How long does App Store review take in 2026?

My first app was rejected four times before it got through. My second, Invobis, was approved on the first try, in under 48 hours.

The wait is the one part of a launch you can't control, so it helps to know what Apple promises and what developers actually see. Here's both, and how to plan a launch around it.

How long does App Store review take?

Apple's App Review help page gives the current goal: at least 50% of submissions in less than 24 hours and 90% in less than 48 hours. The team works around the clock, and Apple says updates with minor changes and bug fixes usually move through quickly.

That goal covers everything Apple reviews, from new apps and updates to in-app purchases and in-app events. Your own wait can be shorter or longer.

Has App Store review got slower?

Apple's own number has changed. Its holiday note in December 2023 said that, on average, 90% of submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours. Today the same 90% is promised within 48 hours. Many articles still quote the old figure.

Developers noticed it too. In March 2026, Michael Tsai collected reports of Mac App Store reviews typically taking about 5 days, with some waits over 10, and iOS developers adding their own delays. The same post quotes an Apple spokesperson in April saying the team processes 90% of submissions within 48 hours, with an average review time of 1.5 days over 12 weeks. These are reports, not Apple's data, but they match what the new figure suggests: plan for two days, not one.

What do the review statuses mean?

App Store Connect shows where your submission is:

• Waiting for Review. Apple has it, but review hasn't started. You can still edit some information or remove items, but you can't upload or change screenshots and app previews. Check those before you submit, with the screenshot size checker and the preview video checker.
• In Review. Someone at App Review is looking at it. You can cancel to take it out of review.
• Unresolved Issues. App Review found a problem with one or more items.
• Pending Developer Release. Approved, and waiting for you, if you chose to release it manually.

Why do some reviews take longer?

Apple names the reasons on its review status page:

• Documentation. If App Review has to ask for and check licences, authorisations or partnership agreements first.
• Complex or new things. Regulated content, new platform capabilities, entitlements and other sensitive features get a closer look.
• Investigations. Signs of fraud or manipulation, such as gaming ratings and reviews or a misrepresented developer identity, can extend a review.
• Missing information. Apple says an incomplete submission delays review, and over 40% of unresolved issues relate to guideline 2.1, App Completeness. What to check before you submit is the list I use for that.

Should you resubmit or reply to App Review?

Reply, if you can. Apple says not to resubmit when it only asked for more information, or when the fix is in your metadata or on your server, such as a demo account that didn't work. Resubmitting starts a new review, and App Review can no longer reply to your earlier message.

Resubmit when the build itself was rejected and you've fixed it. And fix everything first: Apple says resubmitting with unresolved issues delays review and ends the same way.

Can you speed up App Store review?

Sometimes. Apple lets you request an expedited review for a critical bug fix, or to release in time for an event your app is tied to. The app has to be submitted already, the reason goes in the Notes field, and Apple grants it as availability and demand allow.

Apple asks that expedite requests be kept for genuine urgency. A launch day you picked yourself isn't one, so don't plan around it.

When should you submit before launch day?

About a week before, if your date matters. That covers a 48-hour review, one rejection and a resubmission.

Set the version to "Manually release this version" in App Store Connect. Then approval only moves it to Pending Developer Release, and you pick the moment. After you release, Apple says it can take up to 24 hours to appear on the App Store, so release the evening before your launch posts go out. Apple emails a reminder if a version sits in Pending Developer Release for more than 30 days.

Avoid Christmas week for anything tight. Apple's holiday notes in 2021 and 2023 warned that reviews may take longer in the days around December 25.

The first 30 days after approval covers what to do once you're through, and the launch checklist puts the whole run in order.