Skip to main content

​
Submitting for Review

You’ve prepared everything. Now it’s time to submit your app to Apple for review.

​
Pre-Submission Checklist

Before clicking submit, verify:

​
Build

  • Build uploaded and processed in App Store Connect
  • Build number is correct
  • No processing errors

​
App Information

  • App name finalized
  • Subtitle set (optional but recommended)
  • Category selected
  • Content rights confirmed

​
Privacy

  • Privacy policy URL works and is accessible
  • App Privacy details completed
  • All data collection disclosed

​
Media

  • Screenshots for all required device sizes
  • Screenshots are accurate and compelling
  • App preview video uploaded (optional)

​
Metadata

  • Description complete and accurate
  • Keywords set (up to 100 characters)
  • Age rating questionnaire completed
  • Support URL works

​
Review Information

  • Contact email monitored
  • Contact phone number valid
  • Demo account provided (if login required)
  • Review notes explain anything unusual

​
Submitting Your App

1

Open App Store Connect

Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com and select your app
2

Select App Store tab

Navigate to the main App Store submission page
3

Select your build

In the Build section, click ”+” and select your processed build
4

Review all sections

Scroll through and verify everything is complete (green checkmarks)
5

Click Submit for Review

At the top right, click “Submit for Review”
6

Answer final questions

  • Export compliance (usually HTTPS exemption)
  • Content rights confirmation
  • Advertising identifier usage
7

Confirm submission

Click “Submit” to send to Apple

​
After Submission

​
Status Changes

Your app will show these statuses:
StatusMeaning
Waiting for ReviewIn Apple’s queue
In ReviewApple is actively reviewing
Pending Developer ReleaseApproved, waiting for you
Ready for SaleLive on App Store
RejectedIssues to address
Metadata RejectedOnly metadata issues

​
Timeline

Typical timeline after submission:
  • Waiting for Review: Hours to 1-2 days
  • In Review: Minutes to hours
  • Total: Usually 24-48 hours
Review times vary. First submissions, complex apps, and apps with IAP may take longer.

​
Stay Reachable

During review:
  • Monitor email (including spam folder)
  • Keep phone available (rare, but Apple may call)
  • Be ready to respond quickly to questions

​
Release Options

​
Automatic Release

After approval, app goes live immediately. Pros:
  • Fastest to market
  • No additional action needed
Cons:
  • No control over timing
  • Can’t coordinate with marketing

​
Manual Release

After approval, you choose when to release. Pros:
  • Control timing
  • Coordinate with announcements
  • Final quality check
Cons:
  • Requires action
  • Approval expires after 30 days

​
Scheduled Release

Set a specific date and time. Pros:
  • Plan marketing around exact date
  • No manual action needed at release time
Cons:
  • Must be approved before scheduled date
  • Less flexibility if plans change
To set release option:
  1. Before submission, in Version Release section
  2. Select your preference
  3. Set date if scheduling

​
Common Questions

No. Once submitted, you can’t edit. You’d need to reject your submission, make changes, and resubmit.
In App Store Connect → My Apps → Your App. Status shows at the top of the page.
If minor, wait for review. If critical, reject your submission, fix, and resubmit with new build.
Only for critical situations. Request at developer.apple.com/contact. Use sparingly.

​
If You’re Rejected

​
Don’t Panic

Rejection is common, especially for first submissions. It’s fixable.

​
Read the Feedback

Apple provides specific rejection reasons. Read carefully and address each point.

​
Types of Rejection

Binary Rejected:
  • Issue with the app itself
  • Requires new build
  • More significant fixes
Metadata Rejected:
  • Issue with listing only
  • No new build needed
  • Usually quick to fix

​
Fixing and Resubmitting

1

Understand the issue

Read Apple’s feedback completely
2

Make fixes

Address each point specifically
3

Upload new build (if needed)

For binary rejection, upload fix
4

Reply to rejection

In App Store Connect, respond to Apple explaining your fixes
5

Resubmit

Click “Submit for Review” again

​
Responding to App Review

​
Through Resolution Center

In App Store Connect → Your App → Resolution Center:
  • View rejection details
  • Reply to Apple
  • Ask questions if unclear

​
Tips for Responses

Do:
  • Be polite and professional
  • Explain exactly what you fixed
  • Provide additional context if needed
  • Ask for clarification if rejection is unclear
Don’t:
  • Be confrontational
  • Argue without fixing
  • Ignore the feedback
  • Make excuses

​
Example Response

Thank you for your feedback. I've addressed the issues:

1. Crash on login (2.1): Fixed null pointer exception in
   authentication flow. Tested on all supported devices.

2. Missing privacy disclosure (5.1.1): Added camera permission
   disclosure to App Privacy section and updated privacy policy.

Build 15 contains these fixes. Please let me know if you need
any additional information.

​
Expedited Review Request

For genuine emergencies only:

​
Valid Reasons

  • Critical bug affecting users
  • Security vulnerability
  • Time-sensitive legal issue
  • Major event tie-in (be cautious)

​
How to Request

  1. Go to developer.apple.com/contact
  2. Select “App Review”
  3. Choose “Request Expedited Review”
  4. Explain your situation
Overusing expedited review requests can harm future requests. Reserve for genuine emergencies.

​
Submission Success Tips

Most rejections are for bugs or crashes. TestFlight with external testers catches most issues.
Description, screenshots, and functionality should match exactly. Don’t oversell.
If login required, provide working test credentials. Many rejections happen because reviewers can’t access the app.
In review notes, explain anything that might confuse reviewers. Context helps.

​
Next Steps

After Approval

Launch and beyond

Review Guidelines

Avoid rejection