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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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Posts under App Store Distribution & Marketing topic

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in app purchase pay successfully,but doesn't receive receipt from apple
I am just developing an app,I just config the In App Purchase module in App Store Connect.And I have deployed the related code in flutter, and the Xcode have done the configuration about this. The fetching products is successful, and buyNonconsumable/buyConsumble api could be called successfully ,but whatever install methods I have tried, could not receive the receipt after call the buyNonconsumable/buyConsumbl api.So could you help to solve this problem,I just have stucked for a few weeks , please help. Btw ,my friends have told me that if I want to integrated the In App Purchase function,I need to upload a version to apple store and make it pass the review process.Please help me to confirm these question ,very thankful.
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Guideline 5.4: VPN & Ads
How would one interpret guideline 5.4 VPN? It states: "Apps offering VPN services may not sell, use, or disclose to third parties any data for any purpose, and must commit to this in their privacy policy" Does that mean you cannot integrate Ad SDKs inside apps offering VPN functionality? Or does this only apply VPN Traffic? So using third party Ad SDKs like Admob is fine, as long you don't share any VPN traffic data? (e.g. Admob runs inside the App Process/UI, but doesn't run inside NEPacketTunnel) We have a similar case (and couldn't get clarification from App Review so far)
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Individual to Organization Conversion Stalled - Faster to Create a New Organization Account?
Hi everyone, I'm stuck in Apple's account migration process and could use some advice from those who've been through this. My situation: Submitted individual → organization migration request Got initial response from Apple on June 15 (case #102620626191) Confirmed to proceed immediately Radio silence for 4+ days since then Key details: No existing apps or certificates to preserve Have a finished app ready to publish under business name ASAP Already have D-U-N-S number and LLC setup My question: Should I start a fresh organization account application in parallel, or will that cause conflicts since it's the same LLC/D-U-N-S number? Has anyone been in a similar situation? Did creating a new org account end up being faster than waiting for the migration to complete? Any insights on typical timelines for both processes would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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App stuck in “In Review” and then “Waiting for Review” — seeking advice
Hi everyone, I’m relatively new to the App Store and currently facing a frustrating review situation. I’d appreciate any advice or insight. Here’s the timeline: June 6: I submitted version 1.0 of my app. It was approved the same day. June 10: I submitted version 1.1 with a few important bug fixes. The app quickly moved from “Waiting for Review” to “In Review”, and stayed in that status for 6 full days, with no activity or feedback. I submitted an expedited review request and contacted support. They replied that the review “started on June 12,” although App Store Connect shows In Review since June 10. Based on advice from other developers, I assumed the app was stuck due to a rare issue. So, on June 16, I removed the submission and resubmitted the exact same version 1.1 — hoping this would reset the process. Unfortunately, the app then stayed in “Waiting for Review” for more than 48 hours. I wasn’t planning to cancel again, but I discovered a critical gameplay bug that had to be fixed. On June 18, I submitted a new build as version 1.2. It’s currently in “Waiting for Review”. ❓My questions: Is there anything I might be doing wrong that’s causing these delays? Could I be missing some required metadata or review notes? Or is this normal behavior for new developer accounts? I’d really appreciate any guidance — I just want to ensure I’m not overlooking something important. Thanks in advance! App ID: 6746811958
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Request for update on app review pending since June 2nd
Dear App Store Review Team, I am writing to express my concern regarding the lack of response concerning the review of my application, which has been under review since June 2nd with no updates or further communication. This delay is negatively impacting my business negotiations, as my clients already have access to the Android version and are now waiting for the iOS version. My professional credibility is being affected, as I cannot provide them with a clear response or estimated availability date. I have made a significant investment in developing this iPhone version, purchasing the required hardware, licenses, and tools, trusting that I would receive professional and fair treatment from Apple. I kindly request an update on the status of the review and a prompt resolution, as this situation is causing me considerable harm. Sincerely,
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Use own server to hosts assets
Hi, We currently have an app in the app store for about 10 years now. It can show aviation instrument panels. Technically, each instrument is a folder that holds assets like PNG's etc, and a lua script. Since this is a script, I understand that apple needs to verify it before it can enter the app store. That is why we have always packaged all instruments with the app. We already have an online server that hosts these instruments, used on Android and Desktop. My first question is, is there a way could still use our own server, and let apple verify them another way? Regards Corjan
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App in "Waiting for review" status since 8 days
Dear Apple Review, I submitted my app for review on June 11th, and it has remained in “Waiting for Review” status for the past 8 days without any updates or communication. As this is my first app submission, I was expecting the review process to follow the usual 24–48 hour timeframe, as publicly stated. I’ve noticed that other apps are being reviewed and even updated multiple times in the meantime, which makes this prolonged delay particularly concerning. I would greatly appreciate it if you could look into the status of my submission and provide any updates or guidance regarding the next steps. Thank you for your time and support. Best regards,
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Uploaded Build Missing NSLocationAlwaysAndWhenInUseUsageDescription Key Despite this Key Being in the Info.plist File
Hey All! I keep receiving an email from Apple stating "You have a missing purpose string in your Info.plist" for the key "NSLocationAlwaysAndWhenInUseUsageDescription". The thing is, though, that we are setting that value within our build Info.plist. The data in that value is even reflected into the application after build, with the correct purpose string showing up when requesting location services. We currently do our builds via Azure Devops CI/CD, where we use xcodebuild for this process. The archive also generates an Info.plist without the location key, so I tried manually inserting it before deployment. Also no luck. Anyone else had this issue or know how to resolve it? Snippet to show how the location key is currently set during build: <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd"> <plist version="1.0"> <dict> <key>NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription</key> <string>Application uses location data for accurate maps display</string> </dict> </plist> Thanks!
