Hi everyone,
I'm the developer of StoneEcho - Ha Giang Loop, a small travel app I've been working on for quite a while. This is my first app submitted to the App Store, and to be honest the whole review process has been pretty frustrating so far.
Our review issues started around Oct 9-10, so it's been over a week now and we're still not any closer to getting the app reviewed.
Here's what happened.
On Oct 9-10, we had an earlier rejection and then Apple asked for more information under Guideline 2.1 (Information Needed - New App Submission). They mentioned our developer account had limited App Review history and wanted to better understand how the app works.
Fair enough. We spent time recording 6 videos on a real iPhone, showing the login process, audio and reading features, map, location permissions, account deletion and other functions. We also wrote detailed instructions for the reviewers and sent everything back.
Then on Oct 12, while trying to replace Build 19 with our newer Build 20, I accidentally hit Cancel Submission. That was my mistake. We submitted Build 20 again the same day at 2:49 PM.
Since then, nothing.
On Oct 14, after waiting more than 48 hours, I contacted Apple Developer Support through App Review Status. I explained the whole situation, including the previous review, the videos we already provided and the accidental cancellation.
Today is Oct 17 and we still havent recieved any response from support. Build 20 is still showing "Waiting for Review", exactly the same as when we submitted it.
Just to be clear, I understand that cancelling a submission can reset the review queue. I'm not saying Build 20 has been waiting since Oct 9. But the overall process has been going on since then, and it's frustrating to have provided all the requested information without knowing what's happening next.
We have also uploaded the 6 videos again as a ZIP attachment to the current submission, along with detailed review notes and demo login instructions. So as far as I can tell, Apple should have everything needed to review the app.
A few things I'm wondering:
- Has anyone else had their first app stuck in Waiting for Review for this long recently, especially after a Guideline 2.1 request ?
- Is it possible that cancelling and resubmitting somehow affected our place in the queue beyond just restarting the review ?
- Is there actually a way to reach someone from App Review when a support request goes unanswered ?
I also noticed quite a few other developers here reporting similar delays in October. So I'm starting to wonder if something is going on with Apple's review queue recently.
For reference:
- App: StoneEcho
- Apple ID: 6818458307
- Submitted: Oct 12, 2026
- Status: Waiting for Review
I don't expect Apple to approve an app without checking it properly. I just wish there was a bit more communication, especially when developers have already spent time providing everything that was requested.
If anyone from Apple is reading this, could you please help us check if our submission is still in the normal review queue?
And if other developers are going through the same thing, I'd really like to hear how long you've been waiting.
Thanks!
