Hello fellow developers, My app has been in App Store review for more than three months, and I have received very limited communication from Apple. App Review responded once, stating that they need more time, but no further updates have been provided. Developer Support only gives the same generic response that the review is still in progress. Two weeks ago, I resubmitted the app, but it remains in review with no response from either App Review or Developer Support. I also requested an expedited review, but nothing has happened. At this point, I’m unsure what else I can do to move the process forward. Has anyone else experienced such long review times? Any advice on how to escalate this situation? Thanks in advance for any help!

Hello, We have implemented support for our app to work with MDM. Basically the app needs to read the custom configuration with UserDefaults.standard.dictionary(forKey: ‘com.apple.configuration.managed’) in order to be functional when in an MDM. The issue is that in the app review process we are told that: "Guideline 2.1.0 - Information Needed We are still unable to access the app's Mobile Device Management (MDM) functionality. Provide a demo MDM profile and corresponding login credentials that we can be used to access the MDM features and functionality." How do we create a demo MDM profile? Our app only needs to be passed configuration information and we have used Apple Configurator to create a profile, we have added information but it still doesn't work. Here is an example of the .mobileconfig file we have generated, but when we install it on our device, the app does not return any value using UserDefaults.standard.dictionary(forKey: ‘com.apple.configuration.managed’). <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd"> <plist version="1.0"> <dict> <key>PayloadContent</key> <array> <dict> <key>PayloadDisplayName</key> <string>App Name</string> <key>PayloadIdentifier</key> <string>com.***.yyy.TESTUUID</string> <key>PayloadType</key> <string>com.apple.ManagedAppConfiguration</string> <key>PayloadUUID</key> <string>TESTUUID</string> <key>PayloadVersion</key> <integer>1</integer> <key>ManagedAppConfiguration</key> <dict> <key>MyFirstKey</key> <string>value1</string> <key>MySecondKey</key> <string>value2</string> </dict> </dict> </array> <key>PayloadDisplayName</key> <string>Test Profile</string> <key>PayloadIdentifier</key> <string>payloadid.TESTUUID2</string> <key>PayloadType</key> <string>Configuration</string> <key>PayloadUUID</key> <string>TESTUUID2</string> <key>PayloadVersion</key> <integer>1</integer> </dict> </plist> On the other hand, about 3 weeks ago we requested the MDM capability for the app (https://developer.apple.com/contact/request/mdm-capability) but we have not received any response. We are at a bit of a loss.

Greetings, does anyone know if there is an extension for the iOS 18 SDK and Xcode 16 update? I understand that starting April 24, older versions will no longer be allowed to be uploaded?

e've unfortunately been having this issue too ... apparently a grey screen appears immediately after launch ... we've tried everything to troubleshoot .... tried across multiple devices including multiple iPads (including same M-chip versions as the testing version). Also a flutter iOS app. None of us can replicate this and the feedback from the reviewers have been minimal and repeated unfortunately making it near possible to troubleshoot. In the past we've also managed to plead that they allow the update since there were other known bugs that were in our fix and they approved it ... we got no bug reports re a grey screen. This seems to be very much specific to Apple review team ... I'm not sure what it could be but would be really helpful to have some help!

My app is getting rejected due to Guideline 4.2 - Design - Minimum Functionality. So, my app is for reading or chanting, it's a religious app for chanting set of paragraphs. I have it running on Google Play since several years. I have around 30 contents and each one is of 108 short lines. But as per Apple the content is not enough. I can add more of them but they will not be much useful. They also require extra effort. I have given all the reasons to keep the app the way it is but they are not agreeing. Can someone please suggest me if there is any other way or how should I look at these things.

Hi All, Hoping someone can shed light on the correct way to proceed for App Review using an app built with Unity's IAP Service. I'm unsure if I have a problem with my build or there is a problem with my sequencing of the review process. Unity’s IAP won’t recognize a product until it exists on App Store Connect (which you would expect), however App Store Connect won’t publish products until they are reviewed with a submitted binary. I submitted a binary with my first product for review and the app was rejected for “completeness” because the product was unavailable. I requested clarification and the review team sent a screenshot back showing the store page in the game with the IAP UI in the state I would expect for no products returned (the buttons say “unavailable” and are disabled) - which makes sense, because the IAP is not approved and therefore not available. The review team sent the following: "When validating receipts on your server, your server needs to be able to handle a production-signed app getting its receipts from Apple’s test environment. The recommended approach is for your production server to always validate receipts against the production App Store first. If validation fails with the error code “Sandbox receipt used in production,” you should validate against the test environment instead." It seems we are not event to the point of receipt validation because the rejection is due to products not being approved and therefore not returned when the app queries them. So the app can't be approved unless it can be tested before the product exist in App Store Connect, but Unity's IAP won’t recognize the product until it exists in App Score Connect? Since I had submitted once I was able to resubmit just the IAP, but that was rejected for completeness because it didn't include a binary - which was rejected because the IAP was not present - and the IAP was not present because it was not approved. The IAP is a very simple "100 Gems" in game currency pack so I don't believe it is being rejected on its own merits, but I suppose I could be mistaken there. I can’t be the only one with this problem, or I must be missing something… or there is something else wrong with my build. Suggestions much appreciated!

