How to request expedited app review from Apple — step-by-step guide

How do I request an expedited app review from Apple (and under what circumstances will they grant it)?

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Written by Laurens Dauchy

You can request an expedited App Store review when there’s a genuine, time‑sensitive reason—like a critical security fix or a launch tied to a specific date. In my experience handling dozens of expedited requests, approvals come fastest when your justification is concrete, verifiable, and focused on user impact.

The short version: Apple grants expedited review for emergencies and immovable deadlines, not convenience. I’ll walk you through the exact steps, what to write, and the signals that increase your chances.

When will Apple actually grant expedited review?

Critical bug fixes: crashes, login failures, purchase blockers, data loss.
Security vulnerabilities: issues that put user data or accounts at risk.
Time‑sensitive events: launches tied to conferences or contractual dates.
Regulatory deadlines: compliance changes you must meet by a date.

Step‑by‑step: how I request expedited review

Open App Store Connect → the app → Request Expedited Review (if eligible).
Pick the reason that matches your situation (be honest and specific).
Write a concise justification with dates, user impact, and evidence.
Attach logs, screenshots, or security notes that support your claim.
Submit and watch for an email—responses often arrive within 24 hours.

Short walkthrough

What should the justification message include?

Use clear, business‑relevant language. Here’s the template I refine with teams:

Subject: Expedited review request for [App Name] due to [critical reason]

Hello App Review Team,

We are requesting expedited review for [App Name] (Apple ID: [ID]) due to [specific reason]. 

• Impact: [who is affected and how] 
• Timeline: [date constraint and why it matters] 
• Evidence: [logs, incident ticket, security report] 

The build [version/build number] contains the fix. Thank you for considering this request.

How fast is “expedited” in practice?

Response time: I usually see replies within 2–24 hours on business days.
Review time: after approval, review often finishes within 4–12 hours.
Release time: App Store propagation can take 1–2 hours post‑approval.

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Settings that matter for GDPR/PDPA/GR71

These details strengthen your case and reduce rejections in regulated markets:

Data rights: mention fixes that restore access/deletion/export features.
Consent: call out corrections to tracking or consent flows.
Security: cite CVEs or security audit findings if relevant.

Resources: Apple Review Guidelines, OWASP MSTG, Google Play Data safety.

FAQs for expedited review

Can I expedite a brand‑new app?

Rare, but possible for hard deadlines or security issues. Apple prioritizes updates that fix live user impact.

How often can I ask?

Use sparingly. Frequent requests without strong reasons reduce credibility.

What if denial happens?

Tighten your justification, add evidence, and resubmit. Meanwhile, optimize your submission to minimize standard review time.

WRITTEN BY LAURENS DAUCHY - FOUNDER OF PTKD — 5 October, 2025