Navigate the App Store landscape. Share strategies for app submission, distribution, marketing, and user acquisition. Discuss best practices for getting your app discovered and downloaded.

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AppStore Preview stuck in "Processing"
I submitted a new App yesterday and included a video preview file for several size devices (6.7, and a copy of 6.7 for 6.5, 5.5 and 12.9). The iPhone files each took 5-10 minutes of processing (where the file icon shows a cloud image) but each eventually worked. The iPad file uploaded fine, but now 18 hours later is still showing a cloud icon. All these uploaded files are about the same size at about 40M. The AppStore will not allow me to submit the App for review due to: Preview File Still Processing! What is my recourse?
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2.9k
May ’23
Game Center leaderboard privacy
I have implemented a standard GKLeaderboard in my app. The leaderboard includes the player's avatar, display name, and the score. I only use functionality provided by GameKit without any custom server functionality. I don't even have an own server. Still, my app got rejected with the following notice: We noticed that your app does not obtain the user's consent prior to uploading users' scores to a global leaderboard. To collect personal data with your app, you must make it clear to the user that their personal data will be uploaded to your server. What should I do here? Do I really have to obtain user's consent before uploading his score to Game Center?
4
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1.1k
May ’23
Sandbox Testers page is stuck with the error message
Hi, My App Store Connect's Sandbox Testers' page gave me the error message "Something went wrong. Try again later" yesterday. It hasn't been resolved yet. I got the same error when adding a new sandbox tester. This issue came suddenly, and I know the other person who has experienced the same issue. I need help or suggestion on what action I can take to get past this issue. Thank you!
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2.2k
May ’23
App Store Connect now showing "Prepare for submission" Apps
Hi All tech gurus, This morning I got an error while uploading a new app on App Store that the app name is already taken and after that chaos started. Now any app that I try to upload I am getting an error. When I tried to create an app manually on App Store, it created but it does not show in my apps on App Store Connect . It creates the identifier and does not show me the app on app store connect. Also gives an error on xcode upload that SKU is already taken. Any help would be greatly appreciated as this is major blocker for me.
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1.1k
Jun ’23
Xcode beta 15.0 beta 2 cannot connect to iPhone SE running iOS 17.0 beta
macOS Version 13.4.1 (Build 22F82) Xcode 15.0 (22181.22) (Build 15A5161b) iPhone SE running iOS 17.0 beta I have a test device (iPhone SE) with iOS 17 beta installed. I am using a cable to connect it to my MacBook. Within Xcode beta, I am using the "Devices and Simulators" dialog. Attempting to "connect" the device fails repeatedly with the following message: The developer disk image could not be mounted on this device. Domain: com.apple.dt.CoreDeviceError Code: 12040 Failure Reason: Error mounting image: 0xe8000106 (kAMDMobileImageMounterCredentialsFailed: AppleConnect authentication failed or was cancelled.) User Info: { DDIPath = "/Users/***/Library/Developer/DeveloperDiskImages/iOS_DDI.dmg"; DVTErrorCreationDateKey = "2023-06-23 17:08:18 +0000"; "com.apple.dt.DVTCoreDevice.operationName" = enablePersonalizedDDI; } -- Error mounting image: 0xe8000106 (kAMDMobileImageMounterCredentialsFailed: AppleConnect authentication failed or was cancelled.) Domain: com.apple.mobiledevice Code: -402652922 User Info: { FunctionName = AMDeviceRemoteMountPersonalizedBundle; LineNumber = 2108; } -- AMAuthInstallRequestSendSync failed: 22 (kAMAuthInstallErrorAppleConnectAuthFailed) Domain: com.apple.mobiledevice Code: -402652922 User Info: { FunctionName = "-[PersonalizedImage mountImage:]"; LineNumber = 2005; } -- I also see the following error from the phone's console: Sending response: { DetailedError = "Error Domain=com.apple.MobileStorage.ErrorDomain Code=-2 \"Failed to copy personalization manifest.\" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=Failed to copy personalization manifest., NSUnderlyingError=0x7a6a07b80 {Error Domain=com.apple.MobileStorage.ErrorDomain Code=-2 \"Failed to retrieve personalization manifest: Error Domain=com.apple.MobileStorage.ErrorDomain Code=-2 \"Failed to find a cached manifest (im4m) for variant DeveloperDiskImage (personalization required).\" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=Failed to find a cached manifest (im4m) for variant DeveloperDiskImage (personalization required)., NSUnderlyingError=0x90ab04240 {Error Domain=com.apple.MobileStorage.ErrorDomain Code=-2 \"/private/var/run/mobile_image_mounter/DeveloperDiskImage/B5A2B06AE07F3A280BC168DCAFE0D3BADD8CFCAA017BE5C735299D5398807133F23C61593439B0B93C4B772168E8F711.im4m does not exist.\" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=/private/var/run/mobile_image_mounter/DeveloperDiskImage/B5A2B06AE07F3A280BC168DCAFE0D3 I have tried the usual things: Restarting Xcode. Restarting the iPhone. Logging in/out from iCloud on the iPhone. Logging in/out of Apple Developer within Xcode. Restarting my MacBook. Burning sage and making an incantation.
