In two days, it will reach a full month without moving to “In Review.” During this period, I have contacted Apple Developer Support several times. After my initial contact, Apple submitted an expedited review request as a one-time exception for my app. However, the status did not change. I contacted support again and received the following response: “We have confirmed that your app review is proceeding normally, and there is no further action you need to take.” I have followed up multiple times since then, explaining that I am not asking Apple to guarantee a review or approval date. I am simply trying to understand why this particular submission has remained in “Waiting for Review” for almost a month. Unfortunately, I continue to receive essentially the same standard response. There are no pending actions visible in App Store Connect, and Apple Support has explicitly confirmed that there is nothing further required from me. I fully understand that review times vary and that some apps may require additional scrutiny. However, almost 30 days without even moving from “Waiting for Review” to “In Review” seems exceptionally long, particularly after an expedited review request was submitted. I also know developers who submitted apps during this period and received a review response within approximately two days, so I am trying to understand whether there could be something specific affecting my submission. Has anyone recently experienced a similar delay with a first app submission? More importantly, is there any other appropriate escalation path when Developer Support confirms that everything is normal but the app remains in “Waiting for Review” for almost a month? I am not looking to bypass App Review or request guaranteed approval. I would simply like someone to investigate whether there is an issue affecting this submission or explain why it has remained in the queue for such an exceptional amount of time. Any guidance from Apple staff or developers who have experienced this recently would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,

