An ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest rejection email looks as follows: ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest- Your app includes "<path/to/SDK>", which includes , an SDK that was identified in the documentation as a privacy-impacting third-party SDK. Starting February 12, 2025, if a new app includes a privacy-impacting SDK, or an app update adds a new privacy-impacting SDK, the SDK must include a privacy manifest file. Please contact the provider of the SDK that includes this file to get an updated SDK version with a privacy manifest. For more details about this policy, including a list of SDKs that are required to include signatures and manifests, visit: https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. Glossary ITMS-91061: Missing privacy manifest: An email that includes the name and path of privacy-impacting SDK(s) with no privacy manifest files in your app bundle. For more information, see https://developer.apple.com/support/third-party-SDK-requirements. : The specified privacy-impacting SDK that doesn't include a privacy manifest file. If you are the developer of the rejected app, gather the name of the SDK from the email you received from Apple, then contact the SDK's provider for an updated version that includes a valid privacy manifest. After receiving an updated version of the SDK, verify the SDK includes a valid privacy manifest file at the expected location. For more information, see Adding a privacy manifest to your app or third-party SDK. If your app includes a privacy manifest file, make sure the file only describes the privacy practices of your app. Do not add the privacy practices of the SDK to your app's privacy manifest. If the email lists multiple SDKs, repeat the above process for all of them. If you are the developer of an SDK listed in the email, publish an updated version of your SDK that includes a privacy manifest file with valid keys and values. Every privacy-impacting SDK must contain a privacy manifest file that only describes its privacy practices. To learn how to add a valid privacy manifest to your SDK, see the Additional resources section below. Additional resources Privacy manifest files Describing data use in privacy manifests Describing use of required reason API Adding a privacy manifest to your app or third-party SDK TN3182: Adding privacy tracking keys to your privacy manifest TN3183: Adding required reason API entries to your privacy manifest TN3184: Adding data collection details to your privacy manifest TN3181: Debugging an invalid privacy manifest

In this post, we'll share tips to help you submit apps that deliver original ideas to your users. When working on your app, focus on creating interesting, unique experiences that aren't already available. Apps that actively try to copy other apps won't pass review, and accounts that repeatedly submit copycat apps or attempt to impersonate a service will be closed. The rules that prevent copycat and impersonator apps from being distributed on the App Store are described in App Review Guideline 4.1: 4.1 Copycats (a) Come up with your own ideas. We know you have them, so make yours come to life. Don’t simply copy the latest popular app on the App Store, or make some minor changes to another app’s name or UI and pass it off as your own. In addition to risking an intellectual property infringement claim, it makes the App Store harder to navigate and just isn’t fair to your fellow developers. (b) Submitting apps which impersonate other apps or services is considered a violation of the Developer Code of Conduct and may result in removal from the Apple Developer Program.(c) You cannot use another developer’s icon, brand, or product name in your app’s icon or name, without approval from the developer. These requirements help make the App Store both a safe place for people to discover apps and a platform for all developers to be successful. Best Practices Here are three best practices that will help you submit apps that follow App Review Guideline 4.1: 1. Submit apps with unique content and features. People want apps that provide unique experiences. Find areas that aren't currently being served and build compelling apps for those audiences. Do: Create apps that provide a new experience or a unique spin on an existing concept. Design original, delightful interfaces that elegantly meet your user's needs. Don't: Don’t imitate the features and functionality of other apps. Don’t copy the look and feel of other apps, such as using an identical user interface design. 2. Make sure App Store metadata only contains relevant information and content you either own or have permission to use. The metadata provided in App Store Connect is used to populate your app's product page on the App Store. People rely on this metadata to learn about your app and what it has to offer. Leveraging the popularity of another brand or app, either by including irrelevant references or protected content, is misleading and won't help your app succeed. Do: Use engaging, descriptive language to describe your unique app. Create original content that best represents your app, such as screenshots showing the actual app in use. Don't: Don't use protected material you do not have the necessary permission to use, such as app icons that are similar to icons of a popular app. Don’t include irrelevant references, such as popular app names or trademarked terms, in any metadata fields. 3. Provide information that is authentic and verifiable. People want to know the developers behind their favorite apps are who they say they are. It's important to continually review and provide up-to-date information, including the developer or company name listed on your Apple Developer Program account, the Support URL listed on your app's product page, and other helpful information. This will enable your users to contact you when they need help and it will also hinder people who may try to impersonate you, your app, or your service. Do: Make sure all information, resources, and documentation related to your account and apps are current and accurate. Don't: Don’t provide inaccurate information or resources, such as directing people to outdated support pages. Don’t provide fraudulent documentation. Accounts that submit fraudulent documentation will be removed from the Apple Developer Program. Support Incorporating these best practices into your app's development will help you submit apps that follow App Review Guideline 4.1. If you need additional assistance, consider taking advantage of one of the following support options available from App Review: If your submission has been rejected, reply to the message from App Review in App Store Connect and request clarification. Request an App Review Appointment to discuss the results of our review. Appointments are subject to availability, and take place during local business hours in your region on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you believe your app follows the App Review Guidelines, consider submitting an appeal to the App Review Board. Resources Learn about foundational design principles from Apple designers and the developer community. Learn how to create engaging App Store product pages. Note that apps that violate intellectual property rights are subject to removal through the App Store Content Dispute process. If you believe an app on the App Store violates your intellectual property rights, you can submit a claim.

