I'm hitting a persistent build/upload failure when trying to submit my first app for review. Hoping someone has seen this specific issue.
Setup
- App: ShiftSelf (an AI-guided self-coaching app)
- Bundle ID: app.shiftself.mobile
- Apple Developer account: active, paid, fully verified (Switzerland)
- App Store Connect: app created, Version 1.0 in "Prepare for Submission"
- Build pipeline: Expo-based (using a hosted Expo build service for the IPA upload)
The error
Every upload attempt fails with:
exportArchive Error: Downloading App Information
This has now occurred 14 times over the past 5 days, with no configuration changes between attempts.
What is already configured correctly
- Two auto-renewable subscriptions (Monthly $9.99, Annual $59.99) — both in "Ready to Submit" state
- Subscription Group with English localization ("ShiftSelf Pro") created
- Both subscriptions attached to Version 1.0 under In-App Purchases and Subscriptions
- Privacy Policy URL, Terms URL, and Account Deletion URL all live and reachable
- DSA verified, Banking and Tax information active
- App icon, screenshots, and metadata all uploaded
- Age rating questionnaire completed (4+)
- App Privacy answers fully submitted
- No pending agreements in Account → Agreements, Tax, and Banking
What I have already tried
- Recreated the subscription group localization
- Detached and reattached subscriptions to the version
- Multiple rebuild attempts at different times of day and across multiple days
- Verified all metadata fields are filled
Apple Support engagement
Currently working with Apple Developer Support (Case #102880953484). Guidance so far:
- Subscriptions must be "Ready to Submit" → done
- Subscriptions must be attached to the version → done
Both confirmed. Builds still fail with the same error.
Questions for the community
- Has anyone else seen "exportArchive Error: Downloading App Information" specifically during the metadata fetch step of an automated upload?
- Is there a known App Store Connect API issue that causes the metadata download to fail silently for first submissions?
- Would uploading the IPA manually via Apple Transporter bypass this step entirely, or does Transporter rely on the same metadata fetch?
- Is there any way to get more verbose logs on what specific "App Information" the export step is attempting to download?
Any pointers from anyone who has hit this would be hugely appreciated. Happy to share more details if useful.
Thanks 🙏