Hello, My application was developed as a promotion and discovery platform for the city of Kars. Users can explore businesses, events, job postings, hotel and accommodation services in the city and communicate directly with businesses. They can get directions, are directed to event tickets and benefit from special student discounts. However, I received a red from the App Store on the grounds of Guideline 4.2 - Minimum Functionality. I think that the application has not been reviewed enough and actually offers real value to users. 📌 Featured Features: ✅ push notifications for all current content or campaigns etc. ✅ Business and event discovery (Categories: Cafes, hairdressers, hotels, job ads, etc.) ✅ communicating directly with the business. To make a Decryption call with a button. ✅ Directions that lead directly to maps. ✅ Directions for purchasing tickets for events ✅ Adding to favorites and personal content management ✅ Special discounts and opportunities for students ✅ Special announcements with push notifications ✅ Floating banner contents... and much more In my opinion, my application does not work just like a website, but rather creates an interactive value by providing a region-specific exploration experience. I want a real person from the Apple Review team to evaluate the app and the job. As a result of the agreements I have made, I have thousands of users waiting for my application to be released in the Appstore. Please have a human examine this application. Because I sent dozens of messages and didn't get any feedback. After reviewing this application, you will understand that it is unique and functional. I'm just waiting for support and a realistic approach from you. I do not want my labor to be wasted in addition to applications that do not have any content and do not work in the Appstore.

Hi, Since last week, I’ve been trying to publish the new version of my Voxel game, which aims to fix many bugs and significantly optimize the game. This update is very important for improving the overall quality of the game. Unfortunately, this version is not being accepted on the App Store due to a Design - Copycats issue related to guideline 4.1. I’ve tried everything to resolve the problem by changing the screenshots, app preview, description, game name, icons, and even all metadata that could cause issues in the build. But nothing seems to work. I keep receiving the same rejection just a few minutes after submitting my build for review. Here is the full warning message: —————— “Guideline 4.1 - Design - Copycats This app or its metadata appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app or game already available on the App Store, from a developer's website or distribution source, or from a third-party platform. Apps should be unique and should not attempt to deceive users into thinking they are downloading something they are not.” Next Steps Learn more about requirements to prevent apps from impersonating other apps or services in guideline 4.1. Revise the app to comply with these requirements. Once the app is fully compliant, resubmit the app for review. —————— Also I've already tried contaction the Apple Developer team but I got no answer. I don't know what to do. Thanks

We are now on Day 12, and my app remains stuck "In Review" with no progress. Despite my repeated attempts to get a real update—including daily support tickets, an expedited review request, a phone call with an Apple representative, and multiple forum posts—nothing has changed. This is not a normal review delay. Based on backend logs, it is clear that no one has even opened the app for review. It is simply sitting in the queue, ignored, while my users are left without critical updates. I demand a call back from an App Review manager today. Not a generic email, not another vague "it's still in review" response—I need a real explanation from someone who has actual insight into what is going on. To reiterate: My app is one of the most popular and highest-grossing indie apps on visionOS, with thousands of users and hundreds of subscribers. The app follows a tight update schedule, which your inefficiency has completely disrupted. This is actively harming my business and user experience. Every proper channel I have followed has been ignored. Apple preaches that it supports indie developers, but this level of disregard shows the opposite. If there is a legitimate reason for this delay, I expect clear communication, not silence. If there isn’t, I expect this review to be completed immediately. Please schedule another call today. I will not accept another day of inaction. App ID: 6737148404

