Hi everyone, We are experiencing an App Store Search query interpretation issue affecting our app, Afizzy. In the U.S. App Store, when a user searches for the exact app name “afizzy”, the App Store displays: “Showing results for frizzy” and provides “Search for afizzy instead?” as a separate option. The search field itself continues to display “afizzy,” so this does not appear to be device-level keyboard autocorrection. Instead, the App Store search results page is interpreting the submitted query as a different term. This is also not a ranking issue. The query substitution occurs before results for the exact term “afizzy” are displayed. We have already contacted Apple Developer Support and submitted this issue through Feedback Assistant: Developer Support Case: #102970470188
Feedback Assistant: FB24936985 We can consistently reproduce the issue on the U.S. storefront, and we have provided a screenshot showing the behavior. Has anyone encountered a similar issue where the App Store automatically rewrites an exact app or brand name to another term? If so, was there a particular process or Apple team that helped correct the search interpretation? We would greatly appreciate any guidance from Apple engineers or developers who have encountered a similar case. Thank you!

Hi there, Recently I've created a beautiful drink logging app, Abvy. You log what you drink and it shows an estimate and a possible range of the alcohol in your system over the evening. It has plenty of disclaimers that the measurements are only estimates and to never use them for driving decisions Since 26 August I've had the same rejection six times: "marketed as a blood alcohol content calculator but does not have associated hardware... apps that rely solely on software... are not appropriate." Meanwhile Beta App Review approved all the builds submitted. I had an App Review appointment today. The rep read the same paragraph back to me and said to appeal, which I've done. It was really frustrating. The published 1.4 doesn't mention blood alcohol at all, and university and public-health apps with the same kind of estimate are on the store today (Stay in the Blue from the University of Michigan, Virtual Bar from the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility). Not to mention dozens of other, apps who do the exact same thing but are approved. Has anyone actually got past this on the App Store side? What changed for you? What can I do to fix this? Really care about Abvy and think it's an amazing app.

I'm hoping someone from Apple engineering can help, as support tickets and callbacks have not resolved this issue. The problem: My app "Brutal Time - Typographic Clock" does not appear in App Store search results at all — not even when searching for its exact name "Brutal Time." This has been ongoing for over six weeks. Additionally, the app does not appear in Apple Search Ads when I try to set up a campaign — suggesting this is a backend indexing issue, not a ranking issue. Timeline: Dec 17, 2025: App launched, initially searchable Dec 31, 2025: Transitioned to freemium model, became invisible in search. Jan 5, 2026: Fixed the issue, submitted update (v2.02), approved same day Jan 14, 2026: Submitted metadata update (v2.03) to improve discoverability, approved same day Feb 8, 2026: Tried removing from sale and re-adding to force re-index — no effect Feb 10, 2026: Still not appearing in any search results What I've tried: Submitted multiple support tickets (most recent: Case #102797235758) Each ticket generates an automated reply stating Apple will respond within 2 business days — they never have Requested and received callbacks multiple times, was told it would be escalated to US engineering team. But no follow-up, no resolution, no explanation Removed from sale and re-added to attempt to force re-indexing — didn't work App shows "Ready for Distribution" in App Store Connect Direct link works fine: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/brutal-time-typographic-clock/id6756289461 Response from Apple Support: "The behavior you observed is expected. App Store charts and search results change regularly and we don't guarantee app placement." This response misses the point entirely. I'm not asking about rankings — I'm asking why the app is completely invisible in search, including for its own branded name. This is not an isolated issue. Other developers have reported the same problem with the same non-response from Apple: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/803937 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/73981 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/74110 Has anyone found a resolution? Is there any way to trigger a proper re-index, or escalate to someone who can actually investigate?

