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.

Posts under App Review tag

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App stuck in "Waiting for Review" since Feb 20 – no response to support ticket
Hello everyone, My app has been in "Waiting for Review" status since February 20, and it still hasn’t moved to the review stage yet. On March 9, I submitted a support ticket asking whether there might be any issue with my submission or if additional information is required from my side. However, I have not received any response from Apple so far. At this point, I’m not sure if I should continue waiting or if there is anything else I should do to resolve the situation. App ID: 6759365919 Ticket ID: 102839874589 If anyone has experienced a similar situation or if an Apple staff member could help check the status, I would really appreciate it. Thank you very much.
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329
Mar ’26
App stuck "In Review" for 7 days after being approved
Hello, Our app has been stuck in "In Review" for 7 days, after being approved. The iOS version was approved on April 9th and the macOS version was approved on April 12th. Since then, both versions show "In Review" and there has been no status changes or messages in App Store Connect. • April 8 ---> Waiting for Review • April 9 ---> In Review (Approved) • ... • April 16 ---> In Review We contacted Apple a week ago (case ids 102865508515 and 102865870578) but there was no response. We also talked to Apple Support, they told us the issue has been escalated to the technical team. There are also leaderboards that were archived before these last versions and they are still showing in the Games App and Game Center. Possibly because of this same issue, we suspect. At this point we don't know what the issue is, how long until these very important updates will go live, or when we can push other updates. App ID: 1611398578 Thanks.
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395
Apr ’26
In Review exceeded 72 hours and Contacts Us had no results
应用ID(id6754838125), A week has passed since I added in-app purchases to the already listed application, but it's still under review and I haven't received any result. I sent an email to inquire and asked me to keep waiting We used Contacts Us There is no result. 2. The call has been made for expedited review. It was submitted on December 11th and is still under review Previously, the result of the app review was available within 48 hours Now, I don't know what solutions can be made to this problem. The company is in a hurry and needs to use the App to release a new movie
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Dec ’25
“In-App Purchases and Subscriptions” section on the version page not showing
I’m trying to submit my app for review, but I’m currently blocked due to a recurring issue with in-app subscriptions. Both of my auto-renewable subscriptions (premium_monthly and premium_yearly) are marked as “Waiting for Review”. However, I am still seeing the blue box stating that “your first subscription must be submitted with a new app version.” Despite creating a new version (1.0.1) and uploading/selecting a new build , I am not seeing the “In-App Purchases and Subscriptions” section on the version page, and I therefore cannot link the subscriptions before submitting. This issue is blocking my ability to submit the app for review. Any help to resolve this would be greatly appreciated.
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368
Apr ’26
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 5+ days - Version 1.4
Hi everyone, I submitted a new version (1.4) of my app,last Wednesday at 9:02 AM. It has been in the "Waiting for Review" status for over 5 days now. My previous updates were usually processed within 24-48 hours, so I’m concerned if there might be an issue with this specific build or if there's a general delay in the review queue. Has anyone else experienced similar delays recently? Should I continue to wait, or is it time to contact the App Review team directly?
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252
Mar ’26
My app stuck in waitting for review for 47 days
Hello everyone, I submitted the first update for my app on April 14. On April 18, I canceled that submission and immediately resubmitted it the same day, as many people suggested that resubmitting might help speed up the review process. Today is June 4, and after 47 days, the update is still stuck in “Waiting for Review.” I’ve seen that many other developers are experiencing the same issue, but 47 days is a very long time for me, and I have no idea how much longer I should expect to wait. I hope we can all find a solution to this situation soon. Any advice, insights, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
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345
1w
Stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 11 Days - Missed Critical Launch Date
I am looking for some insight into current App Store review times. The Situation: I submitted my new app for its first review on February 3rd. It has been sitting in the "Waiting for Review" state for 11 days now and has not moved to "In Review." The Impact: We had a major launch event planned for today (Feb 14). We have marketing campaigns live and users waiting, but we have officially missed our launch window because the app is still sitting in the queue. My Questions: Is anyone else experiencing wait times this long (10+ days) just to enter the review stage? How much time does it typically take for a first-time submission to go live once it finally enters review? Is there any way to flag this delay if it has exceeded the standard 48-hour window? We are losing marketing budget every hour this is delayed. Any advice on how to get this moving would be appreciated. Thanks.
