AI-assisted app development is overwhelming Apple’s App Store review queue. Developers now report wait times extending from the usual 24–48 hours to several days, and it’s only getting worse.
What Is Vibe Coding, Exactly?
If you haven’t come across the term before, “vibe coding” (also known as agentic coding) means using AI tools to create software with minimal programming expertise. Instead of writing thousands of lines of code, you simply describe your idea in plain English, and an AI model like Cursor, Claude, or GitHub Copilot does the rest. Imagine telling a smart assistant, “build me an app that tracks my coffee budget” — and it actually happens.
This concept took off in late 2024 and early 2025, thanks to a new wave of AI models that can generate fully functional apps. As a result, many more people are submitting apps to the App Store, many of whom wouldn’t have been able to do so before. While this boosts innovation, it also overwhelms the existing review infrastructure.
The Queue Is Getting Clogged
Apple’s App Store review process has long been a bottleneck. Every app goes through human and automated checks for security, policy adherence, and overall quality. Historically, this review took about one to two days for most developers.
However, developers are now experiencing much longer delays. According to 9to5Mac, the review backlog is closely linked to the rise of vibe coding. More people are creating apps, leading to an influx of submissions, while Apple’s review team hasn’t expanded to handle this increased volume.
For solo developers needing to push out a timely update — like a bug fix after an iOS update breaks their app — waiting five or more days instead of one isn’t just frustrating. It can lead to lost revenue and users.
Why Apple’s Review Process Exists
Apple designed its review system as a quality control measure. The App Store’s “walled garden” model (a closed ecosystem that allows Apple to regulate what software runs on iPhones) aims to protect users from malware, scams, and buggy apps. This approach worked fairly well for years, mainly because creating an app required sufficient technical skills, which naturally limited junk submissions.
Vibe coding changes everything. Now, anyone with a good idea and some time can create a functional app and submit it. This democratization of software development is exciting, but it also means Apple’s review team is now facing a much larger influx of submissions, many of which may be low-quality or violate policies, created by those who don’t fully grasp what they’ve built.
What Developers Are Saying
Frustration is rising quickly within the developer community. On Reddit, one developer stated:
“Submitted an update Thursday morning, still in review Sunday night. This never used to happen. Vibe coders flooding the queue with AI slop is genuinely hurting legit developers.” — u/SwiftDevMelbourne, r/iOSProgramming
On YouTube, a developer commented on a vibe coding tutorial:
“The irony is that the same AI tools making it easier to build apps are making it harder to actually ship them. Apple needs to rethink this whole system.” — @mobilebuildstudio
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical review time (historical) | 24–48 hours |
| Current reported wait times | Several days (varies by developer) |
| Apps on the App Store | ~1.8 million |
| Vibe coding boom started | Late 2024 |
| Key tools driving surge | Cursor, Claude, GitHub Copilot |
Could This Change How the App Store Works?
The bigger question isn’t just about wait times — it’s whether Apple’s current review model can adapt to the AI coding era.
At present, Apple reviews every app update manually, in addition to new submissions. If the number of AI-generated apps doubles or triples in the next year (and there’s every reason to expect it will), the review system could face significant challenges. Apple has a few options: hire more reviewers, rely more on automated screening, create a tiered review system for trusted developers, or raise submission thresholds to slow down the influx.
None of these solutions are straightforward. Automated screening can overlook issues that humans would catch. Trusted-developer tiers might favor larger studios and marginalize indie developers. Meanwhile, raising submission barriers could undermine the very democratization that makes vibe coding appealing.
As 9to5Mac points out, this isn’t just a quick staffing issue — it might indicate a need for a fundamental rethink of app distribution on a platform that’s been around since before AI could write software.
What This Means for Everyday Users
If you use an iPhone, you probably don’t think much about the App Store review process — until it affects you. Here’s what you might notice:
- Slower updates: Long review queues mean critical bug fixes and security patches take longer to reach your device.
- More low-quality apps: If Apple’s review process becomes overwhelmed, more subpar apps could slip through, cluttering search results and exposing users to scams.
- App Store policy changes: Apple might introduce new regulations that affect what types of apps are allowed, potentially limiting user options.
The positive side is real too — vibe coding can lead to more niche, creative apps from individuals who previously couldn’t develop them. The challenge is whether the existing infrastructure can handle this surge.
What To Watch
- Apple’s WWDC 2026 (expected June): This annual developer conference is likely where we’ll see any official responses to review queue concerns. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding review process changes or new developer tools.
- App Store submission data: If third-party developer trackers start releasing submission volume data, it’ll provide a clearer picture of how much vibe coding is fueling this increase.
- Regulatory pressure: The EU’s Digital Markets Act has already pushed Apple to allow third-party app stores in Europe. If the main App Store becomes congested, regulators might use that as leverage to advocate for more open distribution.
- Competitor moves: Google’s Play Store is under similar pressure. How Google deals with the influx of AI-generated apps could set a precedent — or serve as a warning — for Apple.
