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 everyone, I am trying to understand whether this is a normal delay or if there may be an account-level review issue affecting my submissions. I am an individual developer. I submitted my first app for review on March 14, 2026. It remained without a meaningful response until March 31, 2026. During this time, I sent three expedite review requests, but none of them helped. Because nothing moved, I withdrew the previous submission and uploaded a third build for the same app. However, the app is still stuck in review flow. At the same time, I submitted my second app on March 22, 2026. I also requested an expedite review for that app, but it is still in Waiting for Review as well. So currently: • App 1 was first submitted on March 14, 2026 • Multiple expedite requests were sent • The original submission was withdrawn and a new build was submitted • App 2 was submitted on March 22, 2026 • Both apps have been heavily delayed • One is still in review flow, and the other is still Waiting for Review I would like to ask: 1. Has anyone experienced this kind of delay on an individual account, especially with multiple apps at the same time? 2. Could this indicate an account-level issue, manual queue hold, or some kind of hidden review flag? 3. Is there any effective way to escalate this beyond normal expedite requests? 4. Would contacting App Review again help, or is there another correct channel for this situation? 5. If I withdraw and resubmit again, is there any chance that it makes the delay worse? I am not asking for special treatment. I am only trying to understand what may be causing such an unusual delay and what the most effective next step is. Any insight from developers who faced a similar situation would be very helpful. Thank you.

Hello,I got the following message the second time. I dont know what to do.My app is reviewed and live, but my in app purchases are rejected. I read the message and was wondering about that. This did not happend with my non subscription iaps. I submitted a new "fake" binary with new version and in app purchases again.My app is reviewed and live with new version. My purchases not. I got this message again.We have begun the review of your In-App Purchase(s) but aren't able to continue because your submitted In-App Purchase(s) indicate a change of business model for your app. Therefore, we need to verify the implementation of your submitted In-App Purchase(s) in the app to ensure your app, and its In-App Purchase(s), are in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines.Specifically, you have submitted auto-renewing subscriptions for review.Please upload a new binary for review and resubmit your In-App Purchase(s) with the binary so that we can continue the review.What to do?

I have submitted my app and it has been waiting for review. I am the owner of the App and I applied for expedited review, but it didn't work. The version we submitted updated the information of the App. We consulted Apple and asked to continue waiting by using "Contact Us". I also submitted the information and they said to wait further. So we can only seek help from the reviewers here. Application ID: d6479289380

Dear App Review Team, Our app – Apple ID 6755677576 has been stuck in the “In review” status for over 10 days (since March 17, 2026). Normally, reviews begin within a few days, but in our case, it seems unusually delayed. Could you please clarify: • Is there a specific reason for this extended hold? • Is any action required from our side? • When can we expect the review to proceed? Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

