When can you request an expedited App Review?
Apple describes expedited review as an option for extenuating circumstances, including a critical bug fix or an app release directly associated with an event. The request is assessed by Apple; a normal commercial launch plan, marketing date, or preference for a faster queue does not automatically meet that standard.
Prepare evidence that lets Apple understand both the urgency and the exact submission. Do not describe a routine release as an emergency, and do not promise that Apple will accept the request or approve the app.
| Situation | Evidence to prepare | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Critical bug fix | Current app version and build, the user impact, and reproducible steps for the bug in the current version. | Submit the corrected app for review, then use Apple’s expedited-review form with the reproduction path. |
| Directly associated time-sensitive event | The event name, event date, and a clear explanation of how the app is directly associated with it. | Submit the app and include the event evidence in the official request. |
| Ordinary commercial release plan | A launch target, campaign, revenue goal, or general urgency alone is not Apple’s published expedited criterion. | Use the normal review process and keep the submission complete; request expedited review only if a genuine qualifying circumstance exists. |
How to request an expedited App Review
Use Apple’s official request form, not a third-party service or unofficial contact channel. Keep the request concise, factual, and tied to the exact active submission.
- Confirm the correct app, platform, version, build, and current submission status
- Check that App Review Information, access details, agreements, and other required information are complete
- Open Apple’s official Request an expedited review form
- Explain the specific urgent circumstance and provide the matching bug or event evidence
- Save the submission time, Apple’s response, and the current App Store Connect status
What happens after submitting the request?
Keep these states separate: Request submitted means Apple has received the request; Request accepted means Apple agreed to consider priority handling; In Review means App Review has started examining the submission; an official review decision means Apple issued an outcome such as approval or rejection.
An accepted expedited request is not the same as In Review and does not mean the app is approved. Check the active version and App Store Connect submission status, preserve the timeline, and choose the next action from the actual state rather than from the acceptance message alone.
If Apple rejects the app after the request
An expedited request changes how Apple may prioritize review; it does not change the App Review Guidelines or prevent a rejection. Open the rejection message, identify the exact guideline or missing information, and reply in App Store Connect if clarification or supporting material is needed. Apple allows correspondence and attachments until you resubmit.
Do not treat a rejection as a review-delay failure. Resolve the cited issue, update the metadata or build that is actually in the submission, make the correction easy to verify, and only then resubmit. If you believe the decision is mistaken, use Apple’s appeal route with specific reasons rather than repeating an expedited request.
- Save the rejection message and guideline reference
- Reply with focused clarification or evidence when needed
- Fix the cited issue in the active metadata or build
- Update reviewer notes and access instructions
- Resubmit only after the corrected item is ready
Avoid weak or repetitive requests
Do not describe every launch as an emergency. Do not submit conflicting explanations, omit the version, or imply that Apple must approve the app. Reserve expedited review for genuine critical timing issues.
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, rejection-response steps, and official support routes.
Frequently asked questions
Can any developer request expedited review?
Apple provides the request route, but decides whether the circumstances justify priority.
Does expedited-review acceptance guarantee immediate review?
No. Acceptance is not a published deadline, and it is not app approval.
What if the expedited request has no response?
Confirm it was submitted for the correct app and active version, preserve the confirmation, and use the expedited-review-not-working guide to assess the remaining delay.
Related review delay guides
A genuine urgent case is still not moving?
Share the expedited-request history and current status for a human eligibility check.
We accelerate the review process—not Apple’s approval decision.