Jul 17, 2025
Expedited App Store reviews are for urgent situations like critical bugs or time-sensitive events. Apple reviews 90% of submissions within 24 hours, but expedited reviews can speed up the process further - though they’re only approved for emergencies. Misuse of this option can harm future requests.
Key Points:
When to Request:
Critical Bugs: Severe crashes, security vulnerabilities, or issues disrupting functionality.
Event-Related Updates: Releases tied to specific events (e.g., conferences, live performances).
Requirements:
Detailed bug reproduction steps (devices, iOS versions, impact).
Event details (name, date, app’s role).
Supporting evidence like screenshots, logs, or event documentation.
Submission Process:
Use the expedited review form in App Store Connect.
Provide clear, concise explanations and all required documentation.
Track progress in the app’s status history.
To improve approval chances, limit requests to genuine emergencies, ensure compliance with App Store Guidelines, and provide clear evidence of urgency. Avoid frequent non-urgent requests to maintain credibility.
What Are Expedited App Store Reviews
Definition of Expedited Reviews
Expedited App Store reviews are Apple's way of fast-tracking app submissions that require immediate attention due to urgent circumstances. This process is designed to address critical situations where waiting for the standard review timeline would cause significant issues.
This service is specifically intended for developers dealing with emergencies, such as severe bugs or time-sensitive events, ensuring that only cases with a major impact are prioritized. Apple is clear that expedited reviews are not meant to be a shortcut for routine updates or poor planning.
The main difference between a standard review and an expedited one lies in how quickly your app is processed. While a regular update might take up to 24 hours for approval, an expedited review - if approved - can be completed in just a matter of hours. However, Apple doesn’t provide an exact timeframe for these cases.
Knowing how and when to use expedited reviews is crucial. Let’s take a closer look at the situations that qualify for this service.
When to Request an Expedited Review
Apple limits expedited review requests to specific, urgent situations. Here are the two main scenarios where this option may apply:
Critical Bug Fixes:
If your app is affected by a severe issue, such as crashes, the loss of essential features, or security vulnerabilities, you may be eligible for expedited processing. To strengthen your request, include detailed information on how the bug can be reproduced in the current version of your app. For example, in December 2023, a cloud-based reservation app for tours experienced a critical bug that made it unusable for 12 hours during the standard review process. This downtime disrupted bookings and highlighted the importance of expedited reviews for such emergencies.
Event-Related Releases:
If your app’s release is tied to a specific event, such as a launch or live event, you can request an expedited review. Your submission should clearly outline the event details, including its name, date, and how your app is directly connected to it. Keep in mind, though, that Apple won’t expedite reviews for marketing deadlines, minor fixes, or routine updates.
Requirements for Expedited Review Approval
Once you understand when expedited reviews might be necessary, it’s important to know what Apple requires for approval. Apple reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis, granting approval only when specific urgent criteria are met.
Critical Bug Fixes
If you're requesting an expedited review to address a bug, Apple needs detailed, easy-to-follow reproduction steps. This documentation should clearly show the issue in your app’s current version, including:
Step-by-step instructions to reproduce the bug
The devices or iOS versions affected
The specific error or crash that occurs
The bug must have a significant impact on your app’s functionality or user experience. Minor issues, such as small UI glitches or performance tweaks, won’t qualify. Apple prioritizes problems that make your app unusable, cause crashes, or introduce security risks.
The scope of the bug’s impact is also critical. For example, a crash affecting all users carries much more weight than a problem impacting only a small group. Be sure to include details about how many users are affected and the severity of their experience.
Event-Related Releases
For event-related expedited reviews, Apple requires you to provide three specific details: the event name, exact date, and your app’s connection to the event. General marketing launches or arbitrary deadlines don’t meet the criteria.
Your app must serve a clear purpose tied to the event’s timing. Examples include apps designed for conferences, live performances, sports events, or product launches where the app provides essential functionality during the event. The link between your app and the event should be well-documented and verifiable.
To strengthen your request, include official event details like:
The event’s name and exact schedule
Documentation showing your app’s role (e.g., press releases, event websites, or official communications)
Timing is also key. Submitting your request just days before an event may reflect poor planning rather than genuine urgency. Apple is more likely to approve cases involving unforeseen changes or last-minute circumstances beyond your control.
Other Approved Circumstances
Apple may also grant expedited reviews for urgent legal compliance issues or critical security vulnerabilities. These situations require immediate attention to protect users or meet regulatory requirements.
For legal compliance, you’ll need to show documentation of new regulations or court orders that affect your app, along with the deadline for compliance. Security-related requests must include technical details about the vulnerability, the potential risks to users, and your proposed fix.
