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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90725: SDK version issue - iOS SDK 26 support
Hi guys, I need some help with an issue. When I submit my testing app to TestFlight, it gets uploaded successfully, but I'm not able to download it from TestFlight. I'm getting this error: SDK version issue: This app was built with the iOS 18.2 SDK. Starting April 2026, all iOS and iPadOS apps must be built with the iOS 26 SDK or later, included in Xcode 26 or later, in order to be uploaded to App Store Connect or submitted for distribution. It’s obvious that we all need to update to the iOS 26 SDK before April 2026, but my question is: Why is TestFlight already blocking builds 3 months before the actual enforcement date? Is anyone else facing this issue, and is there any known resolution or workaround? Your help or suggestions would be appreciated.
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How do individuals complete the VAT ID field when only companies register for VAT?
I have published a number of games under my account so far (before I let my account expire and 2 since I reactivated it) but now that I want to update my latest app I am told I can't submit it for review because my tax information is not up to date Looking at the missing info I see they want my VAT ID. That is the only thing missing on my account. Problem is that I am not a company and thus don't have a VAT ID. Now what? Does this mean I can never publish or update any app on iStore ever again until I change over to a business account and somehow make R50,000 outside of the App Store??? I am honestly stumped and don't know what to do :( Here in South Africa you are required to get a VAT ID if you earned over R1,000,000 in 12 months but you are allowed to voluntarily apply for a VAT ID once you earned over R50,000 for the year. In both cases, though, you have to be a company to apply. Individuals have to use their Tax Reference Number in place of a VAT ID whenever a VAT ID is required. So I try to use my TRN with App Store Connect and it just says my TRN is not valid. I copy paste it directly from the South African Revenue Services website to App Store Connect so it is absolutely correct and yet, Apple is saying "Nope, we don't like that number. Choose another one". So what do I do? 🤷
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App Rejected for Being "Too Similar to LaunchPad" - Seeking Specific Guidance on Differentiation
Hello everyone, I'm seeking advice from the community regarding an App Review rejection I've been struggling with. Situation: My Mac app, an application launcher, has been rejected under Guideline 5.2.5 for being "too similar to LaunchPad, which creates a misleading association with Apple." After requesting specific feedback on what needs to change, I received only a generic response directing me to read the guidelines without any actionable details about which features or design elements are problematic. My App's Differentiating Features: My app includes numerous features that distinguish it from LaunchPad: Windowed mode in addition to fullscreen Category topbar with filtering capabilities Resizable grid with customizable icon sizes and spacing Advanced organization with custom categories, tags, and usage tracking Different visual design language and interaction patterns The Challenge: I've observed several other app launchers on the Mac App Store that appear to share more similarities with LaunchPad than mine does (e.g., identical pagination, similar grid layouts, similar visual design). This makes it difficult to understand why my app specifically was flagged. What I've Tried: Provided detailed documentation of differentiating features Requested specific feedback on which elements need changing Compared my app to approved alternatives on the store Received only a generic response with no actionable guidance Questions for the Community: Has anyone else faced this type of rejection for app launchers or similar utility apps? What specific changes did you make that satisfied App Review? Are there particular visual elements or features that App Review considers "off limits" for this category? Should I consider filing a formal appeal, or is there a better path forward? Are there any Apple engineers who might be able to provide insight into how to differentiate from built-in macOS apps while still solving the same user problem? My Goal: I'm not trying to clone LaunchPad - I'm trying to provide users with a more powerful, customizable alternative. However, without specific guidance on what crosses the line, I'm stuck in a loop where I can't make meaningful changes. Any advice, experiences, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone successfully navigated a similar rejection? Thank you in advance for your help!
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App stuck in App Review since 2 Jan
Hello, I submitted my game app on 28 Dec last year. Unfortunately, it was stuck in review for weeks. I've tried submitting a request to expedite the review, I've reached out via the contact form, I've even tried resubmitting the build - all to no avail. Prior to this, I've been able to release monthly updates without trouble. Any advice on this issue would be greatly appreciated, thank you kindly!
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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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App approved but EU distribution blocked – DSA compliance stuck “In Review”
Hello, My app “DeepTone” has been fully approved and is marked as Ready for Distribution in App Store Connect. However, the app is not available in EU countries due to Digital Services Act (DSA) compliance still showing “In Review”. details: DSA verification was submitted and confirmed as completed by Apple Developer Support (case ID available). App Review has already approved the app. The app is currently live in non-EU regions but blocked in the EU. App Store Connect still shows: Digital Services Act (DSA) compliance – In Review Encryption Self-Declaration (France) – In Review This appears to be a backend compliance status issue rather than an app review issue. Has anyone experienced a similar situation where DSA compliance remained “In Review” after approval? Is there a known escalation path or expected resolution timeframe for this? Thank you for any guidance.
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Interesting graph in AppStore Connect I cannot replay
I got accidentally this graph whilst playing with the periods of display in AppStoreConnect Trends hourly graph on several days But when I try to recall it, no way. If I select a multi days period, hourly graph is not available. Someone has an idea how to get it again ? Or was I lucky to profit of a forums bug ? Here are the settings for the graph I cannot select again.
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How are developers promoting iOS apps in 2026 despite conditions
Mobile app marketing feels even more challenging in 2026, with once-reliable tactics like paid installs, influencer promotions, and push notifications losing impact while organic growth and user retention continue to slow. I am curious what is truly working for developers in 2026, whether stronger ASO, community-led engagement, web-to-app funnels, or long-term retention strategies are outperforming traditional paid acquisition.
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App Review Pending for Over 12 Days – No Response from Apple
Hello everyone, I’m looking for guidance regarding a prolonged App Store review delay. I submitted my app for review more than 12 days ago, and its status has remained “Waiting for Review” with no updates. I have also tried contacting Apple through App Store Connect and the Contact Us option, but I haven’t received any response so far. This app does not include any unusual features, private APIs, or sensitive content, and previous versions (or similar apps) were reviewed much faster. The long delay is blocking a planned release and affecting our timeline. Could anyone please advise: If this review duration is normal lately? Whether there is a recommended escalation path beyond App Store Connect messages? If there are any known review backlogs or issues I should be aware of? Any insights or suggestions from developers who’ve faced a similar situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and help.
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Rejoining iOS development after long break what updates matter most
Hey everyone, I’ve been building iOS apps since 2011, released several, took a four-year break, and recently launched two new apps, but the ecosystem feels very different now. Earlier, new apps saw strong first-day downloads and fast Google indexing, while today my App Store pages took weeks to appear and show almost no organic traction without promotion, so I’m curious if others notice this and how developers now gain discovery.
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app name not updating in TestFlight
tried all sorts of things and lots of recommendations from "ChatGPT" (boo... yeah sure it is going to take all of our jobs by just guessing at wrong answers... we can do that ourselves, haha) which yielded no answer. we are trying to change the app name but it keeps showing the old name in Test Flight. app shows proper name when installed on device from test flight. yes we are changing the "cf bundle display name" ... i did try deleting test flight and re-installing it, and also deleting app and re-installing it from test flight. still shows old name in test flight. this is a branding issue, the client wants to see the new name. how to fix this?
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