Hello Apple App Review team and fellow developers, I’m looking for some guidance regarding a Guideline 4.3(b) rejection for my app, VIVA Khoja. VIVA Khoja is not intended to be a general-purpose dating app. It was created specifically for the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community, a relatively small and geographically dispersed community worldwide, with the goal of helping members find serious matrimonial connections within their community. We have invested several months of work, significant development time, resources and money into this project. The app was initially rejected under Guideline 4.3 earlier this year, around June. Following that feedback, we did not simply resubmit the same product. We spent months substantially improving and differentiating the application, its onboarding, its features and the overall matrimonial experience. Among other things, VIVA now includes: A limited number of profiles presented per day instead of unlimited swiping A structured Send Interest process instead of a casual swipe-based experience Mandatory identity/profile verification A dedicated focus on serious matrimonial introductions within a defined community Community-specific profile and compatibility information A dedicated matchmaker interface, allowing matchmakers to participate in the matrimonial process The possibility for users to display testimonials/recommendations from relatives or trusted people directly on their profile, adding a family and community dimension that is very different from a conventional dating app One aspect of the latest review was particularly confusing for us. The app remained in Waiting for Review for a relatively long period. When we eventually received the notification indicating that the app was being reviewed, the rejection followed only a few minutes later. Because of how quickly this happened, we checked our own application/server activity to better understand the review process. Based on the information available to us, we could not identify evidence that the reviewer had gone through the application or tested the main features during that review window. I completely understand that Apple reviewers may have internal tools or review methods that are not visible to developers, so I do not want to make assumptions about the process. However, after spending several months significantly modifying the product following the previous 4.3 rejection, receiving another 4.3 decision so quickly was understandably frustrating, because we are unsure whether the new experience and features were actually evaluated. I fully understand and respect Apple’s concern regarding saturated categories under Guideline 4.3(b). I am not looking to repeatedly resubmit the application without addressing the underlying concern. I genuinely want to understand what Apple expects from us. Could someone from App Review please help clarify: What specifically would VIVA need to change for Apple to consider the experience “meaningfully different or improved” under Guideline 4.3(b)? Would features such as community-specific matchmaking, a dedicated matchmaker experience, family/trusted-person testimonials, mandatory verification and limited daily introductions be considered meaningful differentiation? Is there a way to request a more detailed review of the actual application experience and its new functionality? Given that VIVA is designed for a defined global community rather than the general public, would Unlisted App Distribution be a more appropriate model? I have already submitted an appeal and contacted Developer Support. I am completely willing to make further meaningful product changes if necessary. My main objective is to understand the correct path toward compliance and to ensure that the current version of the app and its new features are properly evaluated. Thank you very much for any guidance or assistance.

Guideline 2.3.6 - Performance - Accurate Metadata Issue Description Please note that the app includes tips, tools, predictions or other information related to real money gambling, real money betting, or real money skill-based gaming, you must select "Yes" for "Gambling" in App Store Connect. Apps must be rated accordingly for the highest level of content that the user is able to access in the app. Next Steps Update the Age Rating selections in App Store Connect to select "Yes" for "Gambling." The Age Rating selections can be found on the App Information page after selecting the app in App Store Connect. I have had multiple releases with just having "Social Gaming" Set to Frequent as my app has wagering in it but can NEVER be exchanged for real currency which puts it in the bucket of SOCIAL GAMBLING/WAGERING. This reviewer has no idea how to interpret what Guideline 2.3.6 actually means and this reviewer keeps rejecting my app..... Apple can you please change the reviewer with someone who actually can comprehend what the guidelines means. Because in my privacy and tos I specifically state the words gambling and no in-game exchange or out of game exchange for real currency can occur - not sure why I fail the guideline only this ONE TIME because this reviewer cannot understand what the guideline means. This is holding up my app release for the gazilianth time and costing yourselves and myself money. APP ID : 6767430745

Hi Apple Developer Community, I'm hoping someone from the App Review community or Apple can help me understand what may be happening with our app. Our educational app has now been rejected multiple times under Guideline 5.6 — Developer Code of Conduct. The problem is that we have not received a specific explanation identifying which feature, behavior, or part of the app is considered a violation. We have carefully reviewed the rejection and made sure that there are no features intentionally hidden from App Review. The functionality available to the reviewer is available to normal users as well. We have already: Replied to the App Review rejection asking for the specific reason. Submitted an appeal explaining the situation. Asked Apple to identify the specific feature or behavior that triggered Guideline 5.6. However, we have not received a response to either the appeal or our message in the App Review/Resolution Center yet. About the app: This is an educational application used by students for exam preparation. The upcoming examination period is approaching, and students are currently waiting for access to the application and its preparation materials. This makes the situation particularly time-sensitive for us. We are willing to make any changes required by Apple, but without knowing what behavior triggered 5.6, we don't want to keep making random changes and repeatedly resubmitting the same app. My questions are: What kinds of situations typically result in a 5.6 rejection when Apple does not specify a particular feature? Is there anything specific we should check in our app or review configuration? Is there a way to obtain clarification on the exact 5.6 concern while the appeal is pending? Should we wait for the appeal response before submitting another build? We would really appreciate any guidance. We are not trying to bypass App Review — we simply want to understand the specific issue so we can fix it correctly and provide students access before their exams. Thank you.

Hello, Isochrome: Retro Film Camera (App ID 6800230242) has been live since 7 September 2026. Its direct App Store link works, but on 16 September an exact ‘Isochrome’ search in the Australian iPhone App Store did not return it. App Store Connect shows Ready for Distribution and 175 configured regions. Apple Developer Support is reviewing this under case 102961258239; its latest reply was 22 September. Could an Apple engineer help determine whether this is an App Store search-indexing issue and advise how to escalate it to the team responsible? I can provide screen recordings and storefront/device details privately. Has anyone else seen a live app absent from exact-name search? Direct listing: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/id6800230242

I am developing an application exclusively for devices that support Metal 4. Is it possible to publish this app on the App Store and restrict its availability solely to compatible hardware? The iphone-performance-gaming-tier key is not an option, as we need to maintain support for older devices.