Hello, I would really appreciate if someone from Apple could take a look at this, as I believe there may be an issue with my submission or account. I submitted my app for review for the first time over a month ago, and it has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” ever since, with absolutely no updates. This delay is far beyond the typical review timeframes (which are usually just a few days). I have not received any rejection, feedback, or request for additional information. So far, I have already: Resubmitted the build Sent multiple support requests through App Store Connect Requested an expedited review (which was approved) Despite all of this, there has been no progress at all. I have also sent several support messages and emails, but unfortunately I have not received any response so far. It feels like my case is not being reviewed at all, which makes it very difficult to understand what is going wrong. The app is quite standard and does not contain anything that should require extended review. At this point, I am concerned that there might be: An issue with my developer account A submission stuck in the review queue Or some kind of internal flag that I am not aware of Has anyone experienced a similar situation where an app remained in “Waiting for Review” for over a month? And if anyone from Apple is reading this, could you please check if there is any issue with my submission? Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hello, I would really appreciate if someone from Apple could take a look at this, as I believe there may be an issue with my submission or account. I submitted my app for review for the first time over a month ago, and it has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” ever since, with absolutely no updates. This delay is far beyond the typical review timeframes (which are usually just a few days). I have not received any rejection, feedback, or request for additional information. So far, I have already: Resubmitted the build Sent multiple support requests through App Store Connect Requested an expedited review (which was approved) Despite all of this, there has been no progress at all. I have also sent several support messages and emails, but unfortunately I have not received any response so far. It feels like my case is not being reviewed at all, which makes it very difficult to understand what is going wrong. The app is quite standard and does not contain anything that should require extended review. At this point, I am concerned that there might be: An issue with my developer account A submission stuck in the review queue Or some kind of internal flag that I am not aware of Has anyone experienced a similar situation where an app remained in “Waiting for Review” for over a month? And if anyone from Apple is reading this, could you please check if there is any issue with my submission? Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hello, I would really appreciate if someone from Apple could take a look at this, as I believe there may be an issue with my submission or account. I submitted my app for review for the first time over a month ago, and it has been stuck in “Waiting for Review” ever since, with absolutely no updates. This delay is far beyond the typical review timeframes (which are usually just a few days). I have not received any rejection, feedback, or request for additional information. So far, I have already: Resubmitted the build Sent multiple support requests through App Store Connect Requested an expedited review (which was approved) Despite all of this, there has been no progress at all. I have also sent several support messages and emails, but unfortunately I have not received any response so far. It feels like my case is not being reviewed at all, which makes it very difficult to understand what is going wrong. The app is quite standard and does not contain anything that should require extended review. At this point, I am concerned that there might be: An issue with my developer account A submission stuck in the review queue Or some kind of internal flag that I am not aware of Has anyone experienced a similar situation where an app remained in “Waiting for Review” for over a month? And if anyone from Apple is reading this, could you please check if there is any issue with my submission? Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi everyone, I am looking for some guidance on a delayed review for a new app launch. Our app, Vibe: Real-Time Social Radar (App ID: 6758596460), has been stuck in the "Waiting for Review" status since March 22nd. Here is the context: It is version 1.0.1. Prior to March 22, we had removed our submission a few times to fix minor metadata issues before the review started. I understand this resets our place in the queue. We have just submitted an Expedited Review request due to an upcoming launch deadline. My question: Does removing a submission multiple times trigger an automated "spam" hold or push the app into a longer Senior Review queue? Is there anything else I can do via App Store Connect to ensure the reviewer has what they need, or do I just need to wait for the Expedited Review team to respond? Any insights from developers who have experienced a similar delay recently would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for submitting an update to the app, Macy's: Online Shopping & Save, for review. We noticed some issues that require your attention. Please see below for additional information. If you have any questions, we are here to help. Reply to this message in App Store Connect and let us know. Review Environment Submission ID: d429df7a-35c1-4b8f-a85f-c0cce2dcd376 Review date: March 26, 2026 Review Device: iPhone 17 Pro Max Version reviewed: 2603.4.0 Guideline 5.1.2(iii) - Legal - Privacy - Data Use and Sharing Issue Description The app includes fingerprinting functionality that is designed to identify the user or device. Specifically, the app aggregates user and device data to track the user, either directly or indirectly using probabilistic methods. This functionality is found in services or code included in the app, such as AppsFlyer. Apps that fingerprint users or devices are not appropriate. Per section 3.3.9 of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, neither you nor the app may derive data from a device in order to uniquely identify it. Next Steps Follow these steps to resolve this issue: Identify the fingerprinting functionality in the app. Some or all of this functionality may be provided by third-party SDKs. If you have questions about these SDKs, contact the SDK provider. Remove any functionality from the app that uses algorithmically converted device and usage data to identify the user or device. You should remove any related code or implemented SDKs that support fingerprinting. Since fingerprinting is never appropriate, requesting the user's permission to track them or disclosing fingerprinting activity in a privacy policy will not resolve this issue.

Hello Apple Developer Forums team, I would like to ask for help with my app review (App ID: 6755685130). I first submitted my app on February 14, 2026, and it has been almost 50 days. However, I still have not received clear feedback on what needs to be fixed. If there are issues with my app, I sincerely ask the review team not to provide only general guideline references. I still cannot tell which page, feature, or user flow is causing the problem. If possible, I would really appreciate screenshots, screen recordings, or a written description of the specific issue so I can make the right changes. I also want to clarify that this app is not AI-generated. It is a carefully planned app built with real effort using multiple native Swift frameworks. Thank you very much for your time and help.

