App Store Connect

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App Store Connect is a suite of tools for submitting and managing your apps and in-app purchases on the App Store.

Posts under App Store Connect tag

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Reject Payment Notification
Two hours ago we received 42 emails from Apple with the following content: iTunes Connect Dear ....., The routing number you provided for the bank account ending in ..... is no longer correct. To receive payments, update your bank info with a valid account and routing number. If you have any questions, use the Contact Us module on iTunes Connect. We have been receiving payments to this account for 5 years and nothing has changed with the account. The account is valid and all details are correct. And this is displayed under “Payments and Financial Reports”: Payment Rejected The routing number you provided for the bank account ending in .... is no longer correct. To receive payments, update your bank info with a valid account and routing number. A lovely surprise for Christmas.
10
2
648
Dec ’25
Critical Bug: "Session Bleed" during Enrollment - Payment renewed wrong account despite correct UI
I experienced a severe backend session handling error where the payment gateway used a wrong billing token, despite the frontend UI explicitly displaying the current user's details. This resulted in an accidental renewal of a different developer account. The Setup You opened the Developer App and logged in as ____. You filled in your details correctly (Name: AB, Last Name: CD). The screen confirmed this: "You are paying for ____." The Action You pressed the Enroll/Pay button. You approved the payment with your card/UPI. The Invisible Switch (The Bug) At the exact moment you clicked "Pay," the Apple App didn't look at the screen you were seeing. Instead, it looked deep into your phone’s history and said: "Wait, I know this phone! This phone belongs to an old account that already has a membership. I'll just renew that one." The Result The system took your money and sent it to the Old Account it remembered from history, completely ignoring the New Account (____) that was right there on the screen. The Outcome New Account (____): Still says "Pending" because it never got the money. Old Account: Got renewed instantly because the system prioritized the "device history" over the "logged-in user." It was a bait-and-switch by the app. You clicked "Pay" for AB, but the wire connected to Old Friend.
1
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81
Dec ’25
In Review exceeded 72 hours and Contacts Us had no results
应用ID(id6754838125), A week has passed since I added in-app purchases to the already listed application, but it's still under review and I haven't received any result. I sent an email to inquire and asked me to keep waiting We used Contacts Us There is no result. 2. The call has been made for expedited review. It was submitted on December 11th and is still under review Previously, the result of the app review was available within 48 hours Now, I don't know what solutions can be made to this problem. The company is in a hurry and needs to use the App to release a new movie
7
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415
Dec ’25
How to verify JWSSignedPayload signature in App Store Server Notifications v2
I am implementing In App Purchase and integrating App Store Server Notifications version 2. I am able to receive the JWSSignedPayload from Apple. The payload is Base64 encoded and contains header, payload, and signature. The documentation clearly explains how to decode the payload and extract claims such as notificationType and data. What is unclear is how to verify the JWS signature itself. I could not find concrete documentation that explains: Which Apple public key or certificate should be used for verification How to retrieve or rotate the key used to sign the payload The exact steps required to validate the JWS signature before trusting the payload Signature verification is critical for security, and simply decoding the claims without validation is not sufficient. I am looking for official guidance or a recommended approach to verify the JWSSignedPayload signature for App Store Server Notifications v2.
1
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118
Dec ’25
Questions about macOS App Store update package generation and optimization
Hello, According to documentation, the App Store does not re-download the entire app when updating, but instead generates an update package containing only the changed content compared to the previous version. I’d like to clarify the following points: 1. Granularity of file changes If only part of a large file changes, does the update package include the entire file, or does it patch only the modified portions within that file? 2. Guideline on separating files The documentation recommends separating files that are likely to change from those that are not. How should this be interpreted in practice? 3. Verifying the diff result Is there a way for developers to check the actual diff result of the update package generated by the App Store without submitting the app? Is there a diff command tool or comparison method closer to the actual App Store update process? 4. Estimating update size during development For apps with large-scale resources, minimizing update size is critical. Are there any tools or best practices to estimate the size of the update package before submitting to the App Store? Any clarification or reference materials would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
1
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175
Jan ’26
Subscription products disappeared in App Store Connect after resubmission – cannot attach subscription again
Hello, My app uses auto-renewable subscriptions. I submitted an update and at first the subscription products appeared properly under the monetization section in App Store Connect. However, after resubmitting the binary for review, the subscription product attachment disappeared, and now it is not possible to re-attach them. Even sandbox testing cannot retrieve the subscription identifiers anymore, because the monetization section no longer shows the products. Questions: Why did the subscription products disappear after a resubmission? How can I re-attach subscription products to the new version? Do I need to remove the current version submission to make subscriptions appear again? Does App Review need to finish processing subscription approval separately? Notes: The first version binary showed subscription products. After internal rejection and resubmission, they disappeared. Using StoreKit 2 restore flow in production code. Sandbox accounts cannot fetch product identifiers. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.