Apple 团队及各位开发者，你们好： 我是一名独立开发者，希望就开发者会员资格终止后的沟通渠道和恢复申请流程获得指引。 我的账号下共有九款 App，其中八款此前已在 App Store 上架。近期发生的情况如下： 2026 年 9 月 11 日： App Store Connect 显示依据《Apple Developer Program 许可协议》第 3.2(f) 条发出的待终止通知，账号下此前上架的 App 被下架。 2026 年 9 月 12 日： 我通过指定的 App Review Board 表单提交申诉。该表单当时最多允许添加五款 App，提交完成页面确认已收到这五款 App 的申诉请求。 2026 年 9 月 14 日： 我陆续在这五款 App 的通讯页面收到回复。每份回复都有不同的申诉编号，但实质内容相同，均表示调查已完成，并维持终止开发者会员资格的决定。 我理解，这些回复涉及的是账户级决定，而不只是某一款 App 的普通审核拒绝。回复同时告知，会员资格正式终止后，可以申请恢复。 目前最困难的是：通知列举了可能涉及的违规行为类别，但没有指出本次认定所依据的具体事例。 例如，我仍不清楚相关认定对应的是哪款 App、哪个版本或 Build、哪项功能、哪段元数据、哪次沟通回复，或哪项账号相关活动。 我对这一结论有异议。我没有故意隐藏功能，也没有设置以规避审核为目的的机制。我愿意提供相关记录，解释可能存在的事实理解偏差，并纠正确认存在的问题。但在缺少具体事例的情况下，很难准备有针对性、可验证的说明和改进计划。 我理解开发者论坛不能代替 App Review Board 处理账户申诉。我不是要求论坛参与者直接撤销决定，也不要求披露内部检测方法、审核人员身份或第三方保密信息。 希望获得以下流程方面的指引： 申诉已有结论后，应通过哪个官方私密渠道请求具体说明？ 我已有 Developer Support 案例，希望了解如何请求足以供我核实、回应和采取改进措施的信息。 在通知没有提供具体事例的情况下，应如何组织恢复申请？ 哪些材料最有助于区分事实澄清、已经完成的改进，以及尚待实施的计划，避免依靠猜测作出不准确的陈述？ 应如何确认正式终止的生效状态，以及何时可以提交恢复申请？ 对于涉及同一账户、分别关联五款 App 的申诉编号，后续请求应如何引用和关联？ 我可以通过 Apple 官方私密支持渠道提供申诉编号、支持案例编号及相关材料，因此没有在公开帖子中列出这些信息。 这件事对我的开发工作影响很大。我希望准确理解实际问题，通过合适的程序提供有针对性的证据，并争取恢复会员资格的机会。 感谢任何关于正确渠道和后续步骤的指引。 Hello Apple team and fellow developers, I am an independent developer seeking guidance on the appropriate communication channel and process for preparing a membership reinstatement request. My account contains nine apps, eight of which had previously been available on the App Store. The timeline is as follows: September 11, 2026: App Store Connect displayed a Pending Termination Notice citing Section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. My previously available apps were removed from the App Store. September 12, 2026: I submitted an appeal through the designated App Review Board form. The form allowed me to add a maximum of five apps at that time, and the confirmation page acknowledged receipt of the appeal request for those five apps. September 14, 2026: I received responses in the communication pages for all five apps. Each response has a different appeal ticket number, but the substantive wording is identical. The responses state that the investigation is complete and maintain the decision to terminate my developer membership. I understand that these responses concern an account-level decision, rather than an ordinary review rejection for an individual app. They also state that I may request reinstatement once the membership is formally terminated. My main difficulty is that the notifications list categories of potentially prohibited conduct without identifying a specific example underlying the finding in my case. I do not know which app, version or build, feature, metadata, communication, or account-related activity led to the decision. I disagree with the conclusion. I have not deliberately hidden functionality or implemented a mechanism intended to evade App Review. I am willing to provide relevant records, address possible factual misunderstandings, and correct any confirmed deficiencies. However, without a specific example, it is difficult to prepare a targeted, verifiable explanation and improvement plan. I understand that the Developer Forums cannot replace the App Review Board’s account appeal process. I am not asking forum participants to overturn the decision or disclose internal detection methods, reviewer identities, or third-party confidential information. I would appreciate guidance on these procedural questions: After an appeal has been decided, which official private channel should I use to request actionable clarification? I already have a Developer Support case and would like to understand how to request enough information to investigate, respond, and take appropriate corrective action. How should a reinstatement petition be organized when the notification does not identify a specific example? What evidence would best distinguish factual clarification, completed improvements, and proposed changes, without relying on speculation or making inaccurate statements? How should I confirm the effective status of formal termination and when I may submit a reinstatement request? How should I reference and associate the five app-specific appeal ticket numbers in a follow-up concerning the same membership? I can provide the appeal references, Developer Support case number, and relevant materials through an official private support channel, so I have not included those details publicly. This decision has significantly affected my development work. My goal is to understand the actual concerns, provide focused evidence through the appropriate process, and seek an opportunity to restore my membership. Thank you for any guidance on the correct channel and next steps.

I received a Pending Termination Notice under ADPLA 3.2(f) on September 1. The identical notice was posted into the message thread of every app on my account, so it's account-level rather than tied to one app. The stated evidence was repeated submissions attempting to evade review. I filed an appeal admitting the conduct rather than disputing it, and set out the remediation with dates. That was two days ago, no response yet. Since filing, I audited the rest of my apps and found competitor app names in some keyword fields. I hadn't connected that to the termination, but 3.2(f) does mention unfair competition and consumer confusion, and I had a naming complaint from another developer resolved through Apple earlier this year. My questions: Has anyone filed a second appeal while the first was still pending? I've read about a second appeal succeeding after the first missed the real cause, but mine already admits the main issue. Unsure whether adding this strengthens the case or just muddies it. Is competitor keywords the kind of thing that contributes to an account-level action, or is it normally just a 2.3.7 rejection? For anyone who has been through a 3.2(f) termination - roughly how long did the App Review Board take to respond? Happy to share how it turns out either way, since there isn't much written about this process.

Has anyone observed the intermittent issues with the AppStore Connect site? Missing app records and error banners where information should appear “Your account cannot be found” error “Please accept these terms and conditions” Could this explain why some apps remain in review or seem to wait indefinitely—perhaps due to suppressed technical bugs or errors in the site’s processing of changes, where end-to-end flows fail to complete what would otherwise yield a finished review?