Hi everyone, I recently received a rejection for my app submission on the App Store. The rejection reason was: "We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by other developers, with only minor differences. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps." (Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam) However, my game is quite different. It features a unique pixel art style and introduces fresh mechanics, such as cleaning tasks, accepting additional missions from NPCs, and even an idle clicker-style system where players can hire workers to gather in-game points. These elements differentiate it from other apps in the same category. My game's name is quite different as well: "My Pixel Market Sim - AppID: 6742187384" Additionally, the code behind the game is completely my own, and I even sell a popular Unity Asset on the Unity Asset Store for this category. So, I can assure you the app isn’t a repackage of anything existing. (I am the owner and publisher: https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/systems/market-shop-store-and-retail-game-creator-for-both-pc-and-mobile-291107) Can anyone shed some light on why this might have been flagged as spam? I'd really appreciate any advice or guidance on how to proceed with re-submitting my app. Thank you in advance!

Dear Apple Developer Support, We are seeking clarification and assistance regarding the recent rejections of our app submissions, citing insufficient business ownership documentation. We are a software company that builds white-labeled food ordering applications for restaurants. To comply with Apple's guidelines, we have provided signed authorisation documents from each restaurant owner, explicitly stating that we are permitted to submit and manage their branded apps on their behalf. Despite submitting these signed agreements, the apps continue to face rejection. Given that the restaurant owners have formally authorised us to act as their representative, we would appreciate guidance on why these documents are considered insufficient and what additional documentation might be required. We are submitting the apps under the accounts of the individual clients for whom they were designed. However, this approach presents significant operational difficulties for both us and our clients, including: Inconsistent App Management: Requiring each of our 180+ restaurant clients to maintain their own Apple Developer accounts makes it nearly impossible for us to ensure that all apps receive timely updates. This includes critical security patches, feature enhancements, and bug fixes, which are essential for maintaining app reliability and user trust. Compliance Issues: Many of our clients lack the technical expertise or resources to properly manage their developer accounts. This often results in expired memberships, incomplete account setups, or even suspensions, all of which prevent us from delivering necessary updates and jeopardise app performance. Operational Overhead: The administrative burden of overseeing multiple developer accounts slows down our update process, creating inefficiencies that negatively impact our clients and their customers. If possible, we kindly request that this matter be escalated to an Apple engineer or senior advisor who can help us find a path forward while ensuring compliance with Apple’s guidelines. Would be appreciated if someone can reach out to us.

Apple App Review Team, what is going on? Yesterday, I was assured that my app review was being "expedited." Yet, here we are—Day 11—and absolutely nothing has changed. The app remains stuck "In Review" with zero progress. This is beyond frustrating. It is actively damaging my business, my users, and the trust developers have in the App Store review process. I have followed every proper channel—daily support tickets, expedited review requests, even a direct call with an Apple representative—yet I am still met with the same vague, non-committal responses. Let me be clear: This is not an acceptable way to handle app reviews. Developers cannot operate under these unpredictable and arbitrary delays. The app is one of the most successful indie apps on visionOS, and this treatment is completely unjustified. I need real action. Today. Not another canned response, not another “we need additional time”—real progress and real accountability. Do better! App ID: 6737148404

Hello Apple Team, We have recently updated our app and followed all the required steps for approving auto-renewable subscriptions. Our app update (Version 1.0.4, Build 5) has been reviewed and released on the App Store, but our subscription is still in “Waiting for Review” status. We have made the necessary corrections: ✔️ Clearly indicated the subscription duration in the app UI (“Lite plan: Full access for 1 month. Auto-renewing.”) ✔️ Added the Terms of Use link in App Store Connect metadata ✔️ Updated our Privacy Policy link However, when users attempt to subscribe, they receive an error. Could you clarify why the subscription has not been reviewed along with the app? Thank you for your assistance!

After review it was mentioned We need additional information about the app's highly regulated services and/or handling of sensitive user data. The guideline 5.1.1(ix) requirements give users confidence that apps operating in highly regulated fields or that require sensitive user information are qualified to provide these services and will responsibly manage their data. Which companies or institutions provide the services offered in the app? -What is the relationship between [Name of Developer Account] and the providers of these services? The application is being developed for the Karnataka State Government, and the development and management of the app have been assigned as part of an official project. While the developer account used for publishing the application was purchased individually, it is associated with the development and maintenance of this project. The account facilitates app deployment and management while ensuring compliance with government requirements and security protocols. So Guide Properly.

