> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nativeline.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Submitting for Review

> Send your app to Apple for review

# 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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open App Store Connect">
    Go to [appstoreconnect.apple.com](https://appstoreconnect.apple.com) and select your app
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select App Store tab">
    Navigate to the main App Store submission page
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your build">
    In the Build section, click "+" and select your processed build
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review all sections">
    Scroll through and verify everything is complete (green checkmarks)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Submit for Review">
    At the top right, click "Submit for Review"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Answer final questions">
    * Export compliance (usually HTTPS exemption)
    * Content rights confirmation
    * Advertising identifier usage
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm submission">
    Click "Submit" to send to Apple
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## After Submission

### Status Changes

Your app will show these statuses:

| Status                    | Meaning                     |
| ------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| Waiting for Review        | In Apple's queue            |
| In Review                 | Apple is actively reviewing |
| Pending Developer Release | Approved, waiting for you   |
| Ready for Sale            | Live on App Store           |
| Rejected                  | Issues to address           |
| Metadata Rejected         | Only 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

<Note>
  Review times vary. First submissions, complex apps, and apps with IAP may take longer.
</Note>

### 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

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I update after submitting?" icon="edit">
    No. Once submitted, you can't edit. You'd need to reject your submission, make changes, and resubmit.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I check status?" icon="clock">
    In App Store Connect → My Apps → Your App. Status shows at the top of the page.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I find a bug after submitting?" icon="bug">
    If minor, wait for review. If critical, reject your submission, fix, and resubmit with new build.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I expedite review?" icon="rocket">
    Only for critical situations. Request at developer.apple.com/contact. Use sparingly.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## 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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Understand the issue">
    Read Apple's feedback completely
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make fixes">
    Address each point specifically
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload new build (if needed)">
    For binary rejection, upload fix
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reply to rejection">
    In App Store Connect, respond to Apple explaining your fixes
  </Step>

  <Step title="Resubmit">
    Click "Submit for Review" again
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 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](https://developer.apple.com/contact)
2. Select "App Review"
3. Choose "Request Expedited Review"
4. Explain your situation

<Warning>
  Overusing expedited review requests can harm future requests. Reserve for genuine emergencies.
</Warning>

***

## Submission Success Tips

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Test thoroughly first" icon="vial">
    Most rejections are for bugs or crashes. TestFlight with external testers catches most issues.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Be accurate in metadata" icon="check">
    Description, screenshots, and functionality should match exactly. Don't oversell.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Provide demo accounts" icon="user">
    If login required, provide working test credentials. Many rejections happen because reviewers can't access the app.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Explain unusual features" icon="comment">
    In review notes, explain anything that might confuse reviewers. Context helps.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="After Approval" icon="rocket" href="/publishing/app-store/after-approval">
    Launch and beyond
  </Card>

  <Card title="Review Guidelines" icon="book" href="/publishing/app-store/review-guidelines">
    Avoid rejection
  </Card>
</CardGroup>