Hello, I’m experiencing an issue with auto-renewable subscriptions in App Store Connect and would appreciate any guidance. I have created two subscriptions (monthly and yearly), and all required metadata appears to be fully completed: pricing (price tiers set and saved) availability (countries selected) localization (titles and descriptions added) App Review screenshot uploaded However, both subscriptions remain in the “Missing Metadata” status, and the “Submit for Review” option is not available. Because of this, I am unable to attach the subscriptions to my app version and proceed with App Review (Guideline 2.1(b) - App Completeness). What I have already tried: re-saving all fields multiple times re-uploading the App Review screenshot verifying pricing and availability checking localization reviewing introductory offers The issue persists. Has anyone encountered this before or knows what might be causing this status, even when all fields seem complete? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hello, I hope you’re doing well. I recently submitted an update for my app, and I would really appreciate it if you could review it when possible. The latest version includes important fixes and improvements. Please let me know if anything else is needed from my side. Thank you for your time and support.

Hi everyone, I am experiencing an unusual delay with my app update. I submitted version 1.0.3 of my app, "MarketNow", on March 12, 2026, but it has been stuck in the "Waiting for Review" status for 9 days now. Typically, updates are reviewed within 24–48 hours, so this 9-day wait is quite concerning. I have already sent a formal inquiry through App Store Connect but haven't received a specific update yet. Is anyone else seeing long wait times for updates this week? Could this be related to a backlog before the April SDK deadline, or is there a known issue with the Finance category review queue? Any insights would be helpful. Thanks!

Hello everyone, I’m looking for some clarification and advice regarding an unexpected App Review rejection under Guideline 4.1 – Copycats. My app has been live on the App Store since May 2024, and during that time, it has maintained the same core flow, structure, UI, and feature set. There have been no major redesigns or attempts to imitate any other app. Recently, I submitted a new version (v3.2) with only minor changes related to ad logic implementation (no UI/UX changes, no branding changes, no metadata changes). However, this update was rejected with the following reason: “This app or its metadata appears to be misrepresenting itself as another popular app or game…” This has left me quite confused for a few reasons: The app has been approved and publicly available for nearly 2 years There were no significant design or branding changes in this submission The rejection seems unrelated to the actual changes made in this version My questions: Has anyone experienced a situation where an app was flagged as a copycat after being live for a long time? Is it possible that Apple updated their internal policies or comparisons, causing older apps to be re-evaluated? Could this be triggered by similar metadata (keywords, screenshots, descriptions) rather than the app itself? What would be the best way to respond in App Store Connect Resolution Center in this case? I fully respect Apple’s guidelines and have no intention of copying or misleading users. I’d really appreciate any insights or suggestions on how to resolve this properly. Thank you!

Hello My app got rejected with the message "We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by other developers, with only minor differences." In short, my app is a vpn app built entirely by me. In Russia almost all vpn protocols are blocked: wireguard, openvpn etc. And the only protocol they could not block was vless. It was hard to implement it, i spent like 3 weeks on it writing my own package on flutter. The app first was uploaded to android and shared through testflight with some of my friends. And everyone switched to my app, because it works perfect for their needs: accessing instagram, twitter etc. Those apps are blocked here. So on my first attempt publishing i got 2 errors: Vpn should be published on the account that is organization Spam rejection I registered a company and switched from individual account to a company. I also changed the ui of the app (although i agree most vpns share the same concept design). I got rejected again with only "Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam". I appealed with a question why was it it rejected, explaining that the app was built by me, and of course, i use some libraries. I got the same roboting response. After that i added some features: Built in private browser Network connection speed Today submitted the new version hoping it would pass, but yet again got "Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam". I'm really frustrated, because i spent 3 months developing the app. I understand there are dozens of vpns. But vpn is not exactly the simple feature app. Some are bad, some are good, and some doesn't work at all. My app doesn't have any ads and paid subscriptions. I also renamed my app to "Incognito - Browser, VPN". But can't get pass. Would like to get some advices. Please help P.S. Sorry for my bad grammar

Hey everyone, I’m completely stuck and hoping someone here (or an Apple rep) can help, because Developer Support is just sending me the exact same template replies at this point. I submitted a standard version update for my app (Hadiyyati - Luxury Gifts) back on February 7th. It has now been over 45 days, and the status is still permanently frozen on "Waiting for Review." Here is the loop I am stuck in: I've had an Expedited Review requested and approved 3 separate times. Support gives me a case number, says they contacted the App Review Board, and tells me to wait. Weeks pass, nothing happens, and when I follow up, I get: "At this time, your app review is proceeding normally, and there is no further action you need to take." 45 days for a store update is not "proceeding normally." I strongly suspect my submission (ID: aeadea76-8fb4-437c-9c04-60171b909f3e) is bugged, corrupted, or locked in a "ghost state" on the App Store Connect backend. Has anyone dealt with a completely frozen submission like this? Is there a specific magic word or channel to get Tier 2 tech support to actually check the server status without me rejecting the build and starting all over? Any advice is hugely appreciated!