9
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5.1k
Jun ’23
If user downloads a custom app to their own device using redemption code, is there a way to force remove it from the App Store purchased list?
We plan to get some redemption codes from ABM to our partners to download custom apps, and they will use their own devices. But there is a problem, if they are not involved in this business anymore. If user downloads a custom app to their own device using redemption code, is there a way to force remove it from the App Store purchased list? Is there a way to force remove it from the App Store purchased list? Or can only add permission verification to the application?
1
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900
Jul ’23
Removing MacOS App from sale without Impacting Associated iOS App
Hi, We aim at delisting our MacOS app from the Mac App Store, so that it is no longer available for new users, while maintaining uninterrupted access for our existing MacOS user base. However, this MacOS app is associated to an iOS app in the same app group. Our current challenge lies in the process of removing the older MacOS app from sale without affecting the availability of the associated iOS app. We have explored the "remove from sale" option in App Store Connect, but it appears to be common to both MacOS and iOS, preventing us from delisting the MacOS app separately. We'd like to understand if there is a way to remove the MacOS app from sale without impacting the associated iOS app. If there are any alternative solutions or best practices that can help us achieve this, we would greatly appreciate your advice. Any advice or suggestions you can provide would be highly appreciated !
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900
Jul ’23
App Store Connect: Creating certificates for Pass type id's
The docs here: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/appstoreconnectapi/certificatetype Imply that you can create a certificate with a certificateType of PASS_TYPE_ID_WITH_NFC or PASS_TYPE_ID. However, when using the API, I get a 404 or a 403 status code when attempting to use them. Additionally, there is no documented way to associate the certificate to a particular bundle id for the pass type. Has anyone been able to successfully create a certificate for passes? If so what request did you send?
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802
Jul ’23
Issue uploading release builds using ITMS Transporter: ITMS-90529 Invalid package
I'm dealing with a problem uploading our release binaries that is completely perplexing. If I use the ITMS Transporter desktop app to upload my IPA, everything works fine. If I use the ITMS Transporter command line interface (which i'm calling from inside the desktop app's directory /Applications/Transporter.app/Contents/itms/bin/iTMSTransporter -m upload...) to upload my IPA, I get the following error ERROR ITMS-90529: Invalid package. Applications built with sdk 9.0 or later must be packaged as proper IPA files. No idea why this error is coming up. I can also use altool to upload my binaries successfully. The issue is altool is being deprecated and I need to be able to use the ITMS command line interface as part of some deployment scripts we have. Please help!
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1k
Jul ’23
"Purchase of this item is currently not unavailable. Item is being modified" error when downloading a free app still in pre-order
The error message "Purchase of this item is not currently available. The item is being modified." keeps appearing for journalists in different countries trying to get early copies of the latest build of my app using promo codes. This error has only started appearing when redeeming promo codes recently. Just days ago, users had no problem redeeming codes for the same build. No changes have been made to the app since then. The app is also free globally with an in-app-purchase option to remove ads. The promo codes to remove ads have been working fine with no error messages, but redeeming the latest build displayed the error message though it has worked days before. Generating new promo codes for the same build did not work either. This is the message that I got from a reviewer from one journalist: "I've sent the code over to one of our reviewers, and he says that when he tried to redeem the code to download your app, an error message popped up saying "purchase not currently available, item is being modified". He's still getting the same error message even after restarting his iPhone. He even tried a different device and checked for updates on both devices to no avail. Can you help?" It's an urgent matter not only because the press can't review the game, but also I worry it would affect the launch of the app in a few days. What if this error means users can't download the app on launch?