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441
Feb ’26
Full Disk Access
I am developing a utility application for macOS. In the next version, I would like to access data files from multiple third-party web browsers. However, requiring users to manually select and grant access to each browser’s folder individually would be inconvenient from a usability perspective. Therefore, I am considering requesting Full Disk Access for my app. Is it realistic to expect App Store review approval when requesting Full Disk Access? Under what conditions or use cases is such permission typically accepted by Apple? I would greatly appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.
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365
Jan ’26
App Blocked Since February 4th – Paid Developer Subscription
Dear Apple App Review Team, I am writing to formally escalate a situation that has become completely unacceptable. My application has been under review since February 4th at 20:21 — over one month ago — with no resolution and no meaningful communication from your team. I paid $99/year for an Apple Developer subscription specifically to publish and operate my application on the App Store. This is not a free service. I have paid for the right to distribute my app, and Apple is currently preventing me from doing so — for over 30 days — without any justification or timeline. This means I am paying for a service I am not receiving. That is, by any definition, a breach of the agreement between Apple and its developers. For reference, the application details are as follows: App Name: Daddy Tales App ID: 6758725133 I expect this matter to be treated with the urgency it deserves and to be taken care of immediately. I have already waited far too long. Sincerely
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150
Mar ’26
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 10+ days since February 19
My app has been in "Waiting for Review" since February 19, 2026. It has been over 10 days with no status change. Submission ID: 4577f492-606e-4615-9cc5-05c35da79ff9 There are no rejection notices and no messages in Resolution Center. I have contacted Developer Support but received no resolution. The average review time is 24-48 hours. Could someone please look into this? Thank you.
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270
Mar ’26
App Rejected for Being "Too Similar to LaunchPad" - Seeking Specific Guidance on Differentiation
Hello everyone, I'm seeking advice from the community regarding an App Review rejection I've been struggling with. Situation: My Mac app, an application launcher, has been rejected under Guideline 5.2.5 for being "too similar to LaunchPad, which creates a misleading association with Apple." After requesting specific feedback on what needs to change, I received only a generic response directing me to read the guidelines without any actionable details about which features or design elements are problematic. My App's Differentiating Features: My app includes numerous features that distinguish it from LaunchPad: Windowed mode in addition to fullscreen Category topbar with filtering capabilities Resizable grid with customizable icon sizes and spacing Advanced organization with custom categories, tags, and usage tracking Different visual design language and interaction patterns The Challenge: I've observed several other app launchers on the Mac App Store that appear to share more similarities with LaunchPad than mine does (e.g., identical pagination, similar grid layouts, similar visual design). This makes it difficult to understand why my app specifically was flagged. What I've Tried: Provided detailed documentation of differentiating features Requested specific feedback on which elements need changing Compared my app to approved alternatives on the store Received only a generic response with no actionable guidance Questions for the Community: Has anyone else faced this type of rejection for app launchers or similar utility apps? What specific changes did you make that satisfied App Review? Are there particular visual elements or features that App Review considers "off limits" for this category? Should I consider filing a formal appeal, or is there a better path forward? Are there any Apple engineers who might be able to provide insight into how to differentiate from built-in macOS apps while still solving the same user problem? My Goal: I'm not trying to clone LaunchPad - I'm trying to provide users with a more powerful, customizable alternative. However, without specific guidance on what crosses the line, I'm stuck in a loop where I can't make meaningful changes. Any advice, experiences, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone successfully navigated a similar rejection? Thank you in advance for your help!
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410
Jan ’26
stuck in “Waiting for Review” since February 7
Hello Apple Developer Support, My app has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” since February 7, and I have submitted multiple inquiries without receiving any response. This delay has now become extremely concerning. Missing a planned launch due to an indefinite review timeline is very difficult for independent developers. If there is an issue with the submission, I would appreciate clear communication. If there are review delays, transparency would help us plan accordingly. I respect the review process, but the lack of updates after this amount of time is frustrating. I would sincerely appreciate clarification on the status. I kindly ask for a specific and personalized response regarding my case, as my previous inquiries received only general or automated replies without addressing the actual issue. Thank you.