1
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132
Dec ’25
4.3(a) - Design - Spam
Hello everyone, I’m looking for advice from developers who may have faced a similar situation, as we appear to be stuck in a long-running loop of Guideline 4.3(a) rejections on iOS with no actionable feedback from App Review. Over an extended period, our iOS app has been repeatedly rejected under Guideline 4.3(a) (“similar or repackaged”), regardless of the changes we make. The responses from App Review consistently use the same high-level language and do not indicate what specifically is considered problematic. Some relevant context: The app is built with Flutter using a single shared codebase. The macOS version, built from the same codebase with the same overall structure and UI, has been approved without issues. The iOS version, using that same implementation, continues to receive 4.3(a) rejections. We do not use purchased templates and do not operate multiple developer accounts. Like most apps, we use some third-party and open-source components where technically appropriate. Across multiple submissions, we have tried to address the feedback as best we can by making changes to UI/UX, assets, metadata, internal structure, and overall product quality. However, App Review has not provided clarification even at a high level (for example, whether the concern is primarily related to UI/UX, code structure, metadata, user flows, or overall product framing). Requests for any directional guidance have resulted in the same generic responses, both in review replies and via support. This leaves us making blind changes without a feedback loop. As a result, it’s difficult to understand whether the issue is realistically correctable, or whether the app is effectively blocked due to similarity clustering or other non-obvious review heuristics. Any firsthand experiences, practical steps, or lessons learned would be extremely helpful.
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214
Dec ’25
Tips from App Review
Here are some tips from App Review for a smooth review experience. We’ve split them into two categories: Before You Submit and After You Submit. We’ve also made an easy-to-follow Submission Guide you can save and reference at any point on your App Store journey. Before You Submit Tips Enable a complete review. Make sure you’ve provided demo accounts or implemented an account demonstration mode before you submit. We’ll need to review the entire app experience, both with and without an account. Provide up-to-date demo account login credentials in the App Review Information section on the app version page in App Store Connect. If your app has multiple account types (such as admin and general users), use the Notes field to provide additional demo account credentials for each account type. If your app requires an authentication code in addition to the login credentials, provide the code in advance in the Notes field. Otherwise, a call may be required to complete the review. Apps that handle sensitive user information, or operate in highly regulated industries, can implement demonstration modes that exhibit full features and functionality while using demonstration data. Use the Notes field in App Store Connect to provide information to App Review. The App Review Information section of App Store Connect includes a Notes field. Provide any information that could be relevant to your submission’s review: Submitting a new app? Tell us about your app's concept, business model, and if your app is designed to only operate in certain locations. Submitting an update? Tell us about what’s changed and where to locate significant new content or features. Connecting to hardware? Attach a video, not a screen recording, that shows both the hardware and the app running on a physical Apple device as they pair and interact. Test your app on physical devices before submitting for review. Use TestFlight to distribute your app for beta testing. App Review evaluates apps the way your users will use them: installed on real devices and connected to networks with real-world conditions. Make sure your pre-submission testing includes running the app on each device platform where it could be used. Users expect the app to function on all the devices where it’s available. TestFlight will help you do quality assurance and beta testing on real devices. Share your beta app with internal testers on your Apple Developer Program account or to external users via an email invite or public link. Configure In-App Purchases for review in the sandbox environment. App Review assesses In-App Purchases in the same sandbox environment Apple provides for testing them. The sandbox lets us use real product data and server-to-server transactions, without incurring any financial charges. Take these steps to prepare your In-App Purchases for review: Accept the Paid Applications Agreement in App Store Connect. Submit the In-App Purchases in App Store Connect that you’d like reviewed. Follow the steps in TN3186: Troubleshooting In-App Purchases availability in the sandbox if your app fails to display your In-App Purchases. Note: In-App Purchases don’t need prior approval from App Review to function in review. Join a Meet with Apple event if you need assistance before you submit for review. Request an App Review appointment through Meet with Apple to chat with an App Review expert about how to prepare for review, ask questions about specific guidelines, and discuss other topics related to the review process. Appointments are subject to availability during your local business hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After You Submit Tips Contact App Review if you need assistance with an ongoing submission. If your submission doesn’t pass review and you have questions, contact App Review directly by clicking Reply to App Review in App Store Connect. You’ll receive a reply from a review specialist who’s familiar with your app. You can also use the Reply to App Review message window to request a call with an Apple representative. Include your preferred time and language for the call and we’ll do our best to accommodate your requests. Use the Bug Fix Submissions process to quickly deliver bug fixes and resolve other issues on the next submission. If an update includes bug fixes and is rejected, you will be given the option to resolve the issues on your next submission, as long as there are no legal or safety concerns. App Review will let you know if your submission is eligible by including this note at the top of the rejection message: Bug Fix Submissions The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. To accept this offer, simply reply to the rejection message in App Store Connect and let App Review know you’ll resolve the issues on the next submission. Share ideas with Apple about how to improve or clarify the App Review Guidelines by submitting guideline feedback. Just as the App Store is always changing and improving to keep up with the needs of customers, the App Review Guidelines may be revised to provide new and updated guidance. If you have ideas for improving or clarifying our requirements you can suggest guideline changes. If your submission was rejected but you believe it follows the App Review Guidelines, consider submitting an appeal to the App Review Board. If your submission didn’t pass review but you have reason to believe it follows the App Review Guidelines, you can submit an appeal to the App Review Board. You can also file an appeal if you think we misunderstood your app or the review was unfair. The App Review Board will contact you as soon as they complete their investigation.
