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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How to build reliable Analytics integration via API?
Hey there, I'm building a service that requires receiving accurate app downloads and sales/proceeds data along with the campaign name. From reading the documentation it looks to be fairly understandable, but in practice it is not that straightforward. For example, I received the first one-time-snapshot detailed report for the App Store Purchases, and it contains partial data for several days. Shouldn't that be a full report of everything in analytics for like last year or so? Should I expect it to be updated and extended in the coming days? For the ongoing detailed report, I have not received anything yet, but I'm afraid it might have partial data as well. I will report here as well.
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App rejected: saying that the monthly subscription...was not submitted for review
The monthly subscription is clearly listed in the Monthly/Yearly subscription group. I structured it similar to the first 2 items in Apple's Ocean Journal Multiple subscription and durations. The only difference is the order in which I put them. I didn't think that matters, does it? The Developer action flag does not allow me to rearrange or edit the Yearly group. I'm stuck. What should I do?
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Couldn't load app. TestFlight is currently unavailable. Try again
Our Testers are unable to access the current TestFlight build, receiving a "Couldn't load app. TestFlight is currently unavailable. Try again" error. This issue began last night. The problem affects all builds, including older ones that were previously accessible. Multiple attempts (4-5) to upload and test a new build (latest: 1.0.0+53, uploaded at 11:44 am IST) have not resolved the issue; in fact, it appears to have exacerbated it, impacting even previously working builds. This is blocking the release and testing of our new app version.We have already tried refreshing the distribution/development certificates. macOS version: 14.5 (23F79) Xcode version: 15.3 (15E204a) Info.plist entries have been cross-checked and verified. TestFlight logs show a 500 Internal Server Error for the following request: https://testflight.apple.com/v2/accounts/0b7148c2-759f-4eea-b1e9-9779d2c96c25/apps/6476102474/builds/160325015 The server response includes a 500 status code.
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Submission Rejected Due to Google Play References
Hello! We're using Expo Submit to submit our app builds to App Store and Play Store. One of the App Store feedback points was: "Revise the app's binary to remove Google Play references." We rely on Google services for: Google Sign In (which is not relevant for Apple users, of course) Expo Notifications (which may rely on Google Play services) Any ideas on what the path to resolution might be? Thank you.
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Query related to in-app purchase
We are developing a tipping system that allows users to collect tips through our application based on their chosen subscription plan. Our application offers two key features: Tap to Pay – Allows users to receive tips using Tap to Pay. Payment Profile Creation – Enables users to create multiple payment profiles. Both features are exclusively available to premium users. If a user selects the free plan, these features will be visible but not selectable. Question: Our main concern is whether integrating In-App Purchases (IAP) is mandatory for the subscription purchase flow or if we can use alternative payment methods such as Stripe instead.
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Day 12: Apple App Review – Silence, Delays, and No Accountability!
