What Waiting for Review means
Apple’s status reference says Waiting for Review means the submission was received but review has not started. That is different from Ready for Review, where an item may have been prepared but the submission step is not complete.
Check the app version, build, and submission page—not only a dashboard notification. Confirm the intended version remains in the queue and no agreement, export-compliance question, review-information field, or access detail requires action.
When the status deserves attention
There is no universal day count that proves a queue problem. Attention becomes reasonable when the status is unchanged for several days, the delay is materially blocking users or a release, and the submission record shows no missing action.
- Record the exact submission timestamp and time zone
- Separate app status from submission and item status
- Note whether this is a new app, update, or resubmission
- Preserve messages, support case numbers, and expedited-request confirmations
- Describe the concrete release impact without exaggeration
What not to do
Do not repeatedly cancel and resubmit just to refresh the queue. Do not send duplicate requests with conflicting timelines. Do not assume an unanswered request means the app will be approved once reviewed.
If the app has already waited a week, use the one-week checklist. If Apple has already been contacted without progress, move to the no-response guide rather than restarting the same steps.
See what your current delay means.
This is educational guidance, not a prediction of Apple’s decision or timing.
Verify the status at the source.
Apple defines Waiting for Review as a submission Apple has received but has not started reviewing. Apple also publishes its expedited-review criteria and official support routes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit an app while it is Waiting for Review?
Apple allows certain information to be edited and items to be removed, but some assets cannot be changed in this state. Check Apple’s current status reference before altering the submission.
Does Waiting for Review mean my app has a problem?
Not by itself. It means review has not started. A problem is more likely when App Store Connect or Apple communication identifies an action or unresolved issue.
How long should I keep waiting?
Use the exact status, submission type, history, urgency, and elapsed time together. Forty-eight hours may call for verification; a week or two calls for a more structured case review.
Related review delay guides
Has Waiting for Review become a release problem?
If the app is correctly submitted and the queue has stopped moving, check whether the case fits review acceleration assistance.
We accelerate the review process—not Apple’s approval decision.