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5.8k
Dec ’25
There are still preview uploads in progress.
Hello everyone, I’m stuck with an App Store Connect issue and would really appreciate any insight from the community. I am unable to submit my app for review due to the following persistent error: “Unable to Add for Review – There are still preview uploads in progress.” What makes this particularly confusing is that there are no previews currently uploading. Here is everything I have already tried: Deleted all App Preview videos and all screenshots Confirmed Media Manager shows no active uploads Re-uploaded App Preview videos fully compliant with Apple specs: H.264 AAC stereo audio Constant 30 FPS Correct resolution Uploaded a new build with a higher build number (Build 3) Waited more than 24 hours after upload Logged out / logged in, refreshed, tried multiple browsers and sessions Confirmed TestFlight build upload completed successfully Despite all of this, the error persists and also prevents: Adding the app for review Creating a new app version (the “Add Version” button does not appear) Apple Developer Support has suggested submitting a higher build number, which I have done, but the issue remains. At this point, it seems like a stuck / ghost App Preview upload job on the App Store Connect backend. Has anyone experienced a similar issue? If so: How was it resolved? Did Apple need to manually clear or reset something on their side? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
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240
Feb ’26
Storekit product not loading in TestFlight testing
Hello everyone, I achieved my MacOs app and distributed for "App Store Connect" and I already have setup the Product In App Purchase in the App Store connect, and I even tested the purchase flow using the local .storekit file using the "Edit Schema". And now, when I remove the edit scema's storekit file and archieved the app and used the Internal testing and installed the app using Testflight, I see that the product is not showing, an empty product array is being returned and there is no option to purchase. I don't want to sumit the full app until I test the StoreKit integration in real test
1
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371
Jan ’26
'Certificates, IDs & Profiles' section missing from developer.apple.com
The entire 'Certificates, IDs & Profiles' section is missing from developer.apple.com portal for one of the accounts I am a developer for. The Team is also missing from the dropdowns in Xcode in Code Signing. The organization account membership is paid through July 2026, and I do not see that the Account Holder needs to sign any agreements. I am a user on other accounts, and none of them have this issue. Does anyone know what's going on?
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761
Jan ’26
Seeking Advice on App Store Optimization for a New App With Low Initial Traction
I launched my app on the App Store and Google Play about two months ago and despite improving the icon and screenshots I have only reached around 40 downloads which makes me believe ASO is my main challenge. I started using ASO tools like TryAstro and AppTweak but the keyword metrics such as volume 39 and difficulty 0 are confusing so I would appreciate guidance on interpreting this data and on effective ASO strategies for a new app with minimal downloads or ratings.
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303
Feb ’26
Apple rejected my app ( again )
Hello everyone, few days back I posted about how apple rejected my build and now after 3 days, they replied back in a very unclear, and I am not being able to understand what they really mean by that. Context :- In my app, when the user clicked on "export" button, it should show the export options, however, if the user is not on a lifetime plan, it should open the "premium" popup / modal to allow them to purchase. Now, this modal loades project based on storekit IN app purchases I added, and locally I tested using the `.storekit` file and everything worked fine. However, before archieveing the build for app store connect, I remove the local file form "edit" scema, and I thought it should load automatically based on the IAP, because I added the IAP to the app build in the console as well. But now, apple responded with this after 3 days :- Issue Description The app exhibited one or more bugs that would negatively impact App Store users. Bug description: "Export" button brings up an empty sheet that seems like a In-App Purchase. (Please see attached screenshot) Next Steps Test the app on supported devices to identify and resolve bugs and stability issues before submitting for review. If you are unable to reproduce the bug, try the following: - For new apps, uninstall all previous versions of your app from a device, then install and follow the steps to reproduce. - For app updates, install the new version as an update to the previous version, then follow the steps to reproduce. They are saying that the premium modal is showing empty. However, what am I suppose to do here? Its working as expected, it needs to show the IAP which I already added? Can someone please guide here a bit, I am on a verge of cry, after waiting for 3 days, they replied with no clear answer and probably gonna take another week ( because of weekend tommorow ) and I am not sure what they really mean by that? This is screenshot of loaded modal and without loaded modal :-
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308
Jan ’26
Essential Background Assets prevent immediate installation feedback
Hello, I have an app with a few essential asset packs currently totaling to ~8GB. I've noticed that when trying to install the app fresh from TestFlight, there is a significant delay between tapping install and the app appearing on the device in the loading state. The delay is long enough where it's hard to tell what's happening, or if the installation has failed. This also appears to be an issue in App Review, as I've had my app rejected twice due to the app not loading on the reviewers device. The reason they gave is UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities is blocking the installation, but UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities is empty. Note: I'm not looking for App Store review help, simply sharing the extent of the issue. Thank you
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291
Jan ’26
Leaving Business as Account Holder
Hi, Some time ago I created an Apple Developer business account on behalf of my (now former) business partner. The company is no longer active, and I've been away from app development for a few years. I'd now like to start fresh with a new business account, but first I need to step away from this existing one. From the documentation, I understand that first I have to transfer the Account Holder role, and I've already spoken with the other person - he's willing to accept the role. According to the docs: https://developer.apple.com/help/account/access/transfer-the-account-holder-role/ the option should appear under "Update your information", but in my case there is no option called "Transfer Account Holder role". Has anyone encountered this before? Are there prerequisites or account conditions that need to be met for the transfer option to appear? Thanks in advance for any guidance.