We submitted our application for a review and got rejected with the followings. Review date: February 18, 2025 Version reviewed: 1.0.0 Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps previously submitted by a terminated Apple Developer Program account. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps. Next Steps Since we do not accept spam apps on the App Store, we encourage you to review your app concept and submit a unique app with distinct content and functionality. Resources Some factors that contribute to a spam rejection may include: Submitting an app with the same source code or assets as other apps already submitted to the App Store Creating and submitting multiple similar apps using a repackaged app template Purchasing an app template with problematic code from a third party Submitting several similar apps across multiple accounts Learn more about our requirements to prevent spam in App Review Guideline 4.3(a). We sent a reply in the apple store connect and made an appeal explaining each point to show that the above reasons that review team gave us are not true at all. The application was made in-house. We didn't buy any app template and reskinned/repacked into a new one. Moreover, we have only one and first account with apple. We looked at the Guideline 4.3(a) and our application did not fall into any bullets in the guideline. This review team of Apple was unprofessional and never reply back. They didn't even look at the metadata that we provide. The guideline and standards that apple team mentioned are what that they cannot even do it themselves. Apple review team should help their customers ban the real spam apps and help your company become more profitable. Can anyone here help?

Hi, Our latest update for Top Scorer 2 was rejected under Guideline 4.3(a) - Spam, despite previous versions being approved without issue. We have been developing this game since 2017, and it is an original creation with unique gameplay, AI, and physics. This update includes super important bug fixes and improvements critical for our user base, yet Apple claims it is too similar to other apps without specifying which ones or what exactly needs to change. Previous version with similar features and design, was successfully approved, we are improving resolutions, updating SDKs and enhancing security for our players, why would you reject it, leaving players with an older version of the game that lacks the vast array of improvements we've incorporated in the game. Has anyone faced a similar rejection? Any advice would be appreciated.

Dear Apple App Review Team, I’m reaching out here as a last resort, as my previous attempts to get a response through the developer support portal have been met with only automated replies. My app has been stuck in the "In Review" state for 10 days, and unfortunately, this is not the first time. Every time a new feature is added, the review process takes weeks, causing major disruptions to my development and release schedule. Based on backend logs, it appears that while the app is technically "In Review," no one has actually opened it, meaning it's sitting in a queue without active review. I have submitted daily support tickets and expedited review requests, but I have yet to receive a response from a real person—only the standard copy-paste replies. This lack of transparency and responsiveness makes it extremely difficult to plan and operate efficiently. Given that this is one of the most profitable indie apps on the visionOS App Store, I believe it deserves a more predictable and efficient review process. These extended delays are not just frustrating but actively harming the app’s growth and user experience. I urgently request immediate action on this matter. Please do not reply with a generic link directing me to support—I’ve already exhausted that route without success. I need a real response and a clear resolution. App ID: 6737148404

I found a developer impersonating our company's application, how should I protect my rights. His app name only adds an extra suffix 'APP' at the end compared to our company's app. And it is a pure fee based application. The applications developed by our company are free for users to use.

Hello Apple Developer Community, We are reaching out in frustration after facing multiple rejections for our app, Minglr, under Guideline 4.3(a) – Spam, despite the fact that: • Our app was approved in May 2024 and has passed four updates without any issue related to design or concept similarity. • The current rejection contradicts Apple’s own approval history, despite no fundamental changes to our UI/UX. • We have built Minglr’s design from scratch in Figma (with a full design history to prove it) and yet are not being given the opportunity to provide evidence. • We have requested Apple to clarify which app they are comparing us to, but they refuse to provide details, making it impossible to properly address their concerns. Why This Feels Unfair & Inconsistent • Apple continues to approve apps with identical UI and UX (such as dating apps), yet a completely different social app like Minglr is being flagged without justification. • If a similar app exists, Apple should confirm whether it was submitted before or after Minglr. If after, we are the ones being copied, yet we are the ones being rejected. • The rejection feels arbitrary, especially considering Apple previously approved our app and design multiple times. What We Need Help With • Has anyone else faced a similar situation where Apple reversed previous approvals without explanation? • Are there escalation paths within Apple beyond standard App Review that have worked for other developers? • How can we push Apple to review our actual design history in Figma instead of issuing generic rejections? We have submitted an official escalation request and contacted Apple Developer Support, but so far, we are only receiving template responses that do not address our concerns. Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. We are determined to resolve this fairly and ensure Apple follows a consistent review process. Thank you for your support! Călin Spiridon CEO, Minglr

I want to submit my app for review, but I'm getting this error. When I click 'Edit' under iOS Submission, it redirects me to the 'Prepare for Submission' page, but it doesn't specify exactly what I need to edit. Can you help me with this issue?