App Store Connect: Understanding Application Statuses

Managing your app in App Store Connect involves navigating through various application statuses. This guide provides a comprehensive explanation of each status to help you understand what they mean and how to handle them effectively.

App Store Connect Statuses

Accepted

The app has been reviewed and accepted by the App Store.
It is now available for users to download and use.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata, pricing, and availability.
Limitations: Cannot update the binary without submitting a new version for review.

Developer Removed from Sale

The app has been voluntarily removed from the App Store by the developer.
It is no longer available for users to download or purchase.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata, pricing, and availability.
Limitations: Cannot update the binary without submitting a new version for review.

Developer Rejected

The app submission was rejected by the developer due to internal issues or decisions.

Actions Allowed: Modify all app aspects, including metadata, binary, pricing, and availability.
Requirements: Address any issues and resubmit the app for review.

In Review

The app is being evaluated by the App Store review team.

Actions Allowed: None.
Limitations: Changes require removal from the review queue, followed by resubmission.

Invalid Binary

The binary submitted is invalid or corrupted.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata, binary, pricing, and availability.
Requirements: Fix binary issues and resubmit for review.

Metadata Rejected

The app’s metadata (e.g., title, subtitle, description, screenshots) did not meet the App Store guidelines.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata.
Limitations: Cannot modify the binary, pricing, or availability.
Requirements: Correct metadata issues and resubmit for review.

Pending Apple Release

The app has been approved but is awaiting release by Apple, possibly due to a scheduled launch date.

Actions Allowed: None.
Limitations: No modifications are allowed during this phase.

Pending Contract

The app is awaiting the completion of a contract or legal agreement with Apple.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata.
Limitations: Cannot modify binary, pricing, or availability until the contract is finalized.

Pending Developer Release

The app has been approved but is waiting for the developer to release it manually.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata, pricing, and availability.
Limitations: Cannot modify the binary without submitting a new version for review.

Prepare for Submission

The app is being prepared for submission in App Store Connect but has not yet been sent for review.

Actions Allowed: Modify all aspects of the app, including metadata, pricing, availability, and binary.

Pre-order Ready for Sale

The app is available for pre-order and will be released on a specified date.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata, pricing, and availability.
Limitations: Cannot modify the binary without submitting a new version for review.

Processing for App Store

The app is undergoing final processing before becoming available on the App Store, including tasks such as encryption and code signing.

Actions Allowed: None.
Limitations: No modifications are allowed during this phase.

Ready for Review

The app is complete and ready to be submitted for review by the App Store team.

Actions Allowed: Modify all aspects of the app, including metadata, pricing, availability, and binary.
Requirements: Submit the app for review.

Ready For Sale

The app is live on the App Store and available for users to download or purchase.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata, pricing, and availability.
Limitations: Cannot modify the binary without submitting a new version for review.

Rejected

The app failed the review process due to issues such as policy violations or bugs.

Actions Allowed: Modify all aspects of the app, including metadata, pricing, availability, and binary.
Requirements: Address the issues and resubmit for review.

Removed from Sale

The app is no longer available on the App Store, either due to developer or Apple’s decision.
It’s no longer available for users to download or purchase.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata, pricing, and availability.
Limitations: Cannot modify the binary without submitting a new version for review.

Waiting for Export Compliance

The app is awaiting approval for export compliance to meet international trade regulations.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata.
Limitations: Cannot modify the binary, pricing, or availability until compliance is approved.

Waiting for Review

The app has been submitted and is in the queue for review by the App Store review team.

Actions Allowed: None.
Limitations: Changes require removing the app from the review queue.

Replaced With New Version

The app has been superseded by a newer version.

Actions Allowed: Modify metadata, pricing, and availability.
Limitations: Cannot modify the binary of the replaced version.

Not Applicable

This status is used when the app is in a state that doesn’t fit any other predefined category.

Actions Allowed: Varies based on the specific circumstances.

Transitions

Possible transitions between the App Store application statuses:

Prepare for Submission → Ready for Review: After completing the app’s metadata, binary, pricing, and availability, submit the app for review.

Ready for Review → In Review: The app is picked up by the App Store review team and is under evaluation.

In Review → Accepted: The app has been reviewed and accepted by the App Store review team and is now available to users.

In Review → Rejected: The app has been reviewed and rejected by the App Store review team due to issues such as policy violations, bugs, or other problems. The developer needs to address the issues and resubmit.

In Review → Metadata Rejected: The app’s metadata has been rejected by the App Store review team. The developer needs to address the issues and resubmit the app for review.

In Review → Invalid Binary: The binary file submitted with the app is invalid or corrupted. The developer needs to fix the issue and resubmit the app for review.

In Review → Pending Developer Release: The app has been approved by the App Store review team but is waiting for the developer to release it manually.

In Review → Pending Apple Release: The app has been approved by the App Store review team but is waiting for Apple to release it, possibly due to a scheduled release date or other factors.

In Review → Waiting for Export Compliance: The app is awaiting approval for export compliance, ensuring it complies with international trade regulations.

Rejected, Metadata Rejected, or Invalid Binary → Ready for Review: After addressing the issues that led to rejection, the developer resubmits the app for review.

Accepted → Ready for Sale.

Accepted → Developer Removed from Sale: The developer removes the app from the App Store, making it no longer available for users to download or purchase.

Accepted → Removed from Sale: The app is removed from the App Store, either by Apple or the developer, and is no longer available for users to download or purchase.

Accepted → Pending Contract: The app is awaiting the completion of a contract between the developer and Apple, such as a paid app agreement or other legal documents.

Accepted → Pre-order Ready for Sale: The app is available for pre-order and will be released for sale on a specified date.

Preorder Ready for Sale → Ready for Sale: Upon reaching the pre-order release date.

Helpful information

Understanding and managing your app’s status in the App Store is crucial for a successful app launch and maintenance. Keep track of the status changes and respond promptly to any issues or feedback to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your app’s users.

A few more points to consider about App Store application statuses:

Importance of App Store Guidelines

Always review and adhere to the App Store Guidelines before submitting your app. This can help reduce the chances of your app being rejected during the review process.

App Review Times

The duration of the review process may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the app, the volume of apps in the review queue, and other factors. However, most apps are reviewed within 24 to 48 hours.

Expedited Reviews

In certain circumstances, such as when a critical bug fix is required, you may request an expedited review. Apple may prioritize your app’s review based on the urgency of the situation, but there is no guarantee.

Resolving Issues

If your app is rejected or its metadata is rejected, carefully read the feedback provided by the App Store review team. Address the issues mentioned in their feedback, and make sure to double-check the App Store Guidelines before resubmitting the app for review.

Communication with the Review Team

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the review process or feedback, you can communicate with the App Store review team through the Resolution Center in App Store Connect or request call.

Version Updates

When submitting updates to your app, you will need to go through the review process again. Make sure to thoroughly test your app for any issues before submitting updates to ensure a smooth review process.

Phased Releases

When releasing an app update, you can choose to roll it out using a phased release. This allows you to release the update gradually over a 7-day period, letting you monitor the update’s impact and pause or resume the rollout as needed.

Transfer of App Ownership

If you need to transfer the ownership of an app to another developer, you can use the App Transfer feature in App Store Connect. The app’s status and review history will be transferred to the new developer.