1
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988
Sep ’23
iOS 17 apps still require 5.5" iPhones screenshots?
I find odd that the App Store Connect still requires 5.5" iPhone screenshots of the iPhone 8 Plus, given that this specific phone is no longer supported by the latest release: iOS 17. I am well aware that the iPhone SE still has a similar screen ratio, and that it is still being supported by iOS 17, but it doesn't have the same pixel requirements (1242 x 2208), which means that in order for my app to be even reviewed (which is an iOS 17+ exclusive), I'm gonna have to create images that will then be upscaled to the right dimensions. Am I missing something here, or is it Apple who missed this detail?
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12k
Sep ’23
Vision Pro + Device Capabilities warning, how to silence?
Now receiving the following warning in Xcode when uploading app, and corresponding email. The app is unlikely to be released for Vision Pro. Is there any flag I've missed that can be added to the app to silence this (blacklist the device type), bearing in mind this app is not compiled with the Xcode Beta that supports Vision Pro. Failing that, can anyone suggest who to reach out to at Apple to request a solution? I realise this is only a warning, but it's an unwanted distraction. Dear Developer, We identified one or more issues with a recent delivery for your app, "Cape Physio" 0.52 (7). Your delivery was successful, but you may wish to correct the following issues in your next delivery: ITMS-90984: Apple Vision Pro support issue - The app contains the following UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities values, which aren’t supported on Apple Vision Pro. [accelerometer, gyroscope] After you’ve corrected the issues, you can upload a new binary to App Store Connect. Best regards, The App Store Team
4
3
5.5k
Sep ’23
App Tracking Transparency permission request issue in IOS 17
I am correctly implementing the App tracking Transparency issue but am still getting app rejection from AppleConnect see the message below When I tested in IOS 16.6.1 it worked perfectly on a physical device. Guideline 2.1 - Information Needed On iPad, iOS 17.0. we are unable to locate the App Tracking Transparency permission request when reviewed My App is build with flutter and I am using Latest Flutter version . Can anybody help me in this regard.
5
3
8.2k
Sep ’23
App Rejection for Astrology App
Hello Apple Developer Community, I hope this message finds you well. I recently submitted an astrology-related app to the App Store, and it was rejected with the following reason: "Your app primarily features astrology, horoscopes, palm reading, fortune telling, or zodiac reports. As such, it duplicates the content and functionality of many other similar apps currently available on the App Store." I would like to seek some clarification and guidance on how to address this issue and bring my app in compliance with Apple's guidelines. I understand that there are similar apps available, but I believe my app offers unique and valuable features that differentiate it from others. Specifically, I would like to know: What criteria does Apple use to determine whether an app is considered duplicative of others in the same category? Are there any specific guidelines or best practices to follow when submitting astrology or similar apps to ensure they are approved? Is there a way to highlight the distinctive features of my app that make it unique and provide a better user experience compared to other similar apps? Are there any precedents or examples of successful astrology apps that were approved on the App Store, and if so, what factors contributed to their approval? I want to ensure that my app complies with Apple's policies and provides value to users while avoiding any issues related to duplication. Any insights or guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and assistance. Best regards,
2
2
1.2k
Sep ’23
App Store Connect API - create certificate from CSR
Hi, i am trying to upload certificate signing request (CSR) for Pass Type ID via API, using this endpoint https://api.appstoreconnect.apple.com/v1/certificates. Request body looks like this, with POST method and content type application/json: { "data": { "attributes": { "certificateType": "PASS_TYPE_ID", "csrContent": "LS0tL...S0tLS0K" }, "type": "certificates" } } csrContent is base64 encoded. The response from API is: { "errors" : [ { "id" : "71a...4c9", "status" : "404", "code" : "NOT_FOUND", "title" : "The specified resource does not exist", "detail" : "There is no identifier with ID 'null' on this team." } ] } CSR was created with KeyChain on Mac (as described here: https://developer.apple.com/help/account/create-certificates/create-a-certificate-signing-request), but i can also do it with OpenSSL. First of all, there is no pairing information between Pass Type Identifier and certificate in request. Status 404? I would expect 400. And given detail is totally useless... The documentation is poor for this topic: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/appstoreconnectapi/create_a_certificate. So that brings me to the idea of adding it (Pass Type Identifier) to the CSR content, but where? I am able to read all certificates stored via Developer Account and put them together with private keys... but storing it is pain... Does anyone have an idea?
