Recently, many developers who submitted their applications to the App Store have been complaining about the same issue: the review process has come to a standstill.
According to developers, the usual review process, which used to take 24 to 48 hours, is now taking several weeks or even longer. The reason for this is the influx of a large number of applications generated by artificial intelligence, which has caused the review queues to become overwhelmed.
What adds to people's anger is the reason given for such rejections. Many suspect that Apple has implemented automated AI review processes, resulting in applications being frequently labeled as having “terrible design” or being considered “duplicate applications” and thus rejected. The reasons provided for these decisions are often vague, and the appeal mechanisms available seem to be practically useless.
It is independent developers who are hit the hardest by these issues. Marek Dendes, a developer of audio software, has publicly stated that the repeated delays in product releases have had a negative impact on his ability to make a living. Large companies have dedicated personnel to handle their interactions with Apple, but small teams can only wait passively for things to happen.
This is a typical side effect of the widespread use of AI in code writing: The cost of developing an app has been reduced to just a few hours, which has led some people to attempt submitting dozens of superficially modified apps in a single day, in hopes of getting lucky. In response, platforms have implemented stricter screening processes—yet it is often those who are genuinely committed to creating high-quality products who end up being affected negatively.
If the product is scheduled to be launched soon, make sure to allow sufficient time for review processes; don’t tie the release date too closely to any marketing campaigns.