I just want my app to be approved fasterI'm an independent developer, and at this point, I just want my app to be approved. I've spent months building GoldEngine AI, a free market-research companion providing gold market data, AI-generated forecast

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I'm an independent developer, and at this point, I just want my app to be approved.

I've spent months building GoldEngine AI, a free market-research companion providing gold market data, AI-generated forecast summaries, seasonality information and selected stock fundamentals.

The Android version is already live on Google Play. But getting the iOS version through App Review has become one of the more frustrating parts of the entire development journey.

A little background:

4 October: An earlier iOS submission was removed as part of the submission process.
14 October: Apple raised concerns under Guideline 3.1.1 relating to subscriptions and external purchasing.
14 October: I addressed the concerns, tested the corrected application on an iPhone using TestFlight, and submitted version 1.0.1 (Build 11).
15 October: The application is still showing "Waiting for Review."

The revised iOS application removes subscription pricing, external purchase calls to action, and subscriber sign-in prompts. It now operates as a free, standalone research companion.

I also provided Apple with a detailed explanation of the changes and requested consideration under Guideline 3.1.3(f), which covers certain free companion applications.

I understand that Apple needs to protect customers, maintain App Store standards and ensure applications comply with its guidelines. I respect that process.

But here's the frustrating part.

As an independent developer, you're responsible for everything: the engineering, testing, infrastructure, security, documentation, compliance and customer communication.

You spend countless hours making sure your application works, only to find yourself repeatedly refreshing App Store Connect, hoping the status changes from "Waiting for Review" to "In Review."

Meanwhile, potential users are asking when the iPhone version will be available, and all I can tell them is that we're waiting for Apple.

I'm not asking Apple to bypass its checks or approve an application that doesn't meet its guidelines. I'm simply hoping for a timely review, clearer communication and a little more predictability for independent developers.

I'd be interested to hear from others:

How long have your recent App Review submissions taken?
After correcting a Guideline 3.1.1 issue, did your resubmission move through review more quickly?
Have you noticed longer waiting periods during October 2026?
Is there anything else worth doing beyond responding to App Review and submitting an expedited review request when appropriate?

I'm keen to get GoldEngine AI into the hands of iPhone users, just as it is now available to Android users.

Sometimes building the application feels easier than getting it approved.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Answer 1

GetResubmit OP

27m

I’d be careful about relying on 3.1.3(f) unless GoldEngine is genuinely a companion to a paid web-based tool. The guideline’s examples are services such as VoIP, cloud storage, email, and web hosting; simply removing subscriptions from an app does not by itself establish that the exception applies.

In the review notes, explain what the paid web product is, what users pay for there, and how this iOS app acts as its companion. Then verify the submitted build has no purchase flow, pricing, “subscribe” prompts, or links/calls to action directing users to buy outside the app.

If GoldEngine is instead a standalone market-research app, ask App Review which specific screen or behavior triggered 3.1.1 and whether the remaining concern is external purchasing or access to digital features. Keep the explanation tied to the exact submitted build and screenshots.