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52
Dec ’25
Can I upload my game for App Store review without releasing it automatically afterwards?
I want to publish my game next year in the Apple App Store but I want to choose the time period manually. Can I upload my game for app review without releasing it automatically afterwards? Where exactly can I choose in App Store Connect if my game is published automatically or manually after the app review process? Currently I only use TestFlight.
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164
Dec ’25
Is iOS ASO mainly about optimizing the title subtitle and keyword fields
I have been exploring App Store Optimization and noticed that Apple primarily uses the App Name, Subtitle, and Keyword field as the main text based ranking signals according to official and third party sources. Are these the only factors that truly impact iOS ASO, or do elements like the app description and promotional text indirectly influence visibility, conversion, or ranking updates over time, and how frequently should subtitles and keywords be revised after launch.
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204
Feb ’26
Which resolution should I use for my in-game screenshots in the App Store?
In App Store Connect I can add up to 10 images for each iPhone/iPad display. But I don't know which resolution is the best for my screenshots in the App Store and I don't know if the screenshots could be displayed distorted if I don't upload png images for each iPhone/iPad display in App Store Connect. Should I upload for each iPhone/iPad display up to 10 screenshots in the highest possible resolution? For example, for the iPhone 6.5" display it would be 1284 × 2778px or 2778 × 1284px.
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48
Dec ’25
How can I add a clip to App Store Connect?
I want that the user can watch a short clip in the App Store before the user decides to download my game in the App Store. I want to upload a clip to App Store Connect but I don't know how to do that. And I get this warning: To provide metadata for your app clip, you must first upload a build to App Store Connect that contains a clip. Is it necessary that the user can watch the clip in my game or should the video file just be included in the build even if the clip cannot be watched in my game? Is it necessary to upload the clip first to YouTube and then paste the URL in App Store Connect?
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109
Dec ’25
Experience feedback after an App Store rejection (Guideline 4.3 – Design: Spam)
Hi everyone, my name is Donovan, I am sharing here the official response I received from Apple following my appeal with App Review Board (image attached). For context, I am an independent developer and a student, working alone. This application was originally created as a student project, with a very simple goal: to improve my skills in mobile application development and to understand the entire creation cycle, from the initial idea to a genuinely usable application. What was meant to be an exercise gradually became a real product. Over time, many people tested the project, used it, provided positive feedback, and encouraged me to take it all the way. That is why I decided to continue it, structure it properly, and finalize it with the level of seriousness expected from a public-facing application. Today, the application is a dating and social connection app, entirely free, with no blocking paid features, funded only by light and optional advertising. It follows the rules, works correctly, and offers features that Apple itself acknowledged as useful and informative. And yet, after review, the message is clear: it is not the quality that is being questioned, but the category. Because it is a dating app, a category considered saturated, two years of independent, self-funded work, carried out seriously and in compliance with the rules, can simply be dismissed. What is being judged here is not the work itself. It is the right to enter. The “unique and very high-quality experience” being required appears to be a threshold reserved for those who are already established, visible, or funded. For a serious student project carried by a single developer, the door remains closed, cleanly, politely, definitively. For those who still wish to see what the application looks like, I have attached a few images illustrating the interface and the main features. Unfortunately, this will likely be the only way to discover it on iOS. Under these conditions, the conclusion is pragmatic. Rather than continuing to defend the very existence of an honest and free project, it becomes more coherent to invest my energy where it is genuinely accepted. On its side, Android validated the project without difficulty. It still allows an independent developer to propose an idea, let it evolve, and bring it to completion without requiring prior success just to earn the right to try. It is therefore very likely that these two years of development will never make it to the App Store. Not out of frustration. Out of clarity. I am publishing this message not to provoke, but to inform other independent developers: Apple is a remarkable platform, provided you are already established on it. And this is a reality worth knowing before turning a student project into a life project. Screenshots:
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292
Dec ’25
Reject Payment Notification
Two hours ago we received 42 emails from Apple with the following content: iTunes Connect Dear ....., The routing number you provided for the bank account ending in ..... is no longer correct. To receive payments, update your bank info with a valid account and routing number. If you have any questions, use the Contact Us module on iTunes Connect. We have been receiving payments to this account for 5 years and nothing has changed with the account. The account is valid and all details are correct. And this is displayed under “Payments and Financial Reports”: Payment Rejected The routing number you provided for the bank account ending in .... is no longer correct. To receive payments, update your bank info with a valid account and routing number. A lovely surprise for Christmas.
