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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Unlisted App Distribution Issue - Country Not Listed in the form
Hello, I am attempting to distribute my app as unlisted on the App Store, but my country is not included in the list of available regions for unlisted distribution. Can anyone provide guidance on how to proceed with app distribution in this case? Or if I choose all countries after the app is approved can I send links for the countries that are not there and users install apps without issues?
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497
Aug ’24
App won't launch; no crash log from device
For two days now, our TestFlight builds have been unable to launch on a device. What is unusual is that: I can see no crash reports in the Xcode Organiser The console output from a device shows little information Our previous TestFlight build 3.43 worked with no issues. If I make a build with the same code but only changing the version name & version code, the app crashes. Our adhoc distributed app launches fine Some information I do see, but unsure whether it is pertinent or not, is default 10:22:09.228580+0100 kernel AMFI: '/private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/<uuid>/tmp/<uuid-2>' has no CMS blob? default 10:22:09.229105+0100 kernel Unable to send CoreAnalytics event. Delaying for 1000 u.s. to see if the queue drains. default 10:22:09.228760+0100 kernel AMFI: '/private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/<uuid>/tmp/<uuid-2>': Unrecoverable CT signature issue, bailing out. default 10:22:09.228811+0100 kernel AMFI: code signature validation failed. <... lot more logs> [app<{our.bundleid}({uuid-3})>:10098] termination reported by launchd (0, 0, 256) How can I further debug what is going on?
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468
Aug ’24
Did Not Receive Callback for Subscription Item (In-App Purchase)
My team recently implemented In-App Purchases for Non-Renewing Subscriptions and is currently testing in production. We successfully made a purchase from our app but did not receive any callback from the App Store server. Additionally, the transaction is not visible on the App Store Connect dashboard. I understand it might take a day for transactions to appear there. When we checked the transaction status via API, the "inAppOwnershipType" is "PURCHASED" and the values for other fields are as expected, except for "price." The price should be 599000, and the charged payment on the credit card is also 599000, but it appears as 599000000 in the transaction data. Any idea what could be causing this discrepancy, and is it the reason for the unsent callback? How can we fix it? Thank you.
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879
Aug ’24
App Transfer issue
Whenever I try to transfer my app to another account, I get this error after filling in the recepient's Apple ID and Team ID: "The following error(s) occurred: /opt/itms_content_cache/ProviderServices/AppTransfer/y2024/m08/d06/h16/xxxxxxxxxx_appTransferTransferer.xxxxxxxpdf (No such file or directory)" What could be the issue? Is something down on Apple's side?
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398
Aug ’24
Integrating Web-based Stripe Payments with iOS App
Hi everyone, I currently have a running iOS app that utilizes Apple's in-app purchases for subscription management. I'm planning to develop a web version of the app where users can sign up and purchase subscriptions using Stripe. Users will be able to log in with the same credentials on both the web and iOS versions. However, the app version will not allow users to manage their subscriptions directly if the user was subscribed on the web version, and there will be no links or references to external payment methods in the iOS app. I would like to ensure compliance with Apple's guidelines regarding payments. Can someone confirm if this setup adheres to the current policies? Specifically, I want to make sure that having a separate web-based payment system (Stripe for web) that is independent of the iOS app's payment system (Apple for in-app purchases) is permissible, as long as there are no direct links or references to the web-based payment system within the iOS app. Thanks for your help!
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Aug ’24
This app is marketed as being able to bypass geo-restrictions or content limitations.
This app is marketed as being able to bypass geo-restrictions or content limitations. Next Steps To resolve this issue, please ensure the app is not presented in such a way that it encourages users to bypass geo-restrictions or content limitations. As a reminder, all apps must comply with the local laws for any territory in which they are made available. Support Reply to this message in your preferred language if you need assistance. If you need additional support, use the Contact Us module. Consult with fellow developers and Apple engineers on the Apple Developer Forums. Help improve the review process or identify a need for clarity in our policies by suggesting guideline changes. Request a 30-minute online meeting with an App Review expert to discuss the guidelines and best practices for a smooth review process. Previous updates went smoothly. In the past two days, we’ve been stuck on this issue. We’ve modified all instances of “bypass geo-restrictions or content limitations” in the app’s UI, but it still doesn’t work. Is there anyone who can help me? Thank you very much. We asked the review team about the issue, and their response was just a repetition of the previous content, which was of no help. Is it possible that the issue is caused by content outside the app, such as the official website?
