How App Store phased release works

What a phased release is

A phased release sends a version update to people with automatic updates in stages, over seven days. The people who get it are a random sample, and nobody is told they are in it.

It is for updates, on iOS, macOS and tvOS. Anyone can still download the update by hand from the App Store at any time.

The schedule

Turn it on

You need to be the Account Holder, or have the Admin or App Manager role.

1. In App Store Connect, open Apps and select your app.
2. In the sidebar, click the version you are about to submit.
3. Scroll to Phased Release for Automatic Updates.
4. Select Release update over a 7-day period using phased release.
5. Click Save.

After approval the version shows as Ready for Distribution, with Phased Release next to the status.

Pause and resume

Open the Ready for Distribution version, go to the same section and select Pause Phased Release. To carry on, select Use Phased Release and save.

You can pause for a total of 30 days, as many times as you like. Apple's example: pause for 10 days, resume, and 20 days of pausing are left. A resumed release picks up on the day it stopped.

Release to everyone early

Once the version is Ready for Distribution, Release to All Users at the top right ends the phases. Everyone with automatic updates then gets the version.

What ends it for good

Removing the app from sale stops the phased release, and it cannot be used again for that version. Apple counts a lapsed Apple Developer Program membership as removal. When the app is back, the version goes to all users at once.

When the version goes out

When the version goes out is a separate choice. Apple offers three: release it yourself, release it automatically after approval, or release it automatically no earlier than a date and time you set.

If you release it yourself, Apple says it may take up to 24 hours to appear on the App Store.

Keeping track of it

A phased release takes a week, and longer when you pause it. Docket shows your releases on one calendar, and every version carries the same pre-ship checklist.

Use the release checklist

See Docket

Facts follow Apple's help pages, read on 11 November 2026: Release a version update in phases and Select an App Store version release option.