Replies
10
Boosts
2
Views
648
Activity
Dec ’25
Critical Bug: "Session Bleed" during Enrollment - Payment renewed wrong account despite correct UI
I experienced a severe backend session handling error where the payment gateway used a wrong billing token, despite the frontend UI explicitly displaying the current user's details. This resulted in an accidental renewal of a different developer account. The Setup You opened the Developer App and logged in as ____. You filled in your details correctly (Name: AB, Last Name: CD). The screen confirmed this: "You are paying for ____." The Action You pressed the Enroll/Pay button. You approved the payment with your card/UPI. The Invisible Switch (The Bug) At the exact moment you clicked "Pay," the Apple App didn't look at the screen you were seeing. Instead, it looked deep into your phone’s history and said: "Wait, I know this phone! This phone belongs to an old account that already has a membership. I'll just renew that one." The Result The system took your money and sent it to the Old Account it remembered from history, completely ignoring the New Account (____) that was right there on the screen. The Outcome New Account (____): Still says "Pending" because it never got the money. Old Account: Got renewed instantly because the system prioritized the "device history" over the "logged-in user." It was a bait-and-switch by the app. You clicked "Pay" for AB, but the wire connected to Old Friend.
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
81
Activity
Dec ’25
In Review exceeded 72 hours and Contacts Us had no results
应用ID(id6754838125), A week has passed since I added in-app purchases to the already listed application, but it's still under review and I haven't received any result. I sent an email to inquire and asked me to keep waiting We used Contacts Us There is no result. 2. The call has been made for expedited review. It was submitted on December 11th and is still under review Previously, the result of the app review was available within 48 hours Now, I don't know what solutions can be made to this problem. The company is in a hurry and needs to use the App to release a new movie
Replies
7
Boosts
0
Views
415
Activity
Dec ’25
How to verify JWSSignedPayload signature in App Store Server Notifications v2
I am implementing In App Purchase and integrating App Store Server Notifications version 2. I am able to receive the JWSSignedPayload from Apple. The payload is Base64 encoded and contains header, payload, and signature. The documentation clearly explains how to decode the payload and extract claims such as notificationType and data. What is unclear is how to verify the JWS signature itself. I could not find concrete documentation that explains: Which Apple public key or certificate should be used for verification How to retrieve or rotate the key used to sign the payload The exact steps required to validate the JWS signature before trusting the payload Signature verification is critical for security, and simply decoding the claims without validation is not sufficient. I am looking for official guidance or a recommended approach to verify the JWSSignedPayload signature for App Store Server Notifications v2.
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
118
Activity
Dec ’25
Questions about macOS App Store update package generation and optimization
Hello, According to documentation, the App Store does not re-download the entire app when updating, but instead generates an update package containing only the changed content compared to the previous version. I’d like to clarify the following points: 1. Granularity of file changes If only part of a large file changes, does the update package include the entire file, or does it patch only the modified portions within that file? 2. Guideline on separating files The documentation recommends separating files that are likely to change from those that are not. How should this be interpreted in practice? 3. Verifying the diff result Is there a way for developers to check the actual diff result of the update package generated by the App Store without submitting the app? Is there a diff command tool or comparison method closer to the actual App Store update process? 4. Estimating update size during development For apps with large-scale resources, minimizing update size is critical. Are there any tools or best practices to estimate the size of the update package before submitting to the App Store? Any clarification or reference materials would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
175
Activity
Jan ’26
Subscription products disappeared in App Store Connect after resubmission – cannot attach subscription again
Hello, My app uses auto-renewable subscriptions. I submitted an update and at first the subscription products appeared properly under the monetization section in App Store Connect. However, after resubmitting the binary for review, the subscription product attachment disappeared, and now it is not possible to re-attach them. Even sandbox testing cannot retrieve the subscription identifiers anymore, because the monetization section no longer shows the products. Questions: Why did the subscription products disappear after a resubmission? How can I re-attach subscription products to the new version? Do I need to remove the current version submission to make subscriptions appear again? Does App Review need to finish processing subscription approval separately? Notes: The first version binary showed subscription products. After internal rejection and resubmission, they disappeared. Using StoreKit 2 restore flow in production code. Sandbox accounts cannot fetch product identifiers. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
132
Activity
Dec ’25
4.3(a) - Design - Spam
Hello everyone, I’m looking for advice from developers who may have faced a similar situation, as we appear to be stuck in a long-running loop of Guideline 4.3(a) rejections on iOS with no actionable feedback from App Review. Over an extended period, our iOS app has been repeatedly rejected under Guideline 4.3(a) (“similar or repackaged”), regardless of the changes we make. The responses from App Review consistently use the same high-level language and do not indicate what specifically is considered problematic. Some relevant context: The app is built with Flutter using a single shared codebase. The macOS version, built from the same codebase with the same overall structure and UI, has been approved without issues. The iOS version, using that same implementation, continues to receive 4.3(a) rejections. We do not use purchased templates and do not operate multiple developer accounts. Like most apps, we use some third-party and open-source components where technically appropriate. Across multiple submissions, we have tried to address the feedback as best we can by making changes to UI/UX, assets, metadata, internal structure, and overall product quality. However, App Review has not provided clarification even at a high level (for example, whether the concern is primarily related to UI/UX, code structure, metadata, user flows, or overall product framing). Requests for any directional guidance have resulted in the same generic responses, both in review replies and via support. This leaves us making blind changes without a feedback loop. As a result, it’s difficult to understand whether the issue is realistically correctable, or whether the app is effectively blocked due to similarity clustering or other non-obvious review heuristics. Any firsthand experiences, practical steps, or lessons learned would be extremely helpful.
