Towards the end of last year, agentic coding (also known as vibe coding) really took off. With the launch of models such as Close Job 4.5suddenly it was possible to ask AI to build something for you, and it would do so in an almost completely functional way. That level of precision led people to take a hands-off approach to building apps, and even allowed people who had never coded before to create apps.
Whether you like this trend or not is another discussion. Either way, there is one thing that is certain: the App Store review is not made for that.
Developers report long wait times
Many developers have started shipping Fully vibration encoded apps in the app store. At the same time, many established developers report longer wait times when submitting updates for app review.
For reference, Apple reviews every app submission and app update submitted to the App Store with human reviewers. Traditionally, this wouldn’t be a big problem, as a handful of human reviewers could handle the entire load. There could only be a limited number of app submissions given the time limitation to write the code.
Now, that system is not working at all.
Numerous developers, including independent developers and companies like twitterThey report that the app review is taking much longer with some people getting stuck on the review for more than 3 days and some reporting that they have even been waiting for a week for the 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 disrupted the app review.
What’s next?
Apple has long prided itself on having a human application review processwith former executive Phil Schiller pushing for do not enter automated review.
But unless Apple decides to hire a lot more reviewers for these likely non-revenue-generating apps, I’m not sure there’s a way to ensure that fully human review is maintained.
In my opinion, there are two short-term solutions that could be implemented:
- Human review of new app submissions, but app updates can be automated
- Separate application review queue for well-established developers, ensuring that their updates can be submitted in a timely manner.
Right now, Apple offers a form where developers can request an expedited review, but it’s not really designed for this use case. It’s more intended for critical bug fixes and important updates that have a schedule, not because you’re impatient waiting a week.
Still, for established developers who release updates frequently, it’s unfair to have to deal with such a long wait time for app review because of all these coded developers who are suddenly clogging up the queue.
Maybe this trend will pass one day. However, at least for now, it looks like human review will have to go. At least during some parts of the process.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
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