An ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest rejection email looks as follows: ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest- Your app includes "<path/to/SDK>", which includes , an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a privacy-impacting third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a privacy-impacting SDK, or an app update adds a new privacy-impacting SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. Glossary ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest: An email that includes the name and path of privacy-impacting SDK(s) with no privacy manifest files in your app bundle. For more information, see https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. : The specified privacy-impacting SDK that doesn't include a privacy manifest file. If you are the developer of the rejected app, gather the name of the SDK from the email you received from Apple, then contact the SDK's provider for an updated version that includes a valid privacy manifest. After receiving an updated version of the SDK, verify the SDK includes a valid privacy manifest file at the expected location. For more information, see Adding a privacy manifest to your app or third-party SDK. If your app includes a privacy manifest file, make sure the file only describes the privacy practices of your app. Do not add the privacy practices of the SDK to your app's privacy manifest. If the email lists multiple SDKs, repeat the above process for all of them. If you are the developer of an SDK listed in the email, publish an updated version of your SDK that includes a privacy manifest file with valid keys and values. Every privacy-impacting SDK must contain a privacy manifest file that only describes its privacy practices. To learn how to add a valid privacy manifest to your SDK, see the Additional resources section below. Additional resources Privacy manifest files Describing data use in privacy manifests Describing use of required reason API Adding a privacy manifest to your app or third-party SDK TN3182: Adding privacy tracking keys to your privacy manifest TN3183: Adding required reason API entries to your privacy manifest TN3184: Adding data collection details to your privacy manifest TN3181: Debugging an invalid privacy manifest

I received this message "Your app provides a limited user experience as it is not sufficiently different from a web browsing experience." It needs to be more robust and native. When submitting this the app had: Push Notifications Core Location Phone Contact access So now I am adding: Haptic feedback Quick touch actions A more robust add to calendar function. (the app does scheduling) But is this enough for resubmission? I am not really sure what is considered "robust" and "more native".... that is vague.

Hi there, I’m writing this because I’m feeling incredibly frustrated and downbeat. I launched my app about two and a half weeks ago, and while it’s been a success in terms of users—with over 2k downloads and 35 five-star reviews via Reddit—it is currently invisible when searched for on the App Store (it can be found by direct link or Google search). Even when searching for the exact app name or my developer name (Robert Lothian), nothing comes up. It’s as if the app doesn't exist in your search database. To make matters worse, the app was featured in several articles, podcasts, and live streams last week. Because of this search issue, potential users who heard about the app couldn't find it. This has not only stunted my growth during a critical launch window but I fear it is causing genuine damage to my reputation as a developer. I raised a ticket last Saturday (102811242184) but haven't heard anything back, I just did a follow-up ticket just now, as it has been a week. I truly believe this is a backend synchronisation issue that just needs a quick look from the engineering team to reset the index for my App ID. Please, can someone look into this or escalate it? I’ve worked so hard on this launch, and it’s heart-wrenching to see it blocked by a technical glitch. App Name: Archivist Browser App ID: 6756570654 Best regards, Robert Lothian

In App Store Connect metadata I added keywords expecting App Store and Apple Watch searches to surface my app using those terms. However searching those keywords does not show my app and it only appears when I search by the app name so I am unsure what is incorrect.

Apple’s documentation indicates that iOS now supports A/B testing for app icons, but I haven’t been able to get it working. My app already includes alternate icons within the same binary, yet when I try to set up an A/B test in App Store Connect, there’s no option to change the icon-only screenshots can be updated in a new treatment.

My iOS app currently holds a 3.5★ rating with limited reviews, and I’d like to raise it by motivating happy users to share feedback. I’m looking for ethical ways to do this without being pushy. What are the best strategies and timing for review prompts to boost ratings while keeping users satisfied?

I am using Product Page Optimization for the first time and after updating a new app version the test stopped automatically. The status shows developer has stopped with no option to restart the test even though I did not stop it.