Replies
1
Boosts
0
Views
214
Activity
Dec ’25
Tips from App Review
Here are some tips from App Review for a smooth review experience. We’ve split them into two categories: Before You Submit and After You Submit. We’ve also made an easy-to-follow Submission Guide you can save and reference at any point on your App Store journey. Before You Submit Tips Enable a complete review. Make sure you’ve provided demo accounts or implemented an account demonstration mode before you submit. We’ll need to review the entire app experience, both with and without an account. Provide up-to-date demo account login credentials in the App Review Information section on the app version page in App Store Connect. If your app has multiple account types (such as admin and general users), use the Notes field to provide additional demo account credentials for each account type. If your app requires an authentication code in addition to the login credentials, provide the code in advance in the Notes field. Otherwise, a call may be required to complete the review. Apps that handle sensitive user information, or operate in highly regulated industries, can implement demonstration modes that exhibit full features and functionality while using demonstration data. Use the Notes field in App Store Connect to provide information to App Review. The App Review Information section of App Store Connect includes a Notes field. Provide any information that could be relevant to your submission’s review: Submitting a new app? Tell us about your app's concept, business model, and if your app is designed to only operate in certain locations. Submitting an update? Tell us about what’s changed and where to locate significant new content or features. Connecting to hardware? Attach a video, not a screen recording, that shows both the hardware and the app running on a physical Apple device as they pair and interact. Test your app on physical devices before submitting for review. Use TestFlight to distribute your app for beta testing. App Review evaluates apps the way your users will use them: installed on real devices and connected to networks with real-world conditions. Make sure your pre-submission testing includes running the app on each device platform where it could be used. Users expect the app to function on all the devices where it’s available. TestFlight will help you do quality assurance and beta testing on real devices. Share your beta app with internal testers on your Apple Developer Program account or to external users via an email invite or public link. Configure In-App Purchases for review in the sandbox environment. App Review assesses In-App Purchases in the same sandbox environment Apple provides for testing them. The sandbox lets us use real product data and server-to-server transactions, without incurring any financial charges. Take these steps to prepare your In-App Purchases for review: Accept the Paid Applications Agreement in App Store Connect. Submit the In-App Purchases in App Store Connect that you’d like reviewed. Follow the steps in TN3186: Troubleshooting In-App Purchases availability in the sandbox if your app fails to display your In-App Purchases. Note: In-App Purchases don’t need prior approval from App Review to function in review. Join a Meet with Apple event if you need assistance before you submit for review. Request an App Review appointment through Meet with Apple to chat with an App Review expert about how to prepare for review, ask questions about specific guidelines, and discuss other topics related to the review process. Appointments are subject to availability during your local business hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After You Submit Tips Contact App Review if you need assistance with an ongoing submission. If your submission doesn’t pass review and you have questions, contact App Review directly by clicking Reply to App Review in App Store Connect. You’ll receive a reply from a review specialist who’s familiar with your app. You can also use the Reply to App Review message window to request a call with an Apple representative. Include your preferred time and language for the call and we’ll do our best to accommodate your requests. Use the Bug Fix Submissions process to quickly deliver bug fixes and resolve other issues on the next submission. If an update includes bug fixes and is rejected, you will be given the option to resolve the issues on your next submission, as long as there are no legal or safety concerns. App Review will let you know if your submission is eligible by including this note at the top of the rejection message: Bug Fix Submissions The issues we've identified below are eligible to be resolved on your next update. To accept this offer, simply reply to the rejection message in App Store Connect and let App Review know you’ll resolve the issues on the next submission. Share ideas with Apple about how to improve or clarify the App Review Guidelines by submitting guideline feedback. Just as the App Store is always changing and improving to keep up with the needs of customers, the App Review Guidelines may be revised to provide new and updated guidance. If you have ideas for improving or clarifying our requirements you can suggest guideline changes. If your submission was rejected but you believe it follows the App Review Guidelines, consider submitting an appeal to the App Review Board. If your submission didn’t pass review but you have reason to believe it follows the App Review Guidelines, you can submit an appeal to the App Review Board. You can also file an appeal if you think we misunderstood your app or the review was unfair. The App Review Board will contact you as soon as they complete their investigation.