Dear Sirs My app with ID 6758008521 is waiting for review since February, I'm concerned about the delay. Could you please provide an update on the review process.

Hello, My app has been stuck in the App Store review process for approximately one month, with no progress or updates provided during this time. I have sent around 20 emails and also submitted an expedite request due to the critical nature of the issue. Unfortunately, I have not received any response to any of my inquiries. This situation has reached a critical point. Since my app is not functioning properly, I have lost all of my subscribed users, causing both financial loss and damage to my reputation. Based on my previous experience, review times are usually much shorter, so this delay appears highly unusual. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in clarifying the following: Why has my app not been reviewed yet? Why have my emails not received any response? Is there anything further I can do to expedite the review process? I kindly ask for this issue to be investigated and resolved as soon as possible. I am ready to provide any additional information if needed. App Apple ID: 6756207941 I need a response now, please. Don't tell me to send an email because I'm not getting any replies. I just want a review to be conducted. Thank you in advance for your support. Best regards,

I am seriously taken aback by the efficiency of the App Review team. Jul 8, 2022 at 2:46 PM - We submitted our app on this date. Jul 9, 2022 at 10.47 AM - Our app was rejected due to 5.1.1 Legal - Data Collection and Storage. Jul 9, 2022 at 1.02 PM - I provided detailed information in relation to our business being in a highly regulated industry. Jul 13, 2022 at 8.22 AM - App Review Team replied stating that additional time is required to review. App Review status was changed to App In Review. Jul 13, 2022 at 8.36 AM - I received the same message that the issue previously identified requires our attention. Jul 13, 2022 at 1.42 PM - I replied again that information has been provided and it was confusing to have received another same App Rejection message. I contacted the App Review Team for assistance and was assured that my app will be reviewed. Jul 14, 2022 at 9.57 AM - App Review team replied that the team will continue the review and will notify if there are any further issues. 27 Jul, 2022 at 3.10 AM - App Review team replied with the same rejection message again "The issues we previously identified still need your attention..." 27 Jul, 2022 at 4.05 AM - I replied explaining that this is the 3rd time App Review team provided the same, non-helpful message and I have provided the information right from the start. 28 Jul, 2022 at 10.27 AM - App Review team replied with the same message intent explaining the policy and requested for additional information AGAIN. 28 Jul, 2022 at 10.40 AM - I replied with FRUSTRATION, providing my detail explanation and information once again (which was already provided on the Jul 9, 2022, 1.02 PM). This app has been withheld since Jul 8. Another app of ours was approved merely after 2 days of submission with the similar additional information provided in the submission notes. The App Review team has been very UNHELPFUL by replying templated messages. I am not sure the team reads through the trail of communications. Many time and money has been wasted when we had to go back to our legal advisors. I need proper avenues to get this push through. Is this a common poor attitude and service of the App Review team? Can someone from the App Review team shed some light on this?

I am writing to share my frustration regarding the app review process for my application. My current submission has been stuck in "Waiting for Review" for nearly 7 weeks, starting from February 5th. Although I have attempted to cancel and resubmit periodically, there were significant gaps of 10 and 21 days between submissions where no action was taken. Currently, I am stuck again. The situation is critical for the following reasons: Critical Bug: The update includes a necessary fix for an In-App Purchase bug that is preventing users from accessing paid features. No Communication: I have sent four inquiries regarding this delay. I received only one generic response asking me to wait, and my subsequent follow-ups have been completely ignored. Expedited Review Request: My requests for an Expedited Review have also gone unanswered. Apple’s standard review time is typically 24-48 hours, but my experience is far from that. I am not asking for special treatment; I am asking for basic transparency regarding why my app has been stalled for nearly two months. Could anyone from the review team please look into this or provide an explanation? This prolonged silence is causing significant issues for my service and its users. Apple ID: 6752595582 First Submission Date: Feb 5th