Hello everyone, I’m currently stuck in App Review and would appreciate input from anyone who has dealt with a similar situation. App setup iOS app, SwiftUI, StoreKit 2 No user accounts (no login, no username/password, no backend) No subscriptions Monetization model: App was paid before version 1.0.5 Since 1.0.5 the app is free Unlocking full functionality is done via a non-consumable, one-time IAP (“Pro Unlock”) Existing users who bought the app when it was paid are automatically granted Pro access New users get a 24-hour local trial, then must purchase the non-consumable IAP All state is local / device-based, no server There is no concept of an account, subscription renewal, or expired subscription in the app. Rejection from App Review Apple rejected the app with the following message: Guideline 2.1 – Information Needed We are not able to continue our review because we need access to a demo account with an expired subscription to review the entire purchase flow. Please provide a user name and password for a demo account with expired subscriptions in the App Review Information section of App Store Connect. This is where I’m confused. Why this doesn’t seem applicable The app does not use subscriptions The app does not have user accounts The IAP is non-consumable, one-time purchase Trials are not subscription-based and expire automatically on-device There is no “expired subscription account” that could exist technically StoreKit testing is done via sandbox Apple IDs, but those are: not app-level accounts not usernames/passwords inside the app only used in the Apple purchase sheet Additional complication Because old paid users are automatically recognized as “Pro” via AppTransaction.originalAppVersion, the Unlock Pro button is hidden once Pro is active. This means that on some devices (including mine), the purchase sheet never appears anymore because the app already considers the user entitled. This might be confusing App Review and causing them to assume the app uses subscriptions and gated accounts. Questions Has anyone seen App Review request a demo account with expired subscription for an app that uses only non-consumable IAPs? Is there a correct way to respond other than explicitly explaining that: there are no accounts there are no subscriptions StoreKit sandbox Apple IDs are sufficient? Would providing a sandbox Apple ID (clearly labeled as such) help, or is that inappropriate since Apple reviewers already have sandbox accounts? Is this likely just a misclassification by App Review, or is there something in Apple’s guidelines that I’m missing? What I’ve already tried Explained the purchase flow step-by-step in App Review notes Clarified that the Paid Apps Agreement is already accepted Clarified that Pro access is automatically granted to previous paid users Verified that the IAP is correctly configured and available in App Store Connect At this point I’m unsure whether I should: escalate / push back on the incorrect assumption, or modify the UI to make the purchase path permanently visible even for entitled users Any insight from people who have gone through similar review issues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone, I'm currently waiting for my Apple Developer Program enrollment to be approved and wondering if my timeline is normal. My situation: Payment of $99 USD: ✅ Completed (have invoice and order number) Government-issued photo ID: ✅ Submitted Confirmation email received: ✅ Yes - "Thank you for providing the documents we requested. We will review them and follow up with you within two business days" Days since confirmation email: 3+ business days The email stated they would follow up within two business days, but it's now been more than three business days with no update. My questions: Is it normal for the review to take longer than the stated "two business days"? For those who were approved, did you receive multiple emails throughout the process, or just a final approval email? Has anyone experienced similar delays? What was the outcome? Just want to make sure nothing is stuck or requires additional action from my side. Thanks for any insights!

I am getting this issue, whenever I am trying to reconnect XcodeCloud in App Store as the XcodeCloud builds are blocked. Steps we followed Go to App Store Connect -> select app -> select Xcode Cloud -> select build 2 we are able to see error message with connect button Xcode Cloud is unable to connect to the repository “**********”. Reconnect the repository to resume builds. 3. Tapping on connect -> shows a popup with option to authorize in bitbucket -> taping on it, takes us to another window which redirects continuously and nothing happens Can anyone help me with this

Hi everyone, Just wanted to ask if anyone else has noticed longer-than-normal review times recently. Our latest app has been sitting in “In Review” for more than a week now. Normally our apps get reviewed much faster, so we’re unsure if this is just a backlog or something else. Currently: No communication from Apple No visible issues in metadata Review status hasn’t changed Curious to know: • Are others seeing similar delays? • Does this usually mean a deeper/manual review? • When should we reach out to Apple? • How do you usually contact App Review for status checks? Would love to hear your experiences. Thanks!

