The increasing prevalence of agentic coding, also referred to as vibe coding, has led to a surge in app submissions on the App Store. As developers utilize models like Claude Opus 4.5 to create functional applications with minimal coding experience, the strain on Apple's human app review process has become evident. Reports indicate that many developers, including major companies and indie creators, are experiencing prolonged wait times for app reviews, with some delays extending beyond a week.
Previously, app updates would typically receive review feedback within a day or two, but the current influx has disrupted this timeline. Apple’s commitment to a human-only review process, championed by former executive Phil Schiller, is now facing challenges. Developers have suggested potential solutions, such as automating reviews for updates while maintaining human oversight for new submissions, or establishing a separate review queue for established developers to expedite their updates.
Currently, Apple does provide a form for requesting expedited reviews, though its intended use is for critical updates rather than general impatience. The ongoing situation highlights the need for adjustments within Apple’s review framework to accommodate the evolving landscape of app development.