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409
May ’26
App Review Delay: ‘Waiting for Review’ for 3+ Weeks with No Feedback! Blocking Business Launch
Really, for how long will apps continue to get stuck in the 'review queue'? This is demoralizing and bad for organizations and developers behind these projects. Our app has been stuck in the 'waiting for review' zone for over 3 weeks+ now, and despite several emails, nothing has been done. No feedback whatsoever. Are we going to get a reply? Is this just an Apple thing, like work culture?
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233
Mar ’26
3.2(f) triggered — account pending termination despite repeated attempts to comply
Hi all, Looking for some clarity.. I have an app (Pocket Love: AI Roleplay Chat, Apple ID: 6745031268) that went through a long review process with many resubmissions. The feedback I received across those reviews was often generic “overtly sexual”) message, but without any detail on exactly what needed to change. Because of that, I approached it iteratively making adjustments each time based on what I thought the issue might be. Over time I made quite significant changes across the app (imagery, unlockable content, voice-overs, menus, copy, etc.), and increased the age rating to 18+. I also had a call with a policy eexpert & App Review. In the final interaction, I was asked to ensure all unlockable content was visible, so I re-uploaded a build and provided screenshots with everything pre-unlocked for transparency. Despite this, my account has now been flagged under 3.2(f) for “dishonest or fraudulent activity,” and is pending termination. What I’m struggling to understand is: Can repeated resubmissions / iterative changes alone be interpreted as “evasion” under 3.2(f)? Or does this typically mean App Review believes there was something intentionally misleading? From my perspective, I was trying to respond to feedback and get the app into a compliant state, not bypass review or hide anything. The game does have "sexy" imagery lingerie etc..and adult themes but 0 nudity and is tamer than similar games live on the app store. Would really appreciate any insight from others who’ve experienced similar, or from anyone familiar with how this is interpreted internally. I can't believe my account is pending termination without any intentional wrongdoing, I currently have 3 other live games one with strong revenue, that will be removed too due to this. My initial appeal was rejected today. Thanks!
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261
Apr ’26
App Stuck in “Waiting for Review” Since February 4, 2026 – No Status Update
Hello everyone, My app has been in “Waiting for Review” status since February 4, 2026, and there has been no progress or update since then. Normally, my previous submissions were reviewed within a few days, but this time it has been significantly delayed. There are no messages in the Resolution Center, and I have not received any communication from the App Review team. Has anyone else experienced similar delays recently? Is there anything I can do to follow up or escalate this review? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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376
Feb ’26
Apps stuck on 'Waiting for Review' for over 14 days
Hello, I am experiencing the same severe delays as many other developers on the forum recently. I have multiple apps ( 6759218500 and 6758253704)that have been completely stuck in the "Waiting for Review" status, with one sitting there since mid-February. I have already tried reaching out via the "Contact Us" form multiple times, but my open support case (Case ID: 102828235824) has received no follow-up or resolution. Could someone from the app review team please look into this, any assistance would be greatly appreciated, as the standard support channels seem to be unresponsive. Thank you.