Hello Apple Developer Community, I’m seeking advice regarding a prolonged App Store review that is currently impacting our business. Our app was submitted more than two months ago, and the review process has not progressed since then. During this time, we sent two support emails to Apple Developer Support requesting assistance. We did receive one response stating that the app was “in review”, but unfortunately the message did not provide any useful details, timeline, or further guidance, and there has been no additional update since then. This delay is now blocking our business launch, as the mobile application is a critical component of our product release. Without App Store approval, we cannot proceed with launching our service to customers. Summary of the situation: Submission date: More than 2 months ago Current status: Pending Support requests sent: 2 emails to Apple Developer Support Responses received: 1 reply saying the app was “in review,” but no meaningful information Impact: Blocking our planned business launch We understand that review times can vary, but waiting this long without meaningful feedback or communication has become very challenging for our team. If anyone has experienced a similar situation or knows: How to escalate a long-pending review Alternative ways to contact the App Review team Whether there are currently unusual delays in the review process Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and support.

I managed to publish the first version of my app at the beginning of February. I was lucky, I guess. On 11th of February, I added a new version which contains in app purchases. The app went "in review" a few hours later and since then ... nothing. After a week or so I sent a first email support. They claim responding in 2 working days: no response. Then I sent another one. 2 days later another one. Tried expedite review several times: nothing. Last week I finally got an answer to my first email: they apologize, blah blah. But still nothing. This is very very annoying. I longtime hesitated to purchase the Apple developer program and finally did it. Now I regret doing so. They seem they don't care about. We buy expensive Apple gear. We develop applications we cannot even install on our devices without Apple developer subscription! And they treat us like this. What is going on, Apple? Are you still there?

Hello everyone, I am reaching out to the community and hopefully Apple representatives because I am currently facing a significant delay that has completely halted my first app launch. Here is the timeline of my submission process: February 1st: Initial submission of my first app. February 3rd: Received a rejection with minor requests for improvement. February 8th: I completed all requested changes and resubmitted the app. Status since then: The app has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" for exactly one month. Actions Taken: I submitted an Expedited Review request. I contacted Apple Developer Support twice via written tickets. I had a phone call with the Apple Developer Support team. During the phone call, I was advised not to withdraw and resubmit the app, as this would move me to the end of the queue. They mentioned they would escalate the issue to the review team. However, despite these efforts and the escalation, there has been absolutely no progress or change in status. This delay has put me a full month behind my launch schedule. I have spoken with several other iOS developers who mentioned their apps are typically reviewed within 1–5 days. This discrepancy is very discouraging. I am not looking for a shortcut; I simply want my app to be reviewed. My app is straightforward and does not contain any complex or controversial features that should justify such a long wait. This situation is unfortunately killing my motivation and excitement for development. Specific Questions: Is there anyone else experiencing a similar "limbo" for this long? Can any Apple representative provide clarity on how long this queue actually is or why a simple update is stuck for 30 days? Is there any other way to get a status update beyond the standard "just wait" response? Case ID: 102829479153 I would deeply appreciate any insights from the community or assistance from the Apple team. Thank you for your time.