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App Submission Clarification – Similar Functionality to Existing App
We are preparing to submit a new app that shares some functionality and with an app we have previously distributed on the App Store. The Codebase will be different (the existing one was developped using React JS and the Second one usinf SWIFT). While the new app includes updated features, a redesigned interface, and is intended for a different user audience, we would like to confirm in advance whether submitting it as a separate app (with a new Bundle ID) is acceptable under current App Store Review Guidelines. In particular, we would appreciate clarification regarding Guideline 4.3 (Spam), to ensure that the submission will not be considered a duplicate or unnecessarily repetitive version of our existing app. Could you please advise on this matter?
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Is External Payment Link Entitlement (ELAE) allowed for fitness apps?
Hi everyone, We're working on a fitness and wellness app that offers subscription-based content like workout videos, nutrition plans, and personal coaching. We've read the updated documentation on the External Link Account Entitlement (ELAE), which allows certain apps to include a link to an external website for account management and payments. However, based on what Apple describes as eligible “reader apps” (video streaming, books, audio, etc.), it's unclear whether fitness apps can apply for and use this entitlement. Our questions: Can a fitness app use the External Link Account Entitlement to link out to a web-based subscription page? If not currently supported, is there any plan to expand this to other categories like health & fitness? We are fully compliant with App Store IAP rules today, but we're exploring all legitimate options as we aim to provide a smooth and transparent experience across platforms (iOS, Android, and web). Any insights from the community or Apple team would be appreciated! Thanks, Onur Hazar
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AppStore Review latest experience
I haven't much published new apps to AppStore for a period. But as I have built myself a MacOS app and have used it over a year, so I decided to hire professional designed that maybe there will be others that would like to use it as it was unique tool for professionals. But after a flustrating week with AppSTore Reviewers, seems that I'm paying each year for a service that has no value to anyone. AppStore Reviewrs never read or ignored my messages; Even I had uploded several corrected builds (and obviously changed that build in AppStore Connect, they have ignored it and are still testing the first version uploaded; Even I have provided the webpage, which decsribes app features and how to use those, they have never visited that page and as I later created Youtube video showing show I use it, that video was never playd. Complaining to App Review Board has no effect anymore. They just ignore complaints. At least during my last iOS app submissions, Reviewer constantly comlianed that "Like" button is unresponsive, even I have explained that you can't Like your own posts, especially before those are published. Then Revew Board intervened and I finally got my app published. But this situation now seems to be absurd? Why we are paying this "Developers Fee" to get insulted by Apple Corporation?
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Issue with Apple Developer Program Enrollment
Hi, A few hours ago I enrolled myself in the Apple Developer Program and paid the yearly dues (995 SEK for Sweden). I enrolled via the Developer program on my Mac. When I visit the website (developer.apple.com) now I see an option to "To continue your enrollment, complete your purchase now" and it seems like it's asking me to pay again? I'm not sure if it's an issue of waiting or something went wrong during sign up. I've checked my bank and I have been charged already so I wonder if it's an issue of time/approval, how long would it take to finish enrollment? Thanks!
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iOS AES-256 encryption
Hi Team We are planning to create a new iOS App for all the countries, listed on Apple Store and wants to encrypt data using AES-256. We checked that we need to fill a declaration form for the same. We are in the process of completing the Crypto declaration form and noticed that there is a mandatory filed requiring the SIRET number, which we understand applied to companies incorporated in France. As an our entity incorporated in India, we are registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and identified by our Corporate Identification Number (CIN) . Since the SIRET number is not applicable to non French companies, we would appreciate your guidance on how best to proceed with this section of the form. Thank you in advance for your assistance and we look forward for your response.
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Lost Subscriptions- need help
Hello I’m 17 and just made my first app to test everything was working. I went to another phone of mine and downloaded the app and paid for a subscription. It’s been about 11 hours and the subscription still hasn’t showed on my App Store Connect trends. Is this normal or should I take the app down and sort this issue?