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Mar ’26
Guidance on Java JRE Usage for PST Parsing in Mac OS Application– Code Signing & App Store Compliance
Hello Apple Support Team, We are developing a macOS application that allows users to import and view PST files (Microsoft Outlook archives). These files contain a complex, proprietary format that requires specialized parsing libraries. To achieve this, we are using Aspose Email for Java, which is currently one of the few reliable libraries that support complete PST parsing across platforms. Why we are using Java & Aspose The Aspose Email Java library provides a comprehensive API to extract mail data (including metadata, attachments, and folder structure) from .pst files. A native Swift or Objective-C alternative with full .pst parsing capability does not exist, which is why we opted for a Java-based helper module that runs in the background and communicates with the macOS app over a Unix domain socket. How we bundle it We package the AsposeEmail.jar and a custom JRE (Java Runtime Environment) created using jlink, tailored to run only our jar. This entire setup (JAR + JRE) is bundled within the Contents/Resources directory of the macOS app, and we invoke the Java runtime using standard process launch APIs from Swift. Problem during App Store Submission When we archive the app and submit it to the App Store, the validation step raises an error: ITMS-90284: Invalid Code Signing - The executable 'com.app.sample.appstore.pkg/Payload/Sample.app/Contents/Resources/custom-jre-universal/lib/cli ent/libjsig.dylib' must be signed with the certificate that is contained in the provisioning profile. ITMS-90284: Invalid Code Signing - The executable 'com.app.aample.appstore.pkg/Payload/Sample.app/Contents/Resources/custom-jre-universal/lib/cli ent/libjvm.dylib' must be signed with the certificate that is contained in the provisioning profile. When we attempt to code sign the custom JRE, especially the .dylib files inside, the runtime breaks. Java is unable to launch correctly and throws permission errors and execution failures. Alternative we thought of (On-Demand Download) To avoid the code signing issue, we decided to remove the JRE from the bundle and instead download it on demand when the user performs an action like "Import PST". However, we realized this may violate the App Store Review Guideline 2.5.2: Our use case, while not dynamically modifying features, does download and execute a Java runtime, which could be interpreted as executing new code post-installation. How can we proceed? We are looking for Apple’s guidance on the correct and compliant path forward: Is there a recommended way to bundle and codesign a custom JRE so it is accepted by the App Store? Is on-demand download of a custom runtime for a very specific parsing task permitted, assuming it doesn't modify app features but simply supports user-initiated operations? We would greatly appreciate any guidance or best practices on how to handle this situation, particularly with respect to App Store compliance. Regards, Maaz Hussain
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Jun ’25
My App stuck in "Waiting for Review" over week
Hello everyone, My app (ID: 6758039899) was submitted on Feb 17, 2026, and has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" status for over 8 days. I contacted Developer Support (case #20000108234172) and received confirmation that it's proceeding normally, but no update since. On average, Apple reviews 90 percent of apps within 24 hours. However, there might be cases that need more review time, but mine exceeds a week. Any recent experiences with long queues? Thanks!
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426
Feb ’26
App update showing status as "In review" for 17 days
Hello, Our application has been stuck in the "In Review" status for 17 days now, and we are looking for guidance on whether this is a known technical stall or an extended policy audit. The Issue: The app moved from "Waiting for Review" to "In Review" on March 25th. Since then, there has been no change in status and no messages in the Resolution Center. App ID: 6753868146 Thanks
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Apr ’26
Does using HIDVirtualDevice rule out Mac App Store distribution?
Hi, I’m looking for clarification from folks familiar with CoreHID rather than App Review, as the guys there have not responded to my post (https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/820676) We have a sandboxed macOS app that creates a virtual HID device (HIDVirtualDevice) as described in Creating virtual devices https://developer.apple.com/documentation/corehid/creatingvirtualdevices To work at all, the app requires the entitlement: com.apple.developer.hid.virtual.device With this entitlement present, macOS shows the system prompt requesting Accessibility permission App would like to control this computer using accessibility features. Grant access to this application in Security and Privacy preferences located in System Preferences. when HIDVirtualDevice(properties:) is called. There is no mention of Accessibility in the HIDVirtualDevice documentation, but the behavior is reproducible and seems unavoidable. My question is therefore: Is creating a virtual HID device from userspace via HIDVirtualDevice considered inherently incompatible with Mac App Store distribution? In other words: Is the Accessibility prompt an expected side‑effect of this API? And if so, does that mean using HIDVirtualDevice is only practical for direct (non–App Store) distribution unless the app is explicitly an accessibility tool? I’m not asking about review policy details—just whether, from a technical/system point of view, HIDVirtualDevice is actually intended to be usable by App Store apps. For context, there seem to be public, non‑accessibility uses of Apple’s virtual HID infrastructure, like this recent post: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/820708 and corresponding Github repo this project. I don't know if these intend to use the App Store, but they might end up in the same situation. Any insights from people who’ve worked with CoreHID would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Magnus
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Apr ’26
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" since Feb 20 – no response to support ticket
Hello everyone, My app has been in "Waiting for Review" status since February 20, and it still hasn’t moved to the review stage yet. On March 9, I submitted a support ticket asking whether there might be any issue with my submission or if additional information is required from my side. However, I have not received any response from Apple so far. At this point, I’m not sure if I should continue waiting or if there is anything else I should do to resolve the situation. App ID: 6759365919 Ticket ID: 102839874589 If anyone has experienced a similar situation or if an Apple staff member could help check the status, I would really appreciate it. Thank you very much.
