Apple App Store Expedited Review

Last year I created an app for the famous Crawford County Fair which takes place in Meadville, PA. This is the largest agricultural fair in Pennsylvania! :) My wife's family lives here and have therefore been able to attend quite a few times and love it!

It has also been featured in the local newspaper (Meadville Tribune).

This year I didn't have much free time so when it was time to update the app (new program, events, regulations etc) I realized time was very short. It starts in a week and it's still waiting for review. From experience I know this could take anywhere form 1 day to 1 month so just to be sure I decided to request an App Store expedited review on iTunes Connect.

The App Store expedited review process is very simple and painless; hopefully it'll also be as smooth to execute. Although this is one of those things that Apple likes to keep a little hidden, I read around (don't remember where) that every developer has certain number of App Store expedited review he can request within a time period.

The updated app was uploaded to iTunes Connect on August 5th at 14:40. Just now, Aug 11th at 15:00, I made the App Store expedited review. Let's see what happens (fair starts on the 18th)!

Update (15:49):

I just received an email with the following:

Thank you for submitting your request for an App Store expedited review.
We are working hard to process submissions as quickly as we can and expect to complete the evaluation of your request within 1 to 2 business days. If your request is granted, you will be notified and your app will be submitted for an App Store expedited review.
App Review Team

...we'll see what's next.

Update 2 (2 days after): I just received another email form Apple with the following:

Hello Giacomo Balli,
Thank you for contacting us regarding your app, Crawford County Fair - The Full Guide.
While we do our best to honor all requests for App Store expedited review, we unfortunately cannot accommodate your request at this time as it does not meet the criteria for expediting a review.
Helping you get your app or update onto the App Store is very important to us, and we are working hard to process all submissions as quickly as possible. We thank you for your understanding and your continued patience.
Best Regards, App Review Team

I asked them to share their criteria.

Update 3 (3 days later): the app is now in review.... app approved.