How to Minimize App Store Approval Time

Question

What are some things and techniques I can do to minimize the time it takes for my apps/updates to be approved for the App Store? Do smaller updates generally take less time, and

Answer 1

App approval times will vary depending more on what else is going on, and can otherwise vary for no obviously predictable reason. I've seen a small update to a simple app take longer to approve than a new large app with lots of features.

Maximum app review times seem to be around the days that lots of other developers are submitting apps, near some major holidays, shopping seasons, or when Apple has just released some OS update, app service or new device. Shorter wait times can sometimes be had by avoiding these longer review time periods. There are services that track the number of new apps introduced per week. Look for the nulls.

Staying well away from any hint of violating any of Apple's App store rules or guidelines, or anything else that can be seen as controversial, also helps not getting hit by a long (additional time required) review time. Other factors seem to make less difference.