App stuck in "Waiting for Review" after 5.1.1(ii) fix — time-critical migration

We are looking for guidance on a new app submission that has not moved from "Waiting for Review".

Our first submission was rejected under Guideline 5.1.1(ii). We addressed the issue the same day by updating the purpose strings to clearly describe how the requested data is used, and resubmitted immediately. The status has not changed since.

Why this is time-critical: the backend service our current users depend on is being shut down by our provider on August 28, 2026. The submitted app migrates to a new provider and is the continuation of that service. Without it, our existing users will be left without a working app.

What we have already tried:

  • Submitted an expedited review request on August 23, 2026 - no response
  • Contacted Apple through the Contact Us module several times since then - no response beyond the automated acknowledgment each time

We are not asking to skip the queue for convenience. We simply need to know whether the submission is progressing normally or whether something additional is required from us. We are ready to respond to any questions from App Review immediately, at any hour.

Thank you.

There's no guarantee that any users are going to update the app. Always put any online services behind your own domain name.

@Etresoft well that would have been useful advice 5 years ago or whenever the OP's system was created or domains were purchased, but is entirely unhelpful now.

Sorry to hear this has been a stressful time for you.

Unfortunately there seems to be some kind of fundamental problem with the App Review Department at the moment, as you can see from the forums there are a lot of people who've been waiting for several weeks with no movement, so it's likely nothing to do with you - the problem is real.

I would suggest presuming the review will not happen for a least another two weeks, and start getting ahead of the fallout now.

For context we submitted on the 4th Aug and we're still waiting.

that would have been useful advice 5 years ago or whenever the OP's system was created or domains were purchased, but is entirely unhelpful now.

I see no indication that the OP has done that. If not, then it would be extremely useful advice as this issue is certain to happen again. And as I said, it has nothing to do with App Review. Some users don't update. Some users can't update. And if a review is going to take weeks and the OP loses all current customers, then why not fix this major problem now instead of repeating it later.

Obviously they will fix it for next time, but they're looking for advice about this time

Obviously they will fix it for next time, but they're looking for advice about this time

I read these forums every day. I can assure you that nothing is obvious.

App stuck in "Waiting for Review" after 5.1.1(ii) fix — time-critical migration
 
 
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