We are now on Day 12, and my app remains stuck "In Review" with no progress. Despite my repeated attempts to get a real update—including daily support tickets, an expedited review request, a phone call with an Apple representative, and multiple forum posts—nothing has changed. This is not a normal review delay. Based on backend logs, it is clear that no one has even opened the app for review. It is simply sitting in the queue, ignored, while my users are left without critical updates. I demand a call back from an App Review manager today. Not a generic email, not another vague "it's still in review" response—I need a real explanation from someone who has actual insight into what is going on. To reiterate: My app is one of the most popular and highest-grossing indie apps on visionOS, with thousands of users and hundreds of subscribers. The app follows a tight update schedule, which your inefficiency has completely disrupted. This is actively harming my business and user experience. Every proper channel I have followed has been ignored. Apple preaches that it supports indie developers, but this level of disregard shows the opposite. If there is a legitimate reason for this delay, I expect clear communication, not silence. If there isn’t, I expect this review to be completed immediately. Please schedule another call today. I will not accept another day of inaction. App ID: 6737148404
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My Game is Rejected (Has Unique Features and Art Style) - Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam
Hi everyone, I recently received a rejection for my app submission on the App Store. The rejection reason was: "We noticed your app shares a similar binary, metadata, and/or concept as apps submitted to the App Store by other developers, with only minor differences. Submitting similar or repackaged apps is a form of spam that creates clutter and makes it difficult for users to discover new apps." (Guideline 4.3(a) - Design - Spam) However, my game is quite different. It features a unique pixel art style and introduces fresh mechanics, such as cleaning tasks, accepting additional missions from NPCs, and even an idle clicker-style system where players can hire workers to gather in-game points. These elements differentiate it from other apps in the same category. My game's name is quite different as well: "My Pixel Market Sim - AppID: 6742187384" Additionally, the code behind the game is completely my own, and I even sell a popular Unity Asset on the Unity Asset Store for this category. So, I can assure you the app isn’t a repackage of anything existing. (I am the owner and publisher: https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/systems/market-shop-store-and-retail-game-creator-for-both-pc-and-mobile-291107) Can anyone shed some light on why this might have been flagged as spam? I'd really appreciate any advice or guidance on how to proceed with re-submitting my app. Thank you in advance!
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Regarding Firebase Privacy Manifest in PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy
I am reaching out regarding the ITMS-91061 rejection issue we encountered while submitting our app to the App Store. The rejection is related to missing privacy manifests for Firebase and related SDKs. Currently, our PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy file is structured as follows: Could you please confirm whether we can modify this file to include Firebase-related privacy information to resolve the rejection? If so, could you provide guidance on the correct format and the necessary entries we should add? We appreciate your support and look forward to your response.
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Can not transfer app
I have a bunch of apps that I want to transfer, but they have Sandboxed Group Containers and MacOS versions. Due to this restriction they can not be transferred: "The app is a macOS app that shares a sandbox container." But the MacOS builds never use the Group Container feature. Is there a path for the transfers to go ahead or could Apple make it so that apps that did not use Group Containers in their MacOS versions to be transferred.
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Guidance Needed: Submitting White-Labeled Apps for Clients Under Our Developer Account
Dear Apple Developer Support, We are seeking clarification and assistance regarding the recent rejections of our app submissions, citing insufficient business ownership documentation. We are a software company that builds white-labeled food ordering applications for restaurants. To comply with Apple's guidelines, we have provided signed authorisation documents from each restaurant owner, explicitly stating that we are permitted to submit and manage their branded apps on their behalf. Despite submitting these signed agreements, the apps continue to face rejection. Given that the restaurant owners have formally authorised us to act as their representative, we would appreciate guidance on why these documents are considered insufficient and what additional documentation might be required. We are submitting the apps under the accounts of the individual clients for whom they were designed. However, this approach presents significant operational difficulties for both us and our clients, including: Inconsistent App Management: Requiring each of our 180+ restaurant clients to maintain their own Apple Developer accounts makes it nearly impossible for us to ensure that all apps receive timely updates. This includes critical security patches, feature enhancements, and bug fixes, which are essential for maintaining app reliability and user trust. Compliance Issues: Many of our clients lack the technical expertise or resources to properly manage their developer accounts. This often results in expired memberships, incomplete account setups, or even suspensions, all of which prevent us from delivering necessary updates and jeopardise app performance. Operational Overhead: The administrative burden of overseeing multiple developer accounts slows down our update process, creating inefficiencies that negatively impact our clients and their customers. If possible, we kindly request that this matter be escalated to an Apple engineer or senior advisor who can help us find a path forward while ensuring compliance with Apple’s guidelines. Would be appreciated if someone can reach out to us.
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My iOS game is compatible with visionOS and MacOS
I already have an opinion ( I should never release to a platform without testing on a physical platform device ) on this but wanted to learn from experience and expertise and see if there were any viable options. My hybrid casual puzzle game is released on the App Store for iOS. (Whew!) Apparently it is compatible to both Mac OS and VisionOS I would love to make it available everywhere however, I am not sure it is best to do so without testing on these physical devices. Which could also mean making the design adjustments for those devices, having test devices ready etc. and I would have to update my Laptop to silicon. Has anyone tried this without testing on physical devices? What are your thoughts/best suggestions? Thanks in advance!