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7
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0
Views
329
Activity
Mar ’26
App stuck "In Review" for 7 days after being approved
Hello, Our app has been stuck in "In Review" for 7 days, after being approved. The iOS version was approved on April 9th and the macOS version was approved on April 12th. Since then, both versions show "In Review" and there has been no status changes or messages in App Store Connect. • April 8 ---> Waiting for Review • April 9 ---> In Review (Approved) • ... • April 16 ---> In Review We contacted Apple a week ago (case ids 102865508515 and 102865870578) but there was no response. We also talked to Apple Support, they told us the issue has been escalated to the technical team. There are also leaderboards that were archived before these last versions and they are still showing in the Games App and Game Center. Possibly because of this same issue, we suspect. At this point we don't know what the issue is, how long until these very important updates will go live, or when we can push other updates. App ID: 1611398578 Thanks.
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7
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0
Views
395
Activity
Apr ’26
In Review exceeded 72 hours and Contacts Us had no results
应用ID(id6754838125), A week has passed since I added in-app purchases to the already listed application, but it's still under review and I haven't received any result. I sent an email to inquire and asked me to keep waiting We used Contacts Us There is no result. 2. The call has been made for expedited review. It was submitted on December 11th and is still under review Previously, the result of the app review was available within 48 hours Now, I don't know what solutions can be made to this problem. The company is in a hurry and needs to use the App to release a new movie
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7
Boosts
0
Views
434
Activity
Dec ’25
“In-App Purchases and Subscriptions” section on the version page not showing
I’m trying to submit my app for review, but I’m currently blocked due to a recurring issue with in-app subscriptions. Both of my auto-renewable subscriptions (premium_monthly and premium_yearly) are marked as “Waiting for Review”. However, I am still seeing the blue box stating that “your first subscription must be submitted with a new app version.” Despite creating a new version (1.0.1) and uploading/selecting a new build , I am not seeing the “In-App Purchases and Subscriptions” section on the version page, and I therefore cannot link the subscriptions before submitting. This issue is blocking my ability to submit the app for review. Any help to resolve this would be greatly appreciated.
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7
Boosts
1
Views
368
Activity
Apr ’26
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 5+ days - Version 1.4
Hi everyone, I submitted a new version (1.4) of my app,last Wednesday at 9:02 AM. It has been in the "Waiting for Review" status for over 5 days now. My previous updates were usually processed within 24-48 hours, so I’m concerned if there might be an issue with this specific build or if there's a general delay in the review queue. Has anyone else experienced similar delays recently? Should I continue to wait, or is it time to contact the App Review team directly?
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7
Boosts
1
Views
252
Activity
Mar ’26
My app stuck in waitting for review for 47 days
Hello everyone, I submitted the first update for my app on April 14. On April 18, I canceled that submission and immediately resubmitted it the same day, as many people suggested that resubmitting might help speed up the review process. Today is June 4, and after 47 days, the update is still stuck in “Waiting for Review.” I’ve seen that many other developers are experiencing the same issue, but 47 days is a very long time for me, and I have no idea how much longer I should expect to wait. I hope we can all find a solution to this situation soon. Any advice, insights, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
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6
Boosts
2
Views
345
Activity
1w
Stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 11 Days - Missed Critical Launch Date
I am looking for some insight into current App Store review times. The Situation: I submitted my new app for its first review on February 3rd. It has been sitting in the "Waiting for Review" state for 11 days now and has not moved to "In Review." The Impact: We had a major launch event planned for today (Feb 14). We have marketing campaigns live and users waiting, but we have officially missed our launch window because the app is still sitting in the queue. My Questions: Is anyone else experiencing wait times this long (10+ days) just to enter the review stage? How much time does it typically take for a first-time submission to go live once it finally enters review? Is there any way to flag this delay if it has exceeded the standard 48-hour window? We are losing marketing budget every hour this is delayed. Any advice on how to get this moving would be appreciated. Thanks.
