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Update your app

Release a version update in phases

When you release a version update of your iOS, macOS, tvOS, or universal app, you can choose to release it to the App Store in stages. This option is available if you're submitting a version update and your app has one of the following app statuses;

  • Yellow clock symbol Prepare for Submission

  • Yellow clock symbol Waiting for Review

  • Yellow clock symbol In Review

  • Yellow clock symbol Waiting for Export Compliance

  • Yellow clock symbol Pending Developer Release

  • Red X square fill symbol Developer Rejected

  • Red X square fill symbol Rejected

  • Red X square fill symbol Metadata Rejected

If you choose this option, your version update will be released over a 7-day period to a percentage of your users (selected at random by their Apple Account) on iOS or macOS with automatic updates turned on. Users aren’t notified that they're in a phased release of your app.

Day of Phased Release

Percentage of Users

1

1%

2

2%

3

5%

4

10%

5

20%

6

50%

7

100%

Keep in mind that apps and app updates in phased release can be manually downloaded from the App Store by anyone at any time.

While your app is in phased release, you can choose to pause the release for a total of 30 days. There’s no limit to the number of pauses. If you remove your app from sale, phased release will stop and won’t be available for that version again.

Learn how to manage phased releases with the App Store Connect API.

Required role: Account Holder, Admin, or App Manager. View role permissions.