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Aug ’24
Seeking Advice for App Store Approval Strategy for an App with Limited Features
Hello fellow developers, I am seeking advice on the best strategy to obtain App Store approval for our app, which interfaces with a service that we provide through our website. Here’s a brief overview of our situation: Background: • Service Offered: We sell digital business cards that can be customized on our website. We offer both individual and enterprise subscriptions. • Website Functionality: Users can design and set up their digital cards through our website. The full suite of features for designing and managing these cards is available only on the website. • App Functionality: • Current Features: The app currently allows users to log in, view their digital card, and link any physical card they have purchased from us. • No Design Features: The app does not include the functionality to design or extensively manage the digital cards. Challenge: We aim to keep the app straightforward and focused on viewing and minor management, while more complex interactions like designing the card and purchasing subscriptions are handled through our website. Questions: 1. App Store Compliance: Given that we handle sales of digital services (subscriptions) through our website and not through the app, how can we ensure compliance with Apple’s guidelines? Specifically, the app does not facilitate any in-app purchases. 2. App Functionality: Is the limited functionality of our app (primarily viewing and linking cards) sufficient for App Store approval, considering that more complex functionalities are web-based? 3. Strategies for Approval: Are there specific strategies or wording we should use when submitting our app for review to clarify our business model and app functionality without violating Apple’s guidelines? I appreciate any insights or experiences you could share that would help navigate the App Store review process effectively. Thank you in advance for your time and help!
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Aug ’24
App Store Server Notifications migrating between v1 and v2
Hi We want to migrate App Store Server Notifications from V1 to V2 in production, but I don't want to miss any notifications during the migration. We already have a V1 url to receive notifications. If we edit it to a new url and choose V2, will it be effective immediately? Will there be any notifications lost during the transitions? Thank you!
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Aug ’24
My app's update was rejected based on 5.1.1(v)
I have chatbot like app. First version was accepted and published on App store(First version required user to sign in with email). I have added few functionalities and they are account based. Besides Google and Apple ID sign in, which I have added to make access easier. (Requested by the users) The problem is that my update is being rejected base on 5.1.1(v) even though that first version had the same design and architecture, while completely ignoring the fact that new version has more account based functionalities. I have requested calls, nobody called me. I have sent more then 10 messages to explain how my app works and why it requires sign in. I haven't received any concise answer to those messages. Besides that they don't bother to address 5.1.1(v) part of any message I have sent them. I have submitted an appeal. I still haven't received any response to that neither. Besides explaining why my app needs account, I have listed other chatbot like apps, like ChatGPT. But I have also listed a few apps in my niche(Traveling). Since it is already more then 10 days that I deal with this. I feel like I am wasting my time. I also feel like someone is making fun of me, since publishing first version of my app was okay and this is not. I also feel like my time invested in this project is being disrespected, especially considering the way they address this.
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Aug ’24
Watch app: purchased->subscription & redeem code fails
App name: WF Favorites Watch (hidden on App Store) Environment: Independent, autonomous Watch only app No VPN Solid WiFi and connection from iPhone to Watch Installed version: Released version with approved subscription App previously installed on watch as Free app or one-time-purchase App Store on iPhone shows grayed out "Purchased" button Situation created with latest release: Business model change from free or purchased to IAP subscription In-app subscription works correctly Attempting to redeem offer code on iPhone App Store An offer code is available but does not work Issue: The code entry page appears Correct offer code does not install app Screenshot shows constant spinner Spinner eventually returns to download icon To reproduce App must be installed as a "purchased" app shown on iPhone App Store Navigate to: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=6451388967&code=CODE Enter the Offer Code App is never installed on watch I wonder if the "Purchased" state of the app on the iPhone App Store page is somehow preventing the iPhone App Store from installing the new version as a subscription using the offer code. I have tried with the app on the watch. I tried to uninstall the app from watch and then redeem the code. I tried deleting and reinstalling the app on the watch. No configuration allows the redeem code to ever install the app. I attempted to remove the app from the iPhone App Store. I am unable to, I presume, because it is not an iPhone app.(?) What can I do to resolve this?
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466
Aug ’24
Builds Stuck in "Processing" state
I uploaded a new build of my app on Monday, 8/4, around 6:30pm Eastern time. The next morning, it was still in the "Processing" state in App Store Connect on the TestFlight tab. I tried making another build and uploaded it on Tuesday, 8/5, at 9:52am Eastern. That build is still in the "Processing" state now (Wednesday, 8/7 5pm Eastern). What can I do to get my builds processed and available? I'm attempting to release an updated app version but can't continue since I can't select a build.
