Apple Keeps the App Store Open This Holiday Season
No pause in submissions means developers can keep rolling out fresh apps and updates all holiday long.
Usually, the Cupertino giant kicks off a quick break during the festive period, shutting the App Store submission platform for a few days. But this year, the Apple team decided to keep the gates ajar.
What this means for devs
- Everything stays in motion – no downtime.
- New releases, splashy updates, bug fixes: you can send them anytime.
- Timing clocks in on November 24‑28 and December 23‑27 are still busy, so approvals might take a tad longer than usual.
Quick FAQ
Q: Will Apple still delay approvals during the holidays?
A: Yes – the review queue will be a little crowded during the holiday rush.
Q: Could I miss a release because of the break?
A: Not anymore—thanks to the new “no‑break” rule, you’re free to launch your latest masterpiece at any time.
Bottom line
Apple’s tweak is a win for developers: no more holiday hold‑ups. Just remember that the review clock can still be sluggish at peak times, so plan your launch strategy accordingly.
Apple Keeps the Holiday App Submissions Rolling
Apple rolled out a friendly heads‑up to devs: they’re happy to keep accepting App Store Connect submissions even as the holiday season hits full steam.
Make Sure Your App Is Christmas‑Ready
It’s a do‑it‑now kind of vibe because the sheer volume of apps and updates during this time can slow things down. Apple recommends sending in any time‑sensitive build as early as possible.
Why the Delay?
- Peak traffic around Christmas and Thanksgiving leaves the review queue longer.
- New submissions have to beat the holiday rush to avoid extended wait times.
What to Do
Don’t let your app get stuck in the “Hang‑in‑there” phase — set it up, double‑check the metadata, and submit.
Apple’s tone is all cordial: “We’re pleased to keep the flow of reviews coming”, so your app can still shine in the busy season.