Hello Apple Developer Community, We would really appreciate some help with the status of our developer account appeal. App name: Soul Dating and family Case ID: 20000149096871 We submitted an appeal to the App Review Board more than a month ago and have contacted Developer Support several times since then to check the status. The last update we received was on September 10. Since then, we have not received any new information or decision. We completely understand that these reviews can take time, and we do not want to submit duplicate appeals or interfere with the process. We simply want to make sure that our appeal is still under review and that no additional information or action is required from our side. If someone from the App Review team could please check the status of our case, we would be very grateful. We are ready to provide any additional information if needed. Thank you very much for your time and help.

App identification: Apple ID: 6805509975 Bundle ID: com.veloworkspaces.app SKU: VeloWorkspaces Problem: Our app, Velo Workspaces (Apple ID 6805509975), has been completely absent from App Store search since September 16, 2026, it is not ranked lower, it is zero results for any query, including the exact app name. The app itself is live and reachable via its direct product page URL (https://apps.apple.com/app/velo-workspaces/id6805509975), and its status in App Store Connect is Ready for Distribution, not removed from sale, no binding rejection. This looks isolated to the search index specifically. Steps to reproduce: Search "Velo Workspaces" (exact name) in the App Store app or search endpoint. No results in any region tested (US, China). What I've tried so far: Filed Apple Developer Support ticket #102969419612 on September 20. It's now been 3 business days with no response, so I'm posting here in parallel to hope someone from Apple engineering can help. Others with the same symptom: These threads describe what looks like the identical failure — an otherwise live, approved app becoming completely unsearchable: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/815203 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/803937 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/73981 https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/74110

We are writing about a sudden change in App Store Connect validation for our iOS app. A build with MinimumOSVersion 12.0 uploaded successfully on 8 September 2026. An otherwise equivalent build was rejected on 16 September 2026 with a 409 validation error. We have not found an official announcement that 12.0 is no longer acceptable, and we would like confirmation of the current rule and when it took effect.

Hi , In the app store are my old image that you can see, and not the new ones ? How can i fix that ? This is from the connect If you see online its ok Appstore This is what i get in the app store (old)

I have a problem to solve. Wondering if anyone can help me? My app (auto-mobile Apple ID: 6802762195) uses a standard encryption algorithm, instead of using or accessing the encryption within Apple's operating system. So Apple requires you to fill out and submit App Encryption Documentation on appstoreconnect. Well I did that on Sept 5th 2026 and it is now Sept 21 2026 and Apple says “still in review.” So I contacted Apple Support on Sept 12. Asked why "still in review" on Sept 12. Their first reply is on Sept 15: “Your inquiry will be forwarded to Apple’s Export Compliance Department team for review and response.” A week passes and I hear nothing. So I email support again (Sept 18) and their second reply (Sept 21) is: “We currently do not have the right tools to share you the exact information you are looking for. if the status shows "In-review" for you that means "Your binary is currently being reviewed by Apple. If you want to remove your binary from the App Review queue, click Reject Binary". But if I remove the submitted App Encryption Documentation (“binary”) the app will be rejected. So I am kinda confused by Apple’s answers and advice so far. Anyone else have this issue? How did you resolve it? Why is Apple telling me "they don't have the right tools" to investigate the App Encryption Documentation on their own AppStoreConnect? Any input would be amazing... Because I've tried Apple and get no answer... or an answer that would make my app ineligible. Thanks in advance community!

Hello Apple Developer Team, I've followed the AppStoreConnect API documentation and created the following: I've created a API Key in App store > Integrations > Teams key, gave the role as admin. Created a valid JWT token When fetching the GET v1/apps, I can see the list of apps. Also I was able to make GET v1/users as well successfully. I've the valid bundle Id and capabilities enabled in the developer portal. Facing an issue while creating an app in App Store using AppStoreConnect API using POST call: This is my ruby script: response = api_request( method: :post, path: "/v1/apps", token: token, body: { data: { type: 'apps', attributes: { name: APP_NAME, primaryLocale: LOCALE, sku: "SKU#{Time.now.to_i}", bundleId: BUNDLE_ID, platform: 'IOS' } } } ) It gives me below error: { "errors": [ { "id": "09b465fc-316f-47b4-9bc3-9c340cb966aa", "status": "403", "code": "FORBIDDEN_ERROR", "title": "The given operation is not allowed", "detail": "The resource 'apps' does not allow 'CREATE'. Allowed operations are: GET_COLLECTION, GET_INSTANCE, UPDATE" } ] } Did anyone was able to successfully create the app in App Store via AppStoreConnect API? Could you please help me identify the root cause for the above issue and provide some inputs so that I could work on resolving them and move forward in the deployment process. Appreciate your help in reviewing this. Thank you, Santosh