My macOS app update has been sitting in "In Review" since Aug 31 at 12:50 PM PT — 13 days — with no messages, questions, or status changes in App Store Connect. ▎ App: NFS Files – NAS Drive Client ▎ App ID: 6789844265 ▎ Platform: macOS, version 2.0 (build 9) ▎ Submission ID: ac1eccf9-a982-492c-a6c4-c402c5f91d29 ▎ The identical iOS 2.0 submission, with the same review notes, was reviewed and approved on Sep 6. The earlier 4.3(a) concern on both platforms was addressed by removing the other network-file apps from my account and by the NFS-specific functionality described in the review notes. ▎ I've also submitted a request through the Contact Us form. Is the review still active, or is anything needed from me?

Hello, since July 31st, our app has been stuck in the waiting for review state for a long period of time. We have already taken some actions. July 31: first submission. August 10: after waiting for over a week, we assumed there was a problem with the review queue -> cancel and resubmit. We attempted to submit an expedited request, but there was an issue with Apple service. It keeps saying "Sorry, we didn't receive your request." August 13: request a call with the Support Team. There was a guy named Tony who answered. Unfortunately, even Apple's staff is unable to access their internal system, as he told us that, and "he don't know why"? August 14: request a call again. Apple staff - Andy took up the phone and said he could not do anything about this situation and said... We just have to wait. August 25: rejected the build, upgraded the version, and submitted once more. We're hoping that this build will get out of the stucked queue... Side notes: Attempted to submit another expedited request were unsuccessful, the problem remained, tried several times. Made an appointment for a App Review team. But even the registration is still pending. Does anyone here have suggestions or solutions for this situation? This is the first time we've encountered this situation, and it's quite strange. Isn't that a side effect of the August 8th maintenance?

Hello! I want to ask when my game will be reviewed because i am already waiting 3 weeks. please someone explains to me how to speed up the process and why this is happening

My game was submitted for app review for few round, every time they rejected and i resolve the issue, but latest they reject as Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam and dont have response more than 1 week, I am confusing, early stage was Code of developer (showing what my game have with recording),later follow by some bug fix, then design copy-cat ( the game is totally written by me), but then i asked many round please pin point which part. End up they reject with "Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam" and i replied with full list of unique feature my game have and explaination on some feature where mostly every game have it such as stamina regen, ranking, gacha. Please help, my game was on google play for 1 week plus, some players of follower was asking for ios. google play link : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bubluestudio.beyondgod

Hello, Ping Pong Connect (Apple ID 6796913239), version 1.0, build 56, was submitted on August 30, 2026 and has remained in "Waiting for Review" for 14 days. It has never entered "In Review." There are no Resolution Center messages and no requests for additional information. The demo account listed under App Review Information has been verified working. I submitted an App Review Status inquiry today via Contact Us (Case ID 102962138758). Is there anything on my side that could be holding this up, or could someone from App Review take a look? Happy to provide anything needed. Thank you.

Hello, My app IMMONAI (App ID: XXXXXXXXX) has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" since September 4, 2026 — iOS version 1.4.3, build 32. During this time, I have: Contacted App Review support (no response) Submitted two expedited review requests (Case Number: XXXXXXXXX), with no acknowledgment There are no messages in the Resolution Center and no rejection or feedback of any kind. My previous submissions were typically reviewed within 24-48 hours. Could you please check whether my submission is blocked in the queue for some reason? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi App Review team, Our update has been sitting in "In Review" for over 6 days with no status change and no Resolution Center messages. App name: AIVO - AI Video Generator Apple ID: 6762442103 Version: 2.0.13 (build 40) Platform: iOS Submitted: Sep 6, 2026 (entered "In Review" the same day) Submission ID: <paste from ASC → App Review, if shown> The live version 2.0.12 is unaffected. This update is small (a showcase grid of example clips on the Create screen plus layout refinements); no new in-app purchases or entitlements. Nothing is pending on our side. We have also opened an App Review Status case via Contact Us (Case ID: ). Could you check whether this submission needs anything from us, or if it is stuck? Thank you.