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6
Boosts
4
Views
441
Activity
Feb ’26
Full Disk Access
I am developing a utility application for macOS. In the next version, I would like to access data files from multiple third-party web browsers. However, requiring users to manually select and grant access to each browser’s folder individually would be inconvenient from a usability perspective. Therefore, I am considering requesting Full Disk Access for my app. Is it realistic to expect App Store review approval when requesting Full Disk Access? Under what conditions or use cases is such permission typically accepted by Apple? I would greatly appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.
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6
Boosts
0
Views
365
Activity
Jan ’26
App Blocked Since February 4th – Paid Developer Subscription
Dear Apple App Review Team, I am writing to formally escalate a situation that has become completely unacceptable. My application has been under review since February 4th at 20:21 — over one month ago — with no resolution and no meaningful communication from your team. I paid $99/year for an Apple Developer subscription specifically to publish and operate my application on the App Store. This is not a free service. I have paid for the right to distribute my app, and Apple is currently preventing me from doing so — for over 30 days — without any justification or timeline. This means I am paying for a service I am not receiving. That is, by any definition, a breach of the agreement between Apple and its developers. For reference, the application details are as follows: App Name: Daddy Tales App ID: 6758725133 I expect this matter to be treated with the urgency it deserves and to be taken care of immediately. I have already waited far too long. Sincerely
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6
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0
Views
150
Activity
Mar ’26
App stuck in "Waiting for Review" for 10+ days since February 19
My app has been in "Waiting for Review" since February 19, 2026. It has been over 10 days with no status change. Submission ID: 4577f492-606e-4615-9cc5-05c35da79ff9 There are no rejection notices and no messages in Resolution Center. I have contacted Developer Support but received no resolution. The average review time is 24-48 hours. Could someone please look into this? Thank you.
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6
Boosts
0
Views
270
Activity
Mar ’26
App Rejected for Being "Too Similar to LaunchPad" - Seeking Specific Guidance on Differentiation
Hello everyone, I'm seeking advice from the community regarding an App Review rejection I've been struggling with. Situation: My Mac app, an application launcher, has been rejected under Guideline 5.2.5 for being "too similar to LaunchPad, which creates a misleading association with Apple." After requesting specific feedback on what needs to change, I received only a generic response directing me to read the guidelines without any actionable details about which features or design elements are problematic. My App's Differentiating Features: My app includes numerous features that distinguish it from LaunchPad: Windowed mode in addition to fullscreen Category topbar with filtering capabilities Resizable grid with customizable icon sizes and spacing Advanced organization with custom categories, tags, and usage tracking Different visual design language and interaction patterns The Challenge: I've observed several other app launchers on the Mac App Store that appear to share more similarities with LaunchPad than mine does (e.g., identical pagination, similar grid layouts, similar visual design). This makes it difficult to understand why my app specifically was flagged. What I've Tried: Provided detailed documentation of differentiating features Requested specific feedback on which elements need changing Compared my app to approved alternatives on the store Received only a generic response with no actionable guidance Questions for the Community: Has anyone else faced this type of rejection for app launchers or similar utility apps? What specific changes did you make that satisfied App Review? Are there particular visual elements or features that App Review considers "off limits" for this category? Should I consider filing a formal appeal, or is there a better path forward? Are there any Apple engineers who might be able to provide insight into how to differentiate from built-in macOS apps while still solving the same user problem? My Goal: I'm not trying to clone LaunchPad - I'm trying to provide users with a more powerful, customizable alternative. However, without specific guidance on what crosses the line, I'm stuck in a loop where I can't make meaningful changes. Any advice, experiences, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone successfully navigated a similar rejection? Thank you in advance for your help!
Replies
6
Boosts
0
Views
410
Activity
Jan ’26
stuck in “Waiting for Review” since February 7
Hello Apple Developer Support, My app has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” since February 7, and I have submitted multiple inquiries without receiving any response. This delay has now become extremely concerning. Missing a planned launch due to an indefinite review timeline is very difficult for independent developers. If there is an issue with the submission, I would appreciate clear communication. If there are review delays, transparency would help us plan accordingly. I respect the review process, but the lack of updates after this amount of time is frustrating. I would sincerely appreciate clarification on the status. I kindly ask for a specific and personalized response regarding my case, as my previous inquiries received only general or automated replies without addressing the actual issue. Thank you.
