Download spike from 'institutional purchase' - source?

App Store Distribution & Marketing General App Store

PGrosvenor OP

Created Nov ’21

Replies 20

Boosts 6

Views 15k

Participants 20

Hi.

Would welcome any comments or info on a spike in app download volumes we've observed!

We are puzzled by an unusual spike in download volumes, driven by institutional purchases with a BUS promo code. Downloads are to desktop, which is also unusual for us.

Having looked into the sales reports etc there is no obvious source / instigator of the downloads, and we aren't seeing an uptick in app usage, registrations etc. Which is making us wonder if the downloads are 'real' or benign. Have read Apple help info and Apple support have given a fairly generic response - neither sheds a huge amount of light.

Has anyone come across similar? Would really appreciate if you could share your experience.

Thanks in advance, Paul

Boost

pvn OP

Oct ’23

HI! We've experienced the same spike by 10k downloads from institutional purchases. Is there new info about where are they coming from or this is just fake data?

PGrosvenor OP

Oct ’23

Just vacuous, generic response from Apple (no offence Apple peeps!), what are we meant to do with this?

"Hi Paul! The BUS promo code in Sales and Trends reports indicates a volume purchase for business transaction through Apple Business Manager. When your app is public, your app will be publicly available on the App Store in the territories you selected and available to anyone for volume purchase through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager."

DDuke OP

Oct ’23

Same issue, both BUS and EDU bulk downloads in round numbers, various countries, not always the same. Would really like to better understand why, how and how to filter.

schoolsdm1@gmail.com OP

Feb ’24

We also just experienced this and are concerned. Wish there was a way to avoid these fake downloads as we don't want to lose our ranking. Please help Apple!

MikeNelson OP

Jul ’24

Same issue here. Seems Apple have not addressed this.