Hello everyone, I wanted to check if anyone else has experienced longer App Review delays recently. Our recent app submission has been in the “In Review” status for more than 7 days (since Jan 15, 10:44 PM). In our previous submissions, reviews usually started or completed within a few days, so this delay feels unusual. Current situation: No messages or rejection notes from Apple No metadata or compliance issues flagged Status remains “In Review” without updates I’d appreciate guidance from the community: • Is this type of delay normal these days? • Could this indicate a manual or extended review? • At what point should we contact App Review directly? • What is the best way to contact App Store / App Review support regarding a stuck review? If anyone has faced a similar delay and can share their experience or advice, it would be very helpful. Thank you in advance for your help.

Once, the App Store empowered indie creators - small teams could launch great apps and find users easily. But in 2025, that era feels long gone, with algorithms, big players, and pay-to-win discoverability reshaping everything. Is there still a real chance for indie iOS developers today, or has Apple’s evolving ecosystem made independent success nearly impossible?

I’ve observed several areas in iOS where user experience could be enhanced, such as keyboard flexibility, animation speed, biometric options, cache management, background uploads, navigation reliability, and automation features. Addressing these aspects would not only improve usability but also align iOS more closely with diverse user needs across regions and use cases. What enhancements would you consider most valuable?

I want a programmatic way to monitor my app search ranking on the Apple App Store. Is there any API or external website available besides checking directly in the App Store app on iPhone?

Hello, I’m posting here in hopes of getting some help or advice regarding our app submission, which has now been stuck in “Waiting for Review” status for 45 days. We submitted our iOS app on Dec 12, 2025, and since then there has been no movement in the review process. This app is important for our business. The delay is now starting to affect our plans significantly. We called Developer Support, hoping to get some clarity or assistance. Unfortunately, the responses we received were generic and didn’t provide any concrete solutions or timelines. We understand the review process can take time, but 45 days with no progress or transparency feels excessive—especially considering the app was submitted under a developer account that has had previous successful submissions without issue. Here’s a quick summary: • Initial submission: Dec 12, 2025 • Current status: “Waiting for Review” If anyone from the App Review team happens to see this, or if any fellow developers have deal with a similar issue recently and have advice, we would greatly appreciate your insights. This delay is putting real pressure on our timeline, and we’re doing everything we can to resolve it. Thank you for your time and support.

When creating a new App Store version to update ASO keywords and metadata, I notice that elements like the app icon and other details are missing and I am looking for a way to copy the existing metadata from the previous version. Also, is it possible to submit a new App Store version solely for ASO improvements without uploading a new build and still have the changes applied successfully.

I’ve been building iOS apps since 2011 and have worked on hundreds along the way. Recently, I started a series on App Store Optimization (ASO) to share tips, strategies, and lessons learned. In this first post, I dive into how responding to customer reviews can directly influence ASO performance and App Store ranking - covering timing, response style, and best practices to turn negative reviews into positive ones.

Even the best apps struggle to get noticed—over 5 million apps compete in stores, and most never hit 1,000 downloads. Visibility, not quality, is the real challenge. App Store Optimization (ASO) is the key to breaking through. Optimizing your app’s title, keywords, visuals, and description, combined with ongoing testing and competitor analysis, can drastically improve discoverability and downloads in 2025.

I updated the price of subscriptions within an app in App Store Connect, however the new price does not show within the test app. I would just like to make sure that if the app is released that the subscription price is set to the most recent price. Is there any way to confirm that and is there a way to see the new price in the test app?