Replies
6
Boosts
4
Views
409
Activity
May ’26
App Review Delay: ‘Waiting for Review’ for 3+ Weeks with No Feedback! Blocking Business Launch
Really, for how long will apps continue to get stuck in the 'review queue'? This is demoralizing and bad for organizations and developers behind these projects. Our app has been stuck in the 'waiting for review' zone for over 3 weeks+ now, and despite several emails, nothing has been done. No feedback whatsoever. Are we going to get a reply? Is this just an Apple thing, like work culture?
Replies
6
Boosts
2
Views
233
Activity
Mar ’26
3.2(f) triggered — account pending termination despite repeated attempts to comply
Hi all, Looking for some clarity.. I have an app (Pocket Love: AI Roleplay Chat, Apple ID: 6745031268) that went through a long review process with many resubmissions. The feedback I received across those reviews was often generic “overtly sexual”) message, but without any detail on exactly what needed to change. Because of that, I approached it iteratively making adjustments each time based on what I thought the issue might be. Over time I made quite significant changes across the app (imagery, unlockable content, voice-overs, menus, copy, etc.), and increased the age rating to 18+. I also had a call with a policy eexpert & App Review. In the final interaction, I was asked to ensure all unlockable content was visible, so I re-uploaded a build and provided screenshots with everything pre-unlocked for transparency. Despite this, my account has now been flagged under 3.2(f) for “dishonest or fraudulent activity,” and is pending termination. What I’m struggling to understand is: Can repeated resubmissions / iterative changes alone be interpreted as “evasion” under 3.2(f)? Or does this typically mean App Review believes there was something intentionally misleading? From my perspective, I was trying to respond to feedback and get the app into a compliant state, not bypass review or hide anything. The game does have "sexy" imagery lingerie etc..and adult themes but 0 nudity and is tamer than similar games live on the app store. Would really appreciate any insight from others who’ve experienced similar, or from anyone familiar with how this is interpreted internally. I can't believe my account is pending termination without any intentional wrongdoing, I currently have 3 other live games one with strong revenue, that will be removed too due to this. My initial appeal was rejected today. Thanks!
Replies
6
Boosts
0
Views
261
Activity
Apr ’26
App Stuck in “Waiting for Review” Since February 4, 2026 – No Status Update
Hello everyone, My app has been in “Waiting for Review” status since February 4, 2026, and there has been no progress or update since then. Normally, my previous submissions were reviewed within a few days, but this time it has been significantly delayed. There are no messages in the Resolution Center, and I have not received any communication from the App Review team. Has anyone else experienced similar delays recently? Is there anything I can do to follow up or escalate this review? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Replies
6
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0
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376
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Feb ’26
Apps stuck on 'Waiting for Review' for over 14 days
Hello, I am experiencing the same severe delays as many other developers on the forum recently. I have multiple apps ( 6759218500 and 6758253704)that have been completely stuck in the "Waiting for Review" status, with one sitting there since mid-February. I have already tried reaching out via the "Contact Us" form multiple times, but my open support case (Case ID: 102828235824) has received no follow-up or resolution. Could someone from the app review team please look into this, any assistance would be greatly appreciated, as the standard support channels seem to be unresponsive. Thank you.