One app submitted Feb 21st. The app is currently showing "Waiting for Review". It hasn’t been rejected and there hasn’t been any action taken yet. This is my first submission with this developer account, so I just want to confirm everything was submitted correctly and that I’m simply waiting on Apple’s review process. For anyone from Apple who might be able to look into it, the app details are: App name: Coop Keeper: Chore Cards SKU: com.lukaambros.coopkeeperchorecards Apple ID: 6759481708

Curious what backend others are choosing these days. I am building a vocabulary app and exploring which backend would be a good fit. Considering options like CloudKit, Firebase, Supabase, AWS Amplify, custom servers, or a combination. What are you using and what made you choose it?

Should you rely only on organic installs, or would a mix of strategies work better? Isn’t optimizing keywords and refining creatives essential for higher visibility? Would running Apple Search Ads not further amplify reach? And doesn’t encouraging strong reviews ultimately help in improving both ranking and credibility?

When I update my app name, the App Store URL also changes, and since the app URL contributes to ASO performance, this is a concern for me. I would like to know whether it is possible to change the app name without affecting the URL, or if the previous URL automatically redirects to the new one.

I’m interested in hearing what currently concerns other indie iOS developers, as 2026 feels both exciting and somewhat fragile to me, with the constant worry that an Apple account issue or unexpected rejection could undo years of hard work overnight. AI has made cloning apps easier than ever and even strong niches can quickly attract well funded competitors, so while I’m optimistic about building, these are the realities I often find myself thinking about.

Really, for how long will apps continue to get stuck in the 'review queue'? This is demoralizing and bad for organizations and developers behind these projects. Our app has been stuck in the 'waiting for review' zone for over 3 weeks+ now, and despite several emails, nothing has been done. No feedback whatsoever. Are we going to get a reply? Is this just an Apple thing, like work culture?

Hi all, Like others my app submission has been stuck in “waiting for review” for weeks. I know initial app reviews take longer than updates, but this has been delayed far too long and makes me concerned about repeating the process in the future. I submitted this app for review back on Feb 10. It was initially rejected for a minor issue, which I resolved and resubmitted the same day. After that, the build remained in “Waiting for Review” for about two weeks with no further communication. At that point I canceled the submission and resubmitted the build, thinking it may have been stuck in the queue (I now know not to do this next time). Unfortunately the new submission has also been waiting for review for another 9 days now with no messages or updates. I’ve contacted app review support as well (case ID- 102826632729). I understand review times can vary, but delays like this make it difficult for developers to plan launches or push updates when the review process is the only path to distributing apps. As paying members of the Apple Developer Program, we rely heavily on this pipeline functioning reliably. Hoping this post will reach someone from Apple who can help move the process along. If any other devs have suggestions/tips that have worked for them, please share so others in this position can become unblocked. Thanks in advance.

Our app with Apple ID 6752634390 has been in status Waiting for Review since Feb 09 which has been more than 20 days. And we have sent email via Contact Us two times already but no progress yet. Any one has any idea if there is anything we can do to move on?