Hi, I'm completely blocked from TestFlight. Every attempt returns: "status": "422", "code": "BETA_CONTRACT_MISSING", "title": "Beta contract is missing for the app." This is an older account that has used TestFlight fine before. Nothing changed on my end, no account changes, no agreement updates. What I've already checked: Business > Agreements: Paid Apps and Free Apps both Active Tax forms and bank account Active No pending banners anywhere in App Store Connect or developer.apple.com Test Information complete Export compliance answered Build processes to VALID with no warnings Same error on a brand new app with a fresh build, so it looks like the beta contract is detached on the backend rather than an app-level problem. I've filed a support request and haven't heard back. This is time sensitive, I have a client pilot waiting on an external TestFlight link. Is there any way to get this re-provisioned? Apple Support case ID: 20000118605424 Thanks.

My app Pelicula (App ID: 6763131679) has been sitting in "Waiting for Review" for almost 3 weeks... The app is a film ranking and discovery app — no payments, no sensitive permissions beyond push notifications and Sign in with Apple. I am not sure what I'm doing wrong, everytime I submit something the app sits for 7 days with no response. I am trying not to be the guy that smashes expedited review because I know other developers also have issues. I got one version of it through to the app store and users found a bug which is so not cool. Just wish to get an update through that allows for users to have a good experience. Has anyone experienced a silent hold this long recently? Any advice on getting a response from App Review would be appreciated. Happy to share the submission ID directly with anyone from Apple who can help.

Hello, I would like to ask for guidance regarding the termination of my Apple Developer Program account. The account had been active for over 15 years and was my primary source of income. In November 2025, I received a notice stating: You provided fraudulent and/or false account information, documentation, or otherwise falsely represented yourself or your submitted app to Apple either during the account enrollment process or after the account was created. I take this matter very seriously. I have always used my real identity and valid documentation, and I have never intended to misrepresent myself or my apps in any way. I am fully willing to provide any documents again to reconfirm my identity if required. Over the past several months, I submitted multiple appeals in an effort to better understand the reason for this determination. However, I have only received general responses without specific details or actionable guidance. Six months later, I received a final Notice of Termination. I fully respect Apple’s policies and the need to maintain trust and integrity within the platform. At the same time, it’s been hard to understand what exactly caused this issue or what could have been fixed earlier. If anyone from the App Review Team or other Apple representatives can provide general guidance on (I am posting from the same account/email that was originally used to enroll in the Apple Developer Program.): what types of situations may lead to this kind of determination, or whether there are any possible steps to clarify or resolve identity-related concerns I would be very grateful.

Hi Apple Developer Community, My app was rejected under Guideline 2.3.2 because I accidentally uploaded the wrong promotional image. I want to remove the image as instructed by App Review, but the IAP is currently Ready for Review, and the image is locked. There is no option to remove or replace it, and the Save/Add for Review buttons are disabled. I have already contacted Apple Developer Support (Case ID: 102955732091) and am waiting for a response. Has anyone faced this issue? Is there a way to unlock the IAP metadata, or does Apple need to remove the image from their side? Thanks!

Its my First App. It has been ready for Distribution since August 18, in the Business tap,everything is "Active" but my status in Compliance -Digital Services Act is stack "in review"!! No email replies, no nothing. Can anyone help me please?

Our app Finbo (Apple ID 6761951739, iOS version 1.0.32, build 28) has been in "Waiting for Review" since August 20, 2026: 22 days with no reviewer assigned and no messages in Resolution Center. We sent two expedited review requests last week and never received a reply, not even the acknowledgement email. Today we opened support case 102959970140 (App Review Status). Has anyone seen a submission sit unassigned for this long? Is there any other channel to get it picked up? We are not going to cancel and resubmit because that sends it to the back of the queue.