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287
Activity
Mar ’26
Guidance on Java JRE Usage for PST Parsing in Mac OS Application– Code Signing & App Store Compliance
Hello Apple Support Team, We are developing a macOS application that allows users to import and view PST files (Microsoft Outlook archives). These files contain a complex, proprietary format that requires specialized parsing libraries. To achieve this, we are using Aspose Email for Java, which is currently one of the few reliable libraries that support complete PST parsing across platforms. Why we are using Java & Aspose The Aspose Email Java library provides a comprehensive API to extract mail data (including metadata, attachments, and folder structure) from .pst files. A native Swift or Objective-C alternative with full .pst parsing capability does not exist, which is why we opted for a Java-based helper module that runs in the background and communicates with the macOS app over a Unix domain socket. How we bundle it We package the AsposeEmail.jar and a custom JRE (Java Runtime Environment) created using jlink, tailored to run only our jar. This entire setup (JAR + JRE) is bundled within the Contents/Resources directory of the macOS app, and we invoke the Java runtime using standard process launch APIs from Swift. Problem during App Store Submission When we archive the app and submit it to the App Store, the validation step raises an error: ITMS-90284: Invalid Code Signing - The executable 'com.app.sample.appstore.pkg/Payload/Sample.app/Contents/Resources/custom-jre-universal/lib/cli ent/libjsig.dylib' must be signed with the certificate that is contained in the provisioning profile. ITMS-90284: Invalid Code Signing - The executable 'com.app.aample.appstore.pkg/Payload/Sample.app/Contents/Resources/custom-jre-universal/lib/cli ent/libjvm.dylib' must be signed with the certificate that is contained in the provisioning profile. When we attempt to code sign the custom JRE, especially the .dylib files inside, the runtime breaks. Java is unable to launch correctly and throws permission errors and execution failures. Alternative we thought of (On-Demand Download) To avoid the code signing issue, we decided to remove the JRE from the bundle and instead download it on demand when the user performs an action like "Import PST". However, we realized this may violate the App Store Review Guideline 2.5.2: Our use case, while not dynamically modifying features, does download and execute a Java runtime, which could be interpreted as executing new code post-installation. How can we proceed? We are looking for Apple’s guidance on the correct and compliant path forward: Is there a recommended way to bundle and codesign a custom JRE so it is accepted by the App Store? Is on-demand download of a custom runtime for a very specific parsing task permitted, assuming it doesn't modify app features but simply supports user-initiated operations? We would greatly appreciate any guidance or best practices on how to handle this situation, particularly with respect to App Store compliance. Regards, Maaz Hussain
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289
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Jun ’25
My App stuck in "Waiting for Review" over week
Hello everyone, My app (ID: 6758039899) was submitted on Feb 17, 2026, and has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" status for over 8 days. I contacted Developer Support (case #20000108234172) and received confirmation that it's proceeding normally, but no update since. On average, Apple reviews 90 percent of apps within 24 hours. However, there might be cases that need more review time, but mine exceeds a week. Any recent experiences with long queues? Thanks!
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426
Activity
Feb ’26
App update showing status as "In review" for 17 days
Hello, Our application has been stuck in the "In Review" status for 17 days now, and we are looking for guidance on whether this is a known technical stall or an extended policy audit. The Issue: The app moved from "Waiting for Review" to "In Review" on March 25th. Since then, there has been no change in status and no messages in the Resolution Center. App ID: 6753868146 Thanks
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242
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Apr ’26
Does using HIDVirtualDevice rule out Mac App Store distribution?
Hi, I’m looking for clarification from folks familiar with CoreHID rather than App Review, as the guys there have not responded to my post (https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/820676) We have a sandboxed macOS app that creates a virtual HID device (HIDVirtualDevice) as described in Creating virtual devices https://developer.apple.com/documentation/corehid/creatingvirtualdevices To work at all, the app requires the entitlement: com.apple.developer.hid.virtual.device With this entitlement present, macOS shows the system prompt requesting Accessibility permission App would like to control this computer using accessibility features. Grant access to this application in Security and Privacy preferences located in System Preferences. when HIDVirtualDevice(properties:) is called. There is no mention of Accessibility in the HIDVirtualDevice documentation, but the behavior is reproducible and seems unavoidable. My question is therefore: Is creating a virtual HID device from userspace via HIDVirtualDevice considered inherently incompatible with Mac App Store distribution? In other words: Is the Accessibility prompt an expected side‑effect of this API? And if so, does that mean using HIDVirtualDevice is only practical for direct (non–App Store) distribution unless the app is explicitly an accessibility tool? I’m not asking about review policy details—just whether, from a technical/system point of view, HIDVirtualDevice is actually intended to be usable by App Store apps. For context, there seem to be public, non‑accessibility uses of Apple’s virtual HID infrastructure, like this recent post: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/820708 and corresponding Github repo this project. I don't know if these intend to use the App Store, but they might end up in the same situation. Any insights from people who’ve worked with CoreHID would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Magnus
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481
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Apr ’26