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Aug ’24
Apple Reviewer not able to login with VPN
Hello everyone, I am trying to submit my app to apple store with the correct user and password but apple is unable to login. I have several beta testers using it perfectly, my team can also login, we even used VPN from several different countries and login with the provided user and password works, but apple keeps saying it is not logging in and indeed is not because they share the screenshot. Did anyone ever had this issue? I guess this is a problem with their VPN.
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Aug ’24
Where can I configure the App Clip Code Invocation URL?
My SwiftUI App Clip does not have Advanced Experiences but I want to invoke it from an App Clip Code. In Testflight I can set the URL used to Code Generation tool in the section: App Clip Invocations in the URL field, which also includes a field Title. But I can’t find this field in the Apple Store Connection Distribution tab. Any ideas where the Invocation URL is configured in the Distribution form? Should I use the App Clip URL?
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Aug ’24
Prepare multiple app versions for release
As a... developer who has discovered a minor bug in version 1.0.0 of an app that is due for release at the end of this week- a date which has been publicised to customers and aligns with other areas of the business' release schedule I want... to be able to queue up and review a 1.0.1 release with a fix for the issue, without taking down 1.0.0 So that... I don't end up taking down the 1.0.0 release and potentially causing the company to miss its deadline because the build with the fix hasn't been reviewed by Apple yet In my specific example, the company has already teased the launch of a product on Friday and QA has spotted an untranslated string in one language. I have the dilemma that, if i remove the already approved build in the store, i can't guarantee that a new version will pass apple review by Friday. As such, i've got a new build ready to be submitted as soon as we release the buggy build on Friday. Unfortunately, all the while the bug fix build is waiting for review, customers will see the missing translation.
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Aug ’24
Localization Glitch
I've mentioned this before but I don't think it's getting seen by a department that can deal with it. I think it may be a Connect issue. I have localizations in multiple languages. They are all created the same way. In that the images are the same as the default language. I tried to rely on icons rather than text wherever possible to keep language from being a limiting factor. Since releasing the app, I've tried a few ways to advertise it. One being ASA (Apple Search Ads) Basic. It accepts all my localizations except for Brazil. Even accepts Portugal. When I email ASA tech support, I get generic sounding replies that are some variation of "add localization for Brazil and then the ads will start running". They do seem to acknowledge the text localization is there but seem to believe the images are not. This despite sending a screen cap. They do not attempt to explain why Brazil needs special treatment from all other localizations or why this isn't indicated in App Store Connect. I assume they are saying that despite the images already being there, I need to copy them to the Brazil localization anyway for some unknown reason. This article indicates Brazil is a new addition to ASA for this year. This makes me suspect it may have a glitch. I intended to only advertise in a few markets to start. Which didn't include Brazil initially. But ASA Basic isn't spending at all. On second attempt, it did net five downloads the first day and then hasn't had once since. This made me suspect one glitch may be causing another. Or maybe it is unrelated and advertising costs are just insane. Still, I think it's a possible glitch worth investigating.
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Aug ’24
Provisioning Profile Failed Qualification Doesn't Match Entitlements
I’m seeing an error message when trying to upload/validate my Archive. “Provisioning Profile failed qualification. ”
Profile Doesn’t match the entitlement’s file’s value for com.app.developer.networking.entitlement.

 My app uses Local Push Connectivity (NEAppPushProvider) and requires the App Push Provider entitlement. My profiles are set to include the Local Push Connectivity entitlement instead of Default. I don’t (cant’t?) automatically manage signing because of this. My provisioning profiles are set to use the Local Push Connectivity entitlement instead of default. 

 My entitlement files for each target have 
com.apple.developer.networking.networkextension app-push-provider This is my first upload since upgrading Xcode to 15. And My first upload since I updated my profiles. This was working for years, but I think either I rebuilt my profile wrong or something has changed on Apple’s end ( Xcode, reqs etc). I’ve double/triple checked everything and rebuilt my profiles over. I’m stuck.
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Aug ’24
Using promo code links WITH campaign tracking parameters
In order to redeem promo codes, Apple recommends the following URL be shared with users: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id={APP_ID}&code={CODE} In order to add campaign tracking ability, Apple recommends the following URL be shared with users: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id64995542?pt={PROVIDER_TOKEN}&ct={CAMPAIGN_CODE} But how do I use both in tandem? Do I just use the Promo code link and add &pt= and &ct= params at the end of them?
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421
Aug ’24