2
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1.1k
Sep ’23
NSPrivacyTrackingDomains has NOT block connections
Xcode 15.0 iPhone15 iOS17.0 Simulator I created demo app with Privacy manifest defined NSPrivacyTracking to YES, and NSPrivacyTrackingDomains with specific domain (used CDTFA Tax Rate API as example and string value is ca.gov). However, after selecting Ask App not to Track on ATT dialog, URLSession was successed and got response from the domain. Is there any wrong on my implementation? or is this feature has not released yet?
2
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1.8k
Oct ’23
TestFlight: Moving internal tester to new group removes them from test program
I am changing a group of internal testers from automatic to manual distribution of an iOS app. I need to do this seamlessly to avoid disrupting ongoing testing. A group's distribution method (automatic vs. manual) can only be set when creating a group, so I created a new group set to manual distribution and moved users to the new group like this but it doesn't work as expected: At start: Internal testers are in an existing group set to automatic build distribution. Create new group set to manual build distribution. Add new group to same builds as existing group. Add tester to new group. Delete tester from existing group. I expected the tester to be able to continue testing as a member of the new group. Instead, the user's TestFlight says "Tester Removed" and "The developer removed you from the test program". But the TestFlight admin web page shows a green checkmark and "Installed" next to the user in the new group. Status in the tester's TestFlight app doesn't match the TestFlight admin page. Is this a bug in TestFlight, or did I miss a step? Waiting 30 minutes for TestFlight changes to propagate doesn't help. Having the user uninstall and reinstall TestFlight doesn't help. TestFlight still says "Tester Removed". The only solution seems to be completely removing the tester from the app and adding them back in the new group (swap steps 3 & 4). Thanks, Gustav
2
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1.9k
Oct ’23
Sales Report from API - Units question
Hello I've used the AppStore Connect API to download a sales report because I wanted to do a more thorough analysis. But I've noticed that, for example, when downloading the month of March, when summing up the units sold, the number doesn't match at all with the result I can see on the AppStore Connect website. It's a very different result. Like 3x or even more. Does anyone know why?
3
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1.1k
Oct ’23
Updating contentRightsDeclaration now returns FORBIDDEN_ERROR
Recently I've started receiving a "FORBIDDEN_ERROR" error when submitting a PATCH to "/v1/apps/xxxx". The data below is what is being sent: { "data": { "type": "apps", "id": "xxxx", "attributes": { "contentRightsDeclaration": "DOES_NOT_USE_THIRD_PARTY_CONTENT" } } } This used to work (for over a year) fine. We also update several other things (Category, Age Rating, Available Territories etc) and they still work as expected; this is the only type that has started (about a month or so ago) to behave this way. I also generated a new API key with full Admin privileges but the issue still occurs. The specific error returned is: { "errors" : [ { "id" : "1cfb7772-940c-46d5-bfe5-a97bbe314", "status" : "403", "code" : "FORBIDDEN_ERROR", "title" : "This request is forbidden for security reasons", "detail" : "The API key in use does not allow this request" } ] } Any ideas how to fix this or what's going on? Thanks in advance.
2
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814
Oct ’23
appAccountToken is missing in JWSTransactionDecodedPayload
We use store kit original API for in-app purchase,I set a UUID to the SKMutablePayment object applicationUsername property, when finish the payment, In the App Store Server API, the JWSTransactionDecodedPayload object returns no appAccountToken field.This probability is extremely small, about 17 in 100,000.Does anyone have the same situation?
5
1
1.2k
Oct ’23