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Day 11: No Progress Despite Assurances of Expedited Review
Apple App Review Team, what is going on? Yesterday, I was assured that my app review was being "expedited." Yet, here we are—Day 11—and absolutely nothing has changed. The app remains stuck "In Review" with zero progress. This is beyond frustrating. It is actively damaging my business, my users, and the trust developers have in the App Store review process. I have followed every proper channel—daily support tickets, expedited review requests, even a direct call with an Apple representative—yet I am still met with the same vague, non-committal responses. Let me be clear: This is not an acceptable way to handle app reviews. Developers cannot operate under these unpredictable and arbitrary delays. The app is one of the most successful indie apps on visionOS, and this treatment is completely unjustified. I need real action. Today. Not another canned response, not another “we need additional time”—real progress and real accountability. Do better! App ID: 6737148404
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metadata file in .itmsp file (Transporter)
I am attempting to upload an application to the app store. The selected method was using Transporter through terminal commands. In this sense, I keep receiving a metadata error which is as follows : Command (Assume values are filled in) /usr/local/itms/bin/iTMSTransporter -m upload \ -u "MY_EMAIL" \ -p "YOUR_APP_SPECIFIC_PASSWORD" \ -f "/Users/isseyyohannes/Desktop/ALGORA_Performance.itmsp" \ --asc-provider "GL5BCCW69X" -v detailed I receive the following error Package Summary: 1 package(s) were not uploaded because they had problems: /Users/isseyyohannes/Desktop/ALGORA_Performance.itmsp - Error Messages: ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 9 column 25: element "data_file" incomplete; missing required elements "checksum" and "size" at XPath /package/software_assets/asset/data_file" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 12 column 24: element "software_metadata" not allowed here; expected the element end-tag or element "metadata_token" at XPath /package/software_metadata" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 13 column 19: element "software" not allowed here; expected the element end-tag or element "game_center", "in_app_purchases", "products", "read_only_info" or "versions" at XPath /package/software_metadata/software" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 16 column 28: element "bundle_id" not allowed anywhere; expected element "read_only_value" at XPath /package/software_metadata/software/read_only_info/bundle_id" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 17 column 30: element "app_version" not allowed anywhere; expected element "read_only_value" at XPath /package/software_metadata/software/read_only_info/app_version" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 18 column 33: element "product_family" not allowed anywhere; expected element "read_only_value" at XPath /package/software_metadata/software/read_only_info/product_family" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 19 column 30: element "read_only_info" incomplete; missing required element "read_only_value"" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Line 20 column 20: element "software" incomplete; expected element "software_assets" or "software_metadata"" ERROR ITMS-3000: "Package "null" failed schema validation." [2025-02-19 15:45:07 EST] <main> DBG-X: Returning 1 Essentially just a bunch of warnings about my metadata file which I edited manually to read the following <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <package version="software5.10" xmlns="http://apple.com/itunes/importer"> <provider>GL5BCCW69X</provider> <team_id>GL5BCCW69X</team_id> <software_assets> <asset type="bundle"> <data_file> <file_name>ALGORA_Performance.pkg</file_name> <checksum type="sha1">7acb9fcb19eb203bdc6038f88d06a67386900b28</checksum> <size>75619323</size> </data_file> </asset> <software_metadata> <software> <vendor_id>93274081</vendor_id> <read_only_info> <read_only_value key="bundle_id">com.algora.ALGORA-Performance</read_only_value> <read_only_value key="app_version">0.0.0</read_only_value> <read_only_value key="product_family">macOS</read_only_value> </read_only_info> </software> </software_metadata> </software_assets> </package> Last note is that I manually created the metadata.xml file and moved it via local terminal for fear of having to use XCode which I am not familiar with. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED
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