Guide

How to release an approved app from your iPhone

Your update passed App Review and now shows Pending Developer Release. It won't reach the App Store until you release it. Here is how to do that from your iPhone or iPad, and how to let a timer do it for you.

By AppLabs.lv · Updated

What Pending Developer Release means

Apple approved the version, but you chose to release it yourself (the manual release option in App Store Connect). The version waits in this state until you release it. Apple's help describes it as: your app was accepted, but you still need to release it for distribution on the App Store.

Releasing is a one-way step. Once released, the version goes to Processing for Distribution and then Ready for Distribution, which means it's live. Apple says processing can take up to 24 hours.

Release it with Shipcue

  1. Get the push

    When Apple approves the version, Shipcue sends a push: "Approved: Pending Developer Release. Release it when you're ready." This works for every account you added, without switching. Push needs Shipcue Pro or the free trial.

  2. Open the version and tap Release Now

    Tap the push, or open Shipcue and pick the app. Approved versions sit at the top of the feed. Tap Release Now. The push's Release Now… button opens the same screen; nothing is released from the lock screen itself.

  3. Confirm

    Shipcue first checks the live status at Apple. The confirmation names the app, version, platform and account, and says whether phased release is on. Tap Release Now again.

  4. Face ID

    Confirm with Face ID (or your passcode). Shipcue then asks Apple to release the version and shows the result. If Face ID is cancelled, nothing happens.

Your key needs the right role. Releasing works with App Manager or Admin keys. With a Developer key, Shipcue shows the status but can't release; release in App Store Connect instead. See which role to pick.

Or let a timer release it

You can set what happens after approval: Wait for me, or Release automatically after a delay you choose. Set it as a default for all apps, per app, or for one version.

When the version is approved, you get a push with the release time and buttons to cancel the timer or add an hour. If you do nothing, the release happens when the timer ends.

In Private mode, where your key stays on your devices, auto-release is best effort: when the timer ends, our server nudges your devices and one of them performs the release with its own key. If none can, nothing is released and you are told. A missed timer never releases late.

If phased release is on

With phased release turned on in App Store Connect, releasing starts a 7-day rollout to people with automatic updates. You can pause, resume or release to everyone from Shipcue. See how to manage a phased release.

Other ways to release

Questions

Can I release straight from the notification?

Not from the lock screen. Release Now… in the notification always opens Shipcue first, which checks the live status at Apple and asks for Face ID before anything is released. Cancel and +1 h on the notification can only stop or delay a release.

Can I undo a release?

Not from Shipcue. Once Apple accepts the release request, the version goes live after processing. That is why Shipcue checks the status and asks for Face ID first.

What if the status changed before I tapped Release?

Shipcue checks the live status at Apple right before releasing. If the version is no longer Pending Developer Release, it tells you and releases nothing.

Do I need Shipcue Pro to release?

Yes. Release, withdraw, phased controls, push and auto-release need Shipcue Pro or the 14-day free trial. Without it, Shipcue is read-only.

Release from wherever you are

Shipcue tells you when a version is approved, in every account you add, and lets you release it with Face ID. Free for 14 days.

See how Shipcue works