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Activity
Dec ’25
There are still preview uploads in progress.
Hello everyone, I’m stuck with an App Store Connect issue and would really appreciate any insight from the community. I am unable to submit my app for review due to the following persistent error: “Unable to Add for Review – There are still preview uploads in progress.” What makes this particularly confusing is that there are no previews currently uploading. Here is everything I have already tried: Deleted all App Preview videos and all screenshots Confirmed Media Manager shows no active uploads Re-uploaded App Preview videos fully compliant with Apple specs: H.264 AAC stereo audio Constant 30 FPS Correct resolution Uploaded a new build with a higher build number (Build 3) Waited more than 24 hours after upload Logged out / logged in, refreshed, tried multiple browsers and sessions Confirmed TestFlight build upload completed successfully Despite all of this, the error persists and also prevents: Adding the app for review Creating a new app version (the “Add Version” button does not appear) Apple Developer Support has suggested submitting a higher build number, which I have done, but the issue remains. At this point, it seems like a stuck / ghost App Preview upload job on the App Store Connect backend. Has anyone experienced a similar issue? If so: How was it resolved? Did Apple need to manually clear or reset something on their side? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
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240
Activity
Feb ’26
Storekit product not loading in TestFlight testing
Hello everyone, I achieved my MacOs app and distributed for "App Store Connect" and I already have setup the Product In App Purchase in the App Store connect, and I even tested the purchase flow using the local .storekit file using the "Edit Schema". And now, when I remove the edit scema's storekit file and archieved the app and used the Internal testing and installed the app using Testflight, I see that the product is not showing, an empty product array is being returned and there is no option to purchase. I don't want to sumit the full app until I test the StoreKit integration in real test
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371
Activity
Jan ’26
'Certificates, IDs & Profiles' section missing from developer.apple.com
The entire 'Certificates, IDs & Profiles' section is missing from developer.apple.com portal for one of the accounts I am a developer for. The Team is also missing from the dropdowns in Xcode in Code Signing. The organization account membership is paid through July 2026, and I do not see that the Account Holder needs to sign any agreements. I am a user on other accounts, and none of them have this issue. Does anyone know what's going on?
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761
Activity
Jan ’26
Seeking Advice on App Store Optimization for a New App With Low Initial Traction
I launched my app on the App Store and Google Play about two months ago and despite improving the icon and screenshots I have only reached around 40 downloads which makes me believe ASO is my main challenge. I started using ASO tools like TryAstro and AppTweak but the keyword metrics such as volume 39 and difficulty 0 are confusing so I would appreciate guidance on interpreting this data and on effective ASO strategies for a new app with minimal downloads or ratings.
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303
Activity
Feb ’26
Apple rejected my app ( again )
Hello everyone, few days back I posted about how apple rejected my build and now after 3 days, they replied back in a very unclear, and I am not being able to understand what they really mean by that. Context :- In my app, when the user clicked on "export" button, it should show the export options, however, if the user is not on a lifetime plan, it should open the "premium" popup / modal to allow them to purchase. Now, this modal loades project based on storekit IN app purchases I added, and locally I tested using the `.storekit` file and everything worked fine. However, before archieveing the build for app store connect, I remove the local file form "edit" scema, and I thought it should load automatically based on the IAP, because I added the IAP to the app build in the console as well. But now, apple responded with this after 3 days :- Issue Description The app exhibited one or more bugs that would negatively impact App Store users. Bug description: "Export" button brings up an empty sheet that seems like a In-App Purchase. (Please see attached screenshot) Next Steps Test the app on supported devices to identify and resolve bugs and stability issues before submitting for review. If you are unable to reproduce the bug, try the following: - For new apps, uninstall all previous versions of your app from a device, then install and follow the steps to reproduce. - For app updates, install the new version as an update to the previous version, then follow the steps to reproduce. They are saying that the premium modal is showing empty. However, what am I suppose to do here? Its working as expected, it needs to show the IAP which I already added? Can someone please guide here a bit, I am on a verge of cry, after waiting for 3 days, they replied with no clear answer and probably gonna take another week ( because of weekend tommorow ) and I am not sure what they really mean by that? This is screenshot of loaded modal and without loaded modal :-
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308
Activity
Jan ’26
Essential Background Assets prevent immediate installation feedback
Hello, I have an app with a few essential asset packs currently totaling to ~8GB. I've noticed that when trying to install the app fresh from TestFlight, there is a significant delay between tapping install and the app appearing on the device in the loading state. The delay is long enough where it's hard to tell what's happening, or if the installation has failed. This also appears to be an issue in App Review, as I've had my app rejected twice due to the app not loading on the reviewers device. The reason they gave is UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities is blocking the installation, but UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities is empty. Note: I'm not looking for App Store review help, simply sharing the extent of the issue. Thank you
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291
Activity
Jan ’26
Leaving Business as Account Holder
Hi, Some time ago I created an Apple Developer business account on behalf of my (now former) business partner. The company is no longer active, and I've been away from app development for a few years. I'd now like to start fresh with a new business account, but first I need to step away from this existing one. From the documentation, I understand that first I have to transfer the Account Holder role, and I've already spoken with the other person - he's willing to accept the role. According to the docs: https://developer.apple.com/help/account/access/transfer-the-account-holder-role/ the option should appear under "Update your information", but in my case there is no option called "Transfer Account Holder role". Has anyone encountered this before? Are there prerequisites or account conditions that need to be met for the transfer option to appear? Thanks in advance for any guidance.
