Developers caution vibe-coded apps may delay Apple approvals

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making app creation simpler but may extend the time needed for App Store entry.

Following the widespread release of agentic coding in 2025, there has been a noticeable rise in applications published on Apple's App Store monthly, according to insights from marketing intelligence firm Sensor Tower.

The count of iOS apps introduced in the United States increased by 54.8% year-over-year in January after reaching 56% in December—the fastest pace in the last four years. It's uncertain what share of these apps utilised vibe coding.

Anyone can engage in vibe coding to develop practical software. It's a tool that enables individuals to create apps and earn a livelihood.

Despite the popularity of vibe-coded apps, not every developer is thrilled about their presence on the App Store.

One developer and a Reddit thread users pointed to longer approval times from Apple.

James Steinberg, a 35-year-old vibe coder and cat sitter in New York City, feels that the app store is "swamped with people like me submitting numerous apps."

He has been waiting roughly six weeks to see his app go live and has experienced waits from two days to a week for updates.

"The slowest part now is the Apple store—not creating the app, not promoting it," Steinberg mentioned. "Yes, it is quite overwhelming."

Apple acknowledges some extended review durations but asserts that 90% of submissions are evaluated within 48 hours.

Over the last 12 weeks, Apple reports processing over 200,000 app submissions weekly, with an average review period of 1.5 days. They also expressed enthusiasm about new developers submitting applications.

Other programmers on the iOS programming subreddit have also voiced concerns about the prolonged approvals.

Some Reddit users worry the review protocols may become stricter to prevent vibe-coded apps and AI-generated content from reaching users.

These developer discontents emerge as people are making a profession out of vibe coding.

Platforms like Lovable are announcing job opportunities seeking professional vibe coders.

Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee predicts that Apple will prefer caution when accepting apps for the App Store.

While a more stringent process might be frustrating for developers, it helps reduce the prevalence of AI-generated mishaps, he stated. A more enduring solution will need to be devised soon.

"This isn't a situation Apple can merely decline its way out of; as AI speeds up app development, the company will need to shift from meticulous gatekeeping to overseeing content on a broad scale," Chatterjee shared with Business Insider.