Hello Apple Developer Community, My app's review has been stalled for around 30 days with no visible progress. I would appreciate guidance on how to get a status update and find out whether any action is required on my side. I understand that review times can vary and that some submissions may require additional evaluation. However, after about a month, I would like to understand what steps I can take to move the process forward. Has anyone experienced a similar delay? What is the appropriate way to follow up with the App Review team or request further assistance? I am happy to provide any additional information the review team needs through the appropriate private support channel. Thank you for your time and help.

An update to our 10-year-old passport photo app for macOS was rejected under “Guideline 1.1.6 - Safety - Objectionable Content.” We have neither changed any of the app's existing features nor added new ones. This update only included minor changes to the user interface and an update to the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect. This is the reason for rejection provided to us by the reviewer: Guideline 1.1.6 - Safety - Objectionable Content Issue Description The app contains content or features that are misleading, intended to deceive users, or are otherwise fraudulent. Specifically, the app provides services for editing photos for government documents. Note that adding a disclaimer to the app description is not sufficient if the rest of the metadata and the app are misleading. Next Steps It would be appropriate to remove any content or features from the app that could be misleading or enable fraudulent activity before resubmitting for review. We are having difficulty understanding how Guideline 1.1.6 applies to our app. The app is simply a tool for creating passport photos. Users select their own portrait photo and manually position and crop it to the required photo dimensions. The app does not manipulate the content of the photo, change facial features, or alter a person's appearance. The app has been available for approximately 10 years and is also used as a professional tool by photographers around the world to prepare and print passport and ID photos for their customers. It does not edit passports, ID cards, visas, or any other government documents. The output is simply a portrait photo in the selected dimensions that can be saved or printed. The country-specific presets provide the required photo dimensions as well as a visual mask for head size and positioning, based on publicly available specifications published by the relevant authorities in each country. These presets are used only to help the user manually align and crop the portrait photo according to those published requirements. They are not templates for government documents. We have submitted an appeal, as we believe there may be a misunderstanding about what the app actually does. Has anyone else encountered a rejection under Guideline 1.1.6 for a passport photo or similar photo-formatting app? We would particularly appreciate any insight into the statement that providing services for “editing photos for government documents” falls under Guideline 1.1.6. Is there a specific App Review policy regarding passport photo apps that we may have overlooked? For additional context, this particular app does not include background replacement or automatic cropping. However, even if an app did offer such features, passport-style photos are not used exclusively for passports or government-issued identity documents. They can also be used for driver's licenses, student IDs, fishing licenses, membership cards, employee IDs, and many other purposes. For some of these use cases, background replacement may be perfectly acceptable. Requirements also vary depending on the country, authority, and intended use of the photo. It would therefore seem reasonable for users to decide how to prepare their photos based on the requirements applicable to their particular use case. We would be very interested to hear how other developers interpret this guideline and whether anyone has encountered a similar situation. Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I’m wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same issue. My app has been sitting in “Waiting for Review” for quite some time now, with no status changes or updates. I completely understand that review times can vary, and I truly appreciate the work the App Review team does. However, when there is no visibility into what’s happening, it can be difficult for developers to know whether everything is progressing normally or if there is an unexpected delay. It would be very helpful if Apple could provide more transparency during longer waiting periods, or publish a brief announcement when review queues are unusually busy. Even a simple status update would help developers better manage expectations and plan their releases. For many independent developers and small teams, every day of waiting can have a significant impact on launch plans, marketing schedules, and business operations. The uncertainty is often more stressful than the wait itself. I hope Apple can consider providing a little more communication around extended review queues. It would greatly improve the developer experience and reduce unnecessary anxiety. Has anyone else’s app been waiting for review longer than usual recently?