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52
Activity
Dec ’25
Can I upload my game for App Store review without releasing it automatically afterwards?
I want to publish my game next year in the Apple App Store but I want to choose the time period manually. Can I upload my game for app review without releasing it automatically afterwards? Where exactly can I choose in App Store Connect if my game is published automatically or manually after the app review process? Currently I only use TestFlight.
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164
Activity
Dec ’25
Is iOS ASO mainly about optimizing the title subtitle and keyword fields
I have been exploring App Store Optimization and noticed that Apple primarily uses the App Name, Subtitle, and Keyword field as the main text based ranking signals according to official and third party sources. Are these the only factors that truly impact iOS ASO, or do elements like the app description and promotional text indirectly influence visibility, conversion, or ranking updates over time, and how frequently should subtitles and keywords be revised after launch.
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204
Activity
Feb ’26
Which resolution should I use for my in-game screenshots in the App Store?
In App Store Connect I can add up to 10 images for each iPhone/iPad display. But I don't know which resolution is the best for my screenshots in the App Store and I don't know if the screenshots could be displayed distorted if I don't upload png images for each iPhone/iPad display in App Store Connect. Should I upload for each iPhone/iPad display up to 10 screenshots in the highest possible resolution? For example, for the iPhone 6.5" display it would be 1284 × 2778px or 2778 × 1284px.
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48
Activity
Dec ’25
How can I add a clip to App Store Connect?
I want that the user can watch a short clip in the App Store before the user decides to download my game in the App Store. I want to upload a clip to App Store Connect but I don't know how to do that. And I get this warning: To provide metadata for your app clip, you must first upload a build to App Store Connect that contains a clip. Is it necessary that the user can watch the clip in my game or should the video file just be included in the build even if the clip cannot be watched in my game? Is it necessary to upload the clip first to YouTube and then paste the URL in App Store Connect?
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109
Activity
Dec ’25
Experience feedback after an App Store rejection (Guideline 4.3 – Design: Spam)
Hi everyone, my name is Donovan, I am sharing here the official response I received from Apple following my appeal with App Review Board (image attached). For context, I am an independent developer and a student, working alone. This application was originally created as a student project, with a very simple goal: to improve my skills in mobile application development and to understand the entire creation cycle, from the initial idea to a genuinely usable application. What was meant to be an exercise gradually became a real product. Over time, many people tested the project, used it, provided positive feedback, and encouraged me to take it all the way. That is why I decided to continue it, structure it properly, and finalize it with the level of seriousness expected from a public-facing application. Today, the application is a dating and social connection app, entirely free, with no blocking paid features, funded only by light and optional advertising. It follows the rules, works correctly, and offers features that Apple itself acknowledged as useful and informative. And yet, after review, the message is clear: it is not the quality that is being questioned, but the category. Because it is a dating app, a category considered saturated, two years of independent, self-funded work, carried out seriously and in compliance with the rules, can simply be dismissed. What is being judged here is not the work itself. It is the right to enter. The “unique and very high-quality experience” being required appears to be a threshold reserved for those who are already established, visible, or funded. For a serious student project carried by a single developer, the door remains closed, cleanly, politely, definitively. For those who still wish to see what the application looks like, I have attached a few images illustrating the interface and the main features. Unfortunately, this will likely be the only way to discover it on iOS. Under these conditions, the conclusion is pragmatic. Rather than continuing to defend the very existence of an honest and free project, it becomes more coherent to invest my energy where it is genuinely accepted. On its side, Android validated the project without difficulty. It still allows an independent developer to propose an idea, let it evolve, and bring it to completion without requiring prior success just to earn the right to try. It is therefore very likely that these two years of development will never make it to the App Store. Not out of frustration. Out of clarity. I am publishing this message not to provoke, but to inform other independent developers: Apple is a remarkable platform, provided you are already established on it. And this is a reality worth knowing before turning a student project into a life project. Screenshots:
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Dec ’25