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DEVELOPER_ID_APPLICATION_G2 is not recognized by ASC API
Hi, ASC API call rejects DEVELOPER_ID_APPLICATION_G2 and does not recognize it, even though it is listed as a valid certificateType in the docs: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/appstoreconnectapi/get-v1-certificates. If it was removed from the certificate list, then why Apple forces to choose the G2 type when creating a DEVELOPER_ID_APPLICATION certificate manually in the Apple Developer account. Can someone from Apple support please check it as it is a contradictory behavior and is a blocker.
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Guidance on Java JRE Usage for PST Parsing in Mac OS Application– Code Signing & App Store Compliance
Hello Apple Support Team, We are developing a macOS application that allows users to import and view PST files (Microsoft Outlook archives). These files contain a complex, proprietary format that requires specialized parsing libraries. To achieve this, we are using Aspose Email for Java, which is currently one of the few reliable libraries that support complete PST parsing across platforms. Why we are using Java & Aspose The Aspose Email Java library provides a comprehensive API to extract mail data (including metadata, attachments, and folder structure) from .pst files. A native Swift or Objective-C alternative with full .pst parsing capability does not exist, which is why we opted for a Java-based helper module that runs in the background and communicates with the macOS app over a Unix domain socket. How we bundle it We package the AsposeEmail.jar and a custom JRE (Java Runtime Environment) created using jlink, tailored to run only our jar. This entire setup (JAR + JRE) is bundled within the Contents/Resources directory of the macOS app, and we invoke the Java runtime using standard process launch APIs from Swift. Problem during App Store Submission When we archive the app and submit it to the App Store, the validation step raises an error: ITMS-90284: Invalid Code Signing - The executable 'com.app.sample.appstore.pkg/Payload/Sample.app/Contents/Resources/custom-jre-universal/lib/cli ent/libjsig.dylib' must be signed with the certificate that is contained in the provisioning profile. ITMS-90284: Invalid Code Signing - The executable 'com.app.aample.appstore.pkg/Payload/Sample.app/Contents/Resources/custom-jre-universal/lib/cli ent/libjvm.dylib' must be signed with the certificate that is contained in the provisioning profile. When we attempt to code sign the custom JRE, especially the .dylib files inside, the runtime breaks. Java is unable to launch correctly and throws permission errors and execution failures. Alternative we thought of (On-Demand Download) To avoid the code signing issue, we decided to remove the JRE from the bundle and instead download it on demand when the user performs an action like "Import PST". However, we realized this may violate the App Store Review Guideline 2.5.2: Our use case, while not dynamically modifying features, does download and execute a Java runtime, which could be interpreted as executing new code post-installation. How can we proceed? We are looking for Apple’s guidance on the correct and compliant path forward: Is there a recommended way to bundle and codesign a custom JRE so it is accepted by the App Store? Is on-demand download of a custom runtime for a very specific parsing task permitted, assuming it doesn't modify app features but simply supports user-initiated operations? We would greatly appreciate any guidance or best practices on how to handle this situation, particularly with respect to App Store compliance. Regards, Maaz Hussain
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[HELP] My App Was Approved Then Rejected for 4.3 Spam – No Clear Reason Given (App ID: 6744330283)
Hi everyone, I’m reaching out because I’m really struggling to understand what’s happening with my app’s review status. My app was successfully approved and published with: Version 1.0 on May 12, 2025 Then updated to 1.1 on May 18, 2025 Everything was going smoothly — users were engaging, and within the last 20 days alone, in-app purchases totaled $2,100. However, when I submitted a new summer update (with fresh features and an in-app event), both: Version 1.2 and Version 2.1 ...were rejected under guideline 4.3(A) – Spam. This is incredibly confusing because: My app has a completely original design and functionality It provides distinctive value and content There is real user activity and sales I tried everything — submitted explanations, requested a manual review, even scheduled a Webex meeting with Apple. But the meeting was vague, and I still haven't received any concrete details on what exactly violates 4.3(A). Everything just refers back to "not complying with Apple's guidelines" without specifying how. 🆘 App ID: 6744330283 Has anyone faced something similar? Does anyone have insight on how to move forward or how to escalate this issue for a proper manual review? Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Bao Duy
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Increase in app clip size.
Hello, I am working on app clips and I wish to know how is the code packaged when the build gets uploaded to App Store Connect? Is there any documentation around this or can you help me with what happens while generating the binary? I added 7 files to app clip target. Some are of 1 KB and others are of 2KB when I look for it's size on my MacBook. However when I upload a build to App Store Connect with these 7 files, I am noticing the size of App Clip increasing by almost 1MB. These files are code files i.e. .swift files and not assets. How is it possible to that the App Clip size grows by an MB for these 7 files? Even if I consider them to be 2KB each, shouldn't the app clip size increase just by 14 or so KB's?
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