Waiting for review

you’d expect a little more accountability, transparency, and respect for developers who rely on your platform

I think your analysis is flawed. Respect does not follow from dependence.

At this point, capitalism is truly at its peak: record-breaking valuations, but seemingly zero urgency when it comes to supporting the developers who help build the ecosystem

Are you proposing that developers seize the means of production?

Or do you have some other solution? Well, you know. We'd all love to see the plan

I’m not arguing that dependence automatically entitles anyone to respect. I’m arguing that when a platform benefits from developers building on it, there’s a reasonable expectation of accountability, transparency, and consideration for the people who help create that value.

And no, the solution doesn’t have to be seizing the means of production. It starts with clear communication, predictable policies, meaningful support, and a willingness to acknowledge the impact of platform decisions on the people who rely on them.

As for the plan, that’s exactly the point: developers shouldn’t have to demand basic transparency every time something changes. If a company wants people to build their businesses around its ecosystem, it should take that responsibility seriously.

when a platform benefits from developers building on it, there’s a reasonable expectation of accountability, transparency, and consideration for the people who help create that value.

Not all developers are helping to create value. There's a huge amount of fraud. And more recently, there's been a huge amount of AI slop. That's what's causing the delays.

the solution doesn’t have to be seizing the means of production

That was only half in jest. A firm understanding of Marxist theory would really help most developers. If you read carefully, you'll notice that at no point does Marx ever say anything about the capitalist giving the wage labourer clear communication, predictable policies, meaningful support, or an acknowledgement of of any decisions. Marx says quite the opposite, in fact.

As for the plan...

Now that was totally in jest. Am I the only one who remembers lyrics from The Beatles' "Revolution"?

developers shouldn’t have to demand basic transparency every time something changes

Developers have done nothing of the sort. Begging on the developer forums really isn't making demands.

And I'm not saying that developers need to run to the press, to politicians, or engage in any kind of class-action lawsuit. Again, Marx has the answer. Focus instead on material conditions. Apple is going to be far more invested in developer success than any journalist, politician, or lawyer. As difficult as it might be, Apple does provide an avenue for developer success. Those other folks I mentioned care even less about developer success.

If a company wants people to build their businesses around its ecosystem, it should take that responsibility seriously.

Who says they want that? Apple's focused on its own business and its own customers. The best way to succeed in the market is to understand it, not complain about it. You can't change Apple and you can't change the market. You can only effect change on your own company and your own product.

I agree that developers must take responsibility for their businesses, understand the market, and recognize that Apple ultimately operates in its own commercial interests. I also agree that fraud and low-quality AI-generated content are legitimate challenges that need to be addressed.

However, these issues don't negate the importance of transparency and accountability.

Addressing fraud and maintaining clear communication with legitimate developers are not mutually exclusive. Developers aren't asking Apple to guarantee their success or surrender control of its platform. They're asking for enough clarity and consistency to make informed business decisions, particularly when platform changes affect products they've invested significant time, effort, and resources in building.

I also don't think raising concerns should automatically be dismissed as complaining. Understanding the market means understanding the risks associated with the platforms on which a business depends. Constructive feedback is one way to address those risks and encourage meaningful improvements.

Community forums exist for exactly this reason: to give people a space to share their experiences, express their frustrations and concerns, learn from one another, and offer encouragement. Not every post needs to be a solution or a success story. Sometimes, simply sharing an experience helps others realize they're not alone, brings attention to a common problem, or encourages a meaningful discussion. Dismissing these conversations as mere complaining overlooks the value that community forums provide.

Ultimately, Apple has the right to make its own decisions, and developers have the right to question those decisions, share their experiences, and explain the consequences they face.

The goal isn't to change Apple's business model or demand special treatment. It's to encourage a more transparent and predictable ecosystem that benefits both Apple and the developers who contribute to it. Holding a platform accountable and encouraging constructive dialogue aren't signs of entitlement; they're part of building a healthier developer community.

I'm in the same situation, I've been there for 1 week now and nothing has been answered, not even 1 email, not even a response anywhere, I put in a ticket and nothing.

these issues don't negate the importance of transparency and accountability.

Addressing fraud and maintaining clear communication with legitimate developers are not mutually exclusive.

I completely agree with you. But I have no influence. The best I can do is give other developers suggestions on how to best manage life in the world as it is, not the world as we would like it to be.

They're asking for enough clarity and consistency to make informed business decisions, particularly when platform changes affect products they've invested significant time, effort, and resources in building.

Why can't lack of clarity and consistency inform business decisions? It sounds like you're paying too much attention to marketing. If you focus on actions and practice, you'll see much more clarity and consistency.

I also don't think raising concerns should automatically be dismissed as complaining.

What is it then? And what are these "concerns"? The material facts are readily apparent. You can't change them. People have been lighting up the forums for months on these issues. What has been the material result? Apple updated the App Review Guidelines to add some links to existing documentation. Congratulations! Your voice has been heard!

Understanding the market means understanding the risks associated with the platforms on which a business depends.

OK. Now we're making progress!

Constructive feedback is one way to address those risks and encourage meaningful improvements.

Feedback does absolutely nothing for risks. I agree that it does encourage meaningful improvement. But what's the material value of encouragement?

Community forums exist for exactly this reason: to give people a space to share their experiences, express their frustrations and concerns, learn from one another, and offer encouragement. Not every post needs to be a solution or a success story. Sometimes, simply sharing an experience helps others realize they're not alone, brings attention to a common problem, or encourages a meaningful discussion.

There you go again with that encouragement.

The goal isn't to change Apple's business model or demand special treatment. It's to encourage a more transparent and predictable ecosystem that benefits both Apple and the developers who contribute to it. Holding a platform accountable and encouraging constructive dialogue aren't signs of entitlement; they're part of building a healthier developer community.

I encourage you to do some research on the effectiveness of "holding [something] accountable" and how often it leads to a "healthier" community.

Spoiler alert: it never works and has never worked. Not even once. It's performative nonsense to confuse, obfuscate, and distract.

There are actions you can take - actions that will help you and your business become more successful. But those actions do not include complaining, encouraging, or providing feedback. You're focusing on trying to influence Apple. That's simply not going to work. The only thing you can change is yourself. As someone once said, "first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly".

I appreciate the detailed breakdown and the candor. At the core, I completely agree with your primary thesis waiting for Apple to change or relying on public feedback to alter platform policy is a losing strategy. If a business depends on absolute platform predictability to survive, it's built on fragile ground.

Where our perspectives naturally differ is on the utility of community spaces. I view open discussion not as an attempt to hold Apple accountable but as a practical form of risk intelligence a way for developers to map out systemic friction together so others can adapt faster. You see that same discourse as a distraction from execution.

Ultimately, we both end up at the same practical destination focusing on what we can control, hardening our businesses against volatility, and executing within the reality we're given. Thanks for the sharp debate thou it's a good reminder that self-reliance is the only constant we can count on.

Same boat there terrible on time im not sure what happened weve had 4 flawless apps reviewed in a day then no answer for a month now. genuinely absurd the lack of concern for time