Toward the tail end of last year, agentic coding (otherwise known as vibe coding) truly took off. With the launch of models like Claude Opus 4.5, it suddenly became possible to ask AI to build something for you, and it’d do it in a nearly fully functional way. That level of accuracy led to people taking a hands off approach to app building, and even enabled people who’ve never coded before to make apps.
Whether or not you like this trend is another discussion. Either way, there’s one thing that holds true: App Store review isn’t cut out for it.
Developers reporting long wait times
Lots of developers have started shipping fully vibe coded apps on the App Store. At the same time, loads of established developers are reporting longer wait times when submitting updates for app review.
For reference, Apple reviews each app submission and app update submitted to the App Store with human reviewers. Traditionally, this wouldn’t be a huge deal – since a handful of human reviewers could handle all of the load. There could only be so many app submissions given the time constraint of actually writing code.
Now, that system isn’t quite working.
Numerous developers, including indie developers and companies like Twitter, are reporting that app review is taking significantly longer, with some people being stuck in review for 3+ days, and some reporting even a week of waiting for review. Traditionally, this process would take less than a day, sometimes a day or two in rare cases.
It’s safe to say: vibe coding has broken app review.
What’s next?
Apple has long prided itself on having a human app review process, with former exec Phil Schiller pushing to not introduce automated review.
But, unless Apple decides to hire substantially more reviewers for these apps that likely make no revenue, I’m not sure there’s a way to ensure fully human review sticks around.
In my mind, there’s two short-term solutions that could be implemented:
- Human review for new app submissions, but app updates can be automated
- Separate app review queue for well established developers, ensuring their updates can be pushed in a timely manner
Right now, Apple does offer a form where developers can request an expedited review, but that isn’t really intended for this use case. It’s more meant for critical bug fixes and major updates that have a timeline – not because you’re impatient waiting a week.
Still, for established developers who release updates often, it’s unfair to have to deal with such a long lead time for app review because of all of these vibe coded developers who are suddenly clogging up the queue.
Maybe this trend will pass someday. At least for now though, it seems that human review may have to go away. At least for some parts of the process.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
- Anker MagSafe/Qi2 Ultra-Slim Battery Pack
- AirPods Pro 3 (2x ANC vs AirPods Pro 2!)
- Anker Nano 45W Fast Charger with Smart Display
- Anker 3-in-1 Prime 25W MagSafe Charging Stand
- Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse for Mac
- Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 USB-C hub
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