Hi, I know many of us are stuck right now it seems - I'm in the 12th Feb club (had another app that was since 5th, I've since pulled that and resubmitted Monday this week, to see if things might have unstuck themselves, but no luck) I can't even get a build approved for TestFlight on anything. This is getting silly now, total lack of communication - emails go unanswered. I will give the lovely team in Ireland their dues though, as always helpful on the phone, but they also seem to have no information and their expedited review requests go no where. App ID is 6758779640

Submitted an update 10 days ago, still no movement. No messages in Resolution Center, no compliance issues, everything is green in App Store Connect. Just sitting there. Is this normal right now? Should I keep waiting or contact support? Anyone with similar timeline got reviewed recently? App ID: 6759445545

Hello everyone, Our application has been pending review since February 23rd. There's been no progress, and I'm not getting any concrete answers. My projects have suffered serious delays and inconvenience. What's going on at Apple? I've never waited this long before. Is there an explanation? Thank you for your help.

Hello, My app, Beezzy - Agenda Digital, had an Expedited Review request approved recently (confirmation received via email). However, the status remains stuck in 'Waiting for Review' for an unusual amount of time, even for an expedited process. This update is critical for our operations and addresses urgent fixes. Has anyone else experienced a delay between the expedited approval and the actual 'In Review' transition lately? Is there any additional step required from the developer side to trigger the priority queue? App ID: 6751509489 Thank you for any guidance.

Hello, My app "Zen Mahjong!" has been stuck in the App Review process for an unusually long time and I’m trying to understand if something might be wrong with the submission. Timeline: First submission entered “In Review” and stayed there for 6 days without a decision. I rejected that build, uploaded a new build and resubmitted on February 17. Since then the app has been in “Waiting for Review” for more than 3 weeks. Additional context: App size ~40 MB Only IAP is a “Remove Ads” purchase I already contacted Developer Support and opened an expedited review request. Support also mentioned that this delay seems unusual. Has anyone experienced something similar or could this indicate that the submission is stuck in the review pipeline? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I too have been in "waiting in review" for longer than expected. What is the normal time for a review?

Please, I really need your feedback. Is anyone else experiencing extremely long App Review times lately? Some of my apps have been waiting for more than a month to be reviewed. I’m trying to understand if this is happening only to me or if other developers are facing the same issue. Also, I applied to join the App Store Small Business Program about 15 days ago and I still haven’t received any response. This is a serious question, so I would really appreciate hearing your experiences. How long are your apps currently taking to get reviewed, and how long did it take for you to get approved for the Small Business Program?

Hello everyone, I’m facing an issue with In-App Purchases during App Review and would appreciate guidance from anyone who has encountered a similar situation. Context: New iOS/iPadOS app, first submission. One Non-Consumable In-App Purchase. IAP was created, fully configured, and submitted together with the app version. IAP status in App Store Connect: In Review. App includes Restore Purchase and uses standard StoreKit purchase flow. Paid Apps Agreement is accepted. Problem: During Apple’s review, when the reviewer taps the purchase button, a generic error appears: “Purchase failed. An error occurred, please try again.” Apple rejected the app under Guideline 2.1 – Performance – App Completeness, stating that the IAP shows a bug. What seems to be happening: The IAP itself is still in review and therefore not fully active, which causes the purchase attempt to fail. However, the app cannot be approved because the purchase fails, creating a circular dependency: App cannot be approved because IAP purchase fails. IAP cannot work because the app is not approved yet. According to Apple documentation, IAPs are tested in the sandbox during review and should not require separate approval to function, so I’m unsure what additional step is required. Questions: Is there any special configuration needed to make first-time IAPs work during review? Should Apple reviewers be able to complete sandbox purchases even if the IAP status is “In Review”? Is there a recommended workaround or reviewer instruction to avoid this deadlock? Any insights or real-world experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hello, I have quite a few apps that have been stuck in "Waiting for Review" since February 9th. This is unusual as my previous updates were always processed quickly. Due to the long delay and the number of accumulated updates pending, I decided to reset all submissions today to see if it triggers any movement. Has anyone else experienced this sudden stall with multiple apps and updates recently? Any advice on how to handle this would be appreciated.