Apple evaluates these requests individually, taking into account factors like:
The frequency of your previous expedited review requests
Your development history
The legitimacy of your circumstances
Repeated requests for non-urgent issues can hurt your chances of approval in the future.
Certain app types may have additional documentation requirements. For example:
Medical apps: Regulatory clearance documentation
Apps with third-party content: Proper authorization
Gaming and gambling apps: Licensing documentation
Kids’ apps with ads: Proof of age-appropriate ad review processes
Your overall track record with Apple also plays a role. Developers who consistently follow App Store guidelines and submit high-quality apps are more likely to receive favorable consideration. Meeting these requirements not only aligns with Apple’s policies but also helps ensure a smoother and more reliable app update process.
How to Submit an Expedited Review Request
If your app meets the criteria for an expedited review, the submission process is simple. Apple provides a specific form for these requests, and following the proper steps ensures your request gets to the right team without unnecessary delays.
Logging Into App Store Connect
Start by logging into your Apple Developer account. From there, you can access the expedited review request form directly at this link, or find it through the 'Contact Us' option in App Store Connect. Once you're in, complete the form carefully to ensure all necessary details are included.
Completing the Request Form
When filling out the form, include your app's details, a concise explanation of the issue or event, and any supporting documents. The explanation section is especially important - Apple evaluates these requests based on how clear and valid your reasoning is. Keep your explanation short and focused, emphasizing the urgency of your situation.
For bug fixes, provide detailed reproduction steps so Apple can clearly understand the issue and its impact. For example:
"This update resolves a critical crash affecting users on iOS 17.4. We are requesting expedited review to reduce negative user impact."
If your request is tied to an event, be sure to include the event name, exact date, and how your app is connected to it. This should align with any documentation you provide.
Attach relevant materials like screenshots, crash logs, or event documentation to strengthen your case. Well-organized and clear supporting documents can make a big difference in how your request is assessed.
Tracking Your Review Status
After submitting your request, you can track its progress in My Apps or through the App Store Connect app. Enable notifications to stay updated as your app moves through statuses like 'In Review' or 'Accepted'.
The app status history feature provides a detailed timeline of your submission. It shows status updates, timestamps, and the person responsible for any changes. This tool is particularly useful for expedited reviews, which often progress faster than standard submissions.
While expedited reviews are generally prioritized, Apple doesn’t promise specific timeframes. The actual review speed depends on factors like your app's complexity, the nature of your request, and the current review queue.
If your request is approved, your app will move through the review process more quickly. If it’s denied, Apple will provide feedback explaining why, and your app will return to the standard review queue.
Tips for Getting Your Request Approved
When submitting an expedited review request to Apple, following the guidelines is just the beginning. To improve your chances, it's essential to approach the process with professionalism and provide clear evidence of urgency. Apple evaluates these requests on a limited basis and does not guarantee approval, so it's crucial to make your case as strong as possible.
Limit Your Requests
Reserve expedited review requests for genuine emergencies. Overusing this option for non-urgent matters can damage your credibility and reduce the likelihood of approval in the future. Apple prioritizes expedited reviews for situations like critical bugs that severely affect user experience, time-sensitive event-related updates, or other urgent scenarios.
For example, if your app has a minor bug that doesn't disrupt functionality or a feature update that aligns with a marketing campaign, stick with the standard review process. Save expedited requests for issues that truly meet Apple’s criteria. This approach not only demonstrates professionalism but also shows respect for the process.
Meet All App Store Guidelines
Before submitting an expedited review request, ensure your app fully complies with all App Store Guidelines. Non-compliance is one of the quickest ways to have your request rejected, and this is especially critical for expedited reviews where you're asking Apple to prioritize your app.
Thoroughly test your app to eliminate significant bugs or incomplete features. Pay close attention to details like metadata, screenshots, and the user interface. Submitting an app with inaccurate metadata, misleading screenshots, or a poor user experience can lead to rejection. Since expedited reviews are processed more quickly, any issues with compliance will be flagged immediately.
Double-check that all app metadata in App Store Connect is complete and accurate. Adhering to these guidelines not only increases your chances of approval but also reinforces the legitimacy of your request.
Provide Clear Supporting Evidence
To justify your expedited review request, you need to provide clear and compelling evidence of urgency. Apple must understand why your situation deserves priority treatment, so clarity and precision are key.
For critical bug fixes, include detailed steps to reproduce the issue in the current app version. This helps Apple’s reviewers see the problem firsthand. If your app is tied to a specific event, include event details to explain the time-sensitive nature of your request.
Certain app categories, like medical apps, may require additional documentation, such as regulatory approvals. Be thorough in your App Review notes - explain non-obvious features, in-app purchases, and any unique functionality to help reviewers quickly understand your app.