My app is rejected and I have fixed the issues and resubmitted the app last week. But after 3 days, app status has not changed yet . It should change because I have asked for expedited request and it is accepted. So, what should I do next. Submission ID 61ec5cdd-fe09-4023-8e46-b85988084ef7 App Name- Prime Ferry

Hello everyone, This is my first ever game submission to the App Store, so I’m honestly very excited to finally be at this stage. I’ve spent a lot of time working on the game, and seeing it reach the review process for the first time is a really exciting moment for me. The app has now been in “Waiting for Review” for around 5 days. I completely understand that the review process takes time and that Apple’s review team has many submissions to handle. At the same time, since this is my first game and I’m really looking forward to launching it, I’m starting to get a little concerned about the waiting time. I wanted to kindly ask if there is anything I can do from my side to help move the review forward, or if there is any possibility of requesting an expedited review in this situation. I absolutely understand that the normal review process needs to be followed, and I’m not expecting any special treatment. I would just be very grateful if there is anything I can do, or if someone could let me know whether a faster review might be possible. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, and thank you to everyone who can share their experience or advice. It’s my first game, so I’m both excited and a little nervous about seeing it finally go live. :)

Hello everyone, I've seen quite a few recent threads from developers stuck in long review queues, so greetings to all of you in the same boat. Our iOS app has remained in "Waiting for Review" since its initial submission, with no movement, feedback, or messages in App Store Connect. Timeline: Submitted: Aug 20, 2026 Submission ID: 8ae4090b-e099-4eb1-8868-fc34af838cb2 App ID: 6783428217 Current status: still "Waiting for Review" (9+ days) Steps already taken: Verified all agreements are accepted and there are no pending compliance items or messages on the submission Opened a support case on Aug 27 (Case ID: 20000148931150) — no response yet Filed an expedited review request, as our planned Aug 30 launch date is at risk We haven't received any rejection or request for additional information. Could the App Review team please check whether this submission is stuck in the queue, and advise if any action is needed on our side? Has anyone made it through a similar delay recently? What ended up unblocking it for you? the support case, an expedited request (if you had a planned release date?), or posting here? I'll keep this thread updated with every step we take and every response we get, so others hitting this have a reference.

Hi Apple Developer Community, Our app has been going through App Review since September 13. We have addressed every issue raised by App Review. Importantly, the most recent review issues were primarily metadata-related. The latest screenshot issue was specifically stated by App Review as eligible to be resolved in our next update, but we nevertheless fixed it immediately and submitted on September 18. Our expedited review request was also accepted and confirmed by a Senior Advisor from Apple Developer Support. The app and all associated subscriptions are now back at “Waiting for Review.” Submission ID: 6b3c0adc-e145-4329-91cf-811c92e25a7b Given that the recent issues were metadata-related and have all been addressed, is there anything else preventing the expedited review from proceeding? If an Apple staff member could check or internally escalate the existing review, we would greatly appreciate it. Our team is standing by and can respond immediately to any additional requirements. Thank you.

Hi everyone, I'm planning an iOS app that provides a personalized invitation-card creation service, and I'm trying to determine the correct payment method before starting development. The flow would be: User selects an invitation template. User enters their event/invitation details. The app generates a watermarked preview. User proceeds to checkout. User pays for the creation of the final personalized PDF. After successful payment, our backend places the request into a processing queue. The PDF is generated asynchronously on our server. Once completed, the user receives a notification and can download the final PDF. The purchase does not unlock an app feature, subscription, membership, or ongoing access to digital content. The user is paying for a specific personalized invitation document to be generated based on their selected template and information. Each template can have a different price. My question is: Would this type of personalized document-generation service be required to use Apple's In-App Purchase, or could an external payment processor such as Razorpay be used? I have reviewed the App Store Review Guidelines, particularly the sections concerning In-App Purchase and physical goods/services, but I'm not certain how Apple classifies a personalized digital document-generation service like this. If anyone has implemented a similar business model or can point me to the relevant Apple guideline or an official Apple clarification, I would really appreciate it. I'm asking before development so that the payment architecture can be designed correctly from the beginning. Thanks!

Hello Team, it's been more than 10 days since i submitted by App after they ask for clarification. and it is still not reviewed. initially i submitted app on 28 Aug. can anyone please help me