Additionally, provide full app access, such as a demo account, to streamline the review process. Missing credentials can delay your request significantly. Remember, Apple considers expedited reviews for critical bug fixes or event-related releases, but only when you back up your request with clear, factual evidence that highlights the urgency of your situation.
How Appeneure Can Help
Navigating expedited reviews can be tricky, especially when you're dealing with critical bugs or tight launch deadlines. With experience serving over 100 clients across industries like health tech and AI-powered apps, Appeneure knows the ins and outs of App Store submissions. Here's how they simplify the process with expert guidance and smart development practices.
Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
Appeneure's team has a deep understanding of what it takes to prepare apps for App Store submission, ensuring your expedited review request aligns with Apple’s strict criteria right from the start. Considering that 96% of global SMEs risk up to $2.49 million in losses due to poor app quality, having professionals on your side is crucial.
Their experts help craft detailed documentation that clearly explains the urgency of your request - whether it's a critical bug disrupting user experience or an update tied to a specific event. They make sure your submission includes full demo access and that all backend services are active during the review process. They also verify that your app functions as promised, includes accurate screenshots, and delivers high-quality content.
Preventing the Need for Expedited Reviews
Beyond guiding you through submissions, Appeneure's development approach focuses on reducing the need for urgent reviews altogether. Avoiding last-minute emergencies is just as important as handling them effectively. Their agile development practices and rigorous testing help prevent issues that might require expedited attention.
The team tests apps on devices running the latest software, uses TestFlight for beta testing to gather real user feedback, and ensures all app metadata and information are complete before submission. This proactive approach matters - 88% of users will abandon an app if they encounter bugs or technical issues during use. By addressing these problems early, Appeneure helps you keep users satisfied and avoid unnecessary stress.
With their comprehensive development and launch strategies, Appeneure helps you create apps that not only meet Apple’s standards but also delight users, setting the stage for long-term success in the App Store.
Conclusion
Requesting an expedited review from Apple means strictly following their criteria. To qualify, your request must fit into specific approved categories, like fixing critical bugs that cause crashes or addressing time-sensitive events with clear deadlines. Routine updates simply won’t make the cut.
Approval hinges on meeting Apple's detailed requirements. Your documentation must be thorough, well-organized, and include precise details that clearly highlight the urgency of your request.
Interestingly, statistics reveal that many review issues arise from incomplete app content, emphasizing the importance of full guideline compliance before submitting your app. This becomes even more critical for expedited reviews, where any compliance gaps are flagged immediately.
For developers navigating this process, professional guidance can make a world of difference. Appeneure, with its extensive experience across various app categories and a history of assisting over 100 clients, understands the technical and strategic nuances of expedited reviews. Their expertise helps ensure your submission aligns with Apple’s standards, minimizing the risk of rejections that could delay your app’s launch. This level of preparation not only meets Apple’s expectations but also protects your app’s reputation.
FAQs
What situations qualify for an expedited App Store review, and how can I make sure my request is treated as urgent?
Expedited App Store reviews are reserved for urgent situations like resolving major bugs, addressing security issues, or aligning your app release with a critical event, such as a product launch or a marketing campaign. To improve your chances of approval, make sure to clearly explain the urgency of your request and why the situation demands immediate attention.
When submitting your request, include specific details. For example, describe how the bug impacts users or why the timing of the event is crucial. The more precise and straightforward your explanation, the better the chances that Apple will prioritize your review.
How can developers reduce the need for expedited App Store reviews by improving their update planning?
To avoid the hassle of expedited App Store reviews, developers can take a proactive approach to planning updates. One key strategy is to tackle issues early by keeping a close eye on user feedback and app analytics. This makes it easier to spot and resolve potential problems before they grow into bigger challenges. Setting a regular update schedule, such as every quarter or every two months, can also help maintain a steady flow of improvements without the stress of last-minute fixes.
Another essential step is adhering to App Store guidelines and focusing on updates that genuinely enhance the user experience. This reduces the chances of delays caused by rejections or additional review processes. By staying organized and prioritizing high-quality updates, developers can significantly lower the need for expedited reviews.
What happens if I repeatedly submit non-urgent expedited review requests to Apple?
If you frequently submit non-urgent expedited review requests, it can backfire in a big way. Apple might start rejecting your future requests, slow down the review process for your app, or even label your submissions as misuse. Any of these outcomes could delay your app's approval and strain your relationship with Apple.
To steer clear of these problems, reserve expedited review requests for situations that truly warrant them. Make sure your reason aligns with Apple's eligibility guidelines before submitting.
