Overview

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.

Hello Apple engineers, could you help me understand whether this crash is a UIKit bug or something in our code that causes it. Based on the documentation it is an invalid fetch instruction, that's why I suspect UIKit. I've found a similar crash here on the forums reported a year ago, it seemed to be a UIKit bug - https://forums.developer.apple.com/forums/thread/729448. I've attached the full crash report (the app name was replaced with ): Thread 0 Crashed: 0 libobjc.A.dylib 0x000000019daf7c20 objc_msgSend + 32 (:-1) 1 UIKitCore 0x00000001a3020c50 -[UIView _wrappedProcessTraitChanges:withBehavior:] + 1288 (UIView.m:0) 2 UIKitCore 0x00000001a3020720 -[UIView _processChangesFromOldTraits:toCurrentTraits:withBehavior:] + 196 (UIView.m:7840) 3 UIKitCore 0x00000001a3020618 -[UIView _updateTraitCollectionAndProcessChangesWithBehavior:previousCollection:] + 112 (UIView.m:7831) 4 UIKitCore 0x00000001a2fa90c0 -[UIView(CALayerDelegate) layoutSublayersOfLayer:] + 944 (UIView.m:19850) 5 QuartzCore 0x00000001a22dfc28 CA::Layer::layout_if_needed(CA::Transaction*) + 496 (CALayer.mm:10944) 6 QuartzCore 0x00000001a22df7b4 CA::Layer::layout_and_display_if_needed(CA::Transaction*) + 148 (CALayer.mm:2638) 7 QuartzCore 0x00000001a2336914 CA::Context::commit_transaction(CA::Transaction*, double, double*) + 472 (CAContextInternal.mm:2613) 8 QuartzCore 0x00000001a22b57c4 CA::Transaction::commit() + 648 (CATransactionInternal.mm:420) 9 QuartzCore 0x00000001a22f8a0c CA::Transaction::flush_as_runloop_observer(bool) + 88 (CATransactionInternal.mm:928) 10 UIKitCore 0x00000001a303f568 _UIApplicationFlushCATransaction + 52 (UIApplication.m:3326) 11 UIKitCore 0x00000001a303cb64 __setupUpdateSequence_block_invoke_2 + 332 (_UIUpdateScheduler.m:1652) 12 UIKitCore 0x00000001a303c9d8 _UIUpdateSequenceRun + 84 (_UIUpdateSequence.mm:136) 13 UIKitCore 0x00000001a303c628 schedulerStepScheduledMainSection + 172 (_UIUpdateScheduler.m:1171) 14 UIKitCore 0x00000001a303d59c runloopSourceCallback + 92 (_UIUpdateScheduler.m:1334) 15 CoreFoundation 0x00000001a080c328 __CFRUNLOOP_IS_CALLING_OUT_TO_A_SOURCE0_PERFORM_FUNCTION__ + 28 (CFRunLoop.c:1970) 16 CoreFoundation 0x00000001a080c2bc __CFRunLoopDoSource0 + 176 (CFRunLoop.c:2014) 17 CoreFoundation 0x00000001a0809dc0 __CFRunLoopDoSources0 + 244 (CFRunLoop.c:2051) 18 CoreFoundation 0x00000001a0808fbc __CFRunLoopRun + 840 (CFRunLoop.c:2969) 19 CoreFoundation 0x00000001a0808830 CFRunLoopRunSpecific + 588 (CFRunLoop.c:3434) 20 GraphicsServices 0x00000001ec7e81c4 GSEventRunModal + 164 (GSEvent.c:2196) 21 UIKitCore 0x00000001a336eeb0 -[UIApplication _run] + 816 (UIApplication.m:3844) 22 UIKitCore 0x00000001a341d5b4 UIApplicationMain + 340 (UIApplication.m:5496) 23 UIKitCore 0x00000001a3757fa8 UIApplicationMain(_:_:_:_:) + 104 (UIKit.swift:565) 24 <Redacted> 0x00000001028bde64 specialized static UIApplicationDelegate.main() + 28 (/<compiler-generated>:16) 25 <Redacted> 0x00000001028bde64 static AppDelegate.$main() + 28 (AppDelegate.swift:0) 26 <Redacted> 0x00000001028bde64 main + 116 27 dyld 0x00000001c61f6ec8 start + 2724 (dyldMain.cpp:1334) 2024-12-27_20-53-28.2129_-0500-353aaa194e6232c0d1fae767296bdb8c47c30498.crash

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.

It’s been 3 days and enrollment still pending. Can you help me please? App is ready to publish

Hey Apple Sipport, can you double check enrollment? its been a while for this profile. Thank you

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone here can help or share insight. I submitted my enrollment for the Apple Developer Program a little over a week ago. After submitting my documents, I was told by Apple that I should receive a response within two business days, but I haven’t received any update, approval, or follow-up yet. I’ve double-checked that all required documents were successfully submitted Everything appears to be in order, but the status hasn’t changed and I haven’t been contacted. This is becoming urgent, as my app is ready for submission and I’m blocked from moving forward until the developer account is approved. I want to make sure I didn’t miss a step or that there isn’t something additional Apple needs from me. Is there a recommended way to escalate or follow up? Should I expect additional verification beyond the initial submission? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

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?

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.

Hey I'm using the CIDepthBlurEffect Core Image Filter in my app. It seems to work ok but I get these errors in the console when calling the class. CoreImage Metal library does not contain function for name: sparserendering_xhlrb_scan CoreImage Metal library does not contain function for name: sparserendering_xhlrb_diffuse CoreImage Metal library does not contain function for name: sparserendering_xhlrb_copy_back CoreImage Metal library does not contain function for name: plain_or_sRGB_copy Am I missing some sort of import to gain these Metal functions? I am using my own custom shaders but I assume you'd be able to use them along side the built in ones.

Hello, I am working on a cross‑platform application that uses libiconv to convert strings to/from Unicode. I need to modify the existing code for compatibility with macOS. However, the call to iconv() fails with an unclear errno value (92) when using "WCHAR_T": std::wstring ConvertToWchar(const std::string& iconvCodeSet, const std::string_view str) { iconv_t conv = iconv_open("WCHAR_T//TRANSLIT", iconvCodeSet.c_str()); if (conv == (iconv_t)-1) { std::cerr << "iconv_open() failed" << std::endl; return {}; } std::wstring out(str.size(), L'\0'); auto inPtr = (char*)str.data(); size_t inSize = str.size(); auto outPtr = (char*)out.data(); size_t outSize = out.size() * sizeof(wchar_t); if (iconv(conv, &inPtr, &inSize, &outPtr, &outSize) == (size_t)-1) { std::cerr << "iconv() failed. errno = " << errno << std::endl; return {}; } if (iconv(conv, nullptr, &inSize, &outPtr, &outSize) == (size_t)-1) { std::cerr << "iconv() failed. errno = " << errno << std::endl; return {}; } iconv_close(conv); return out; } int main() { std::string str1((const char*)u8"ΟΔΥΣΣΕΥΣ"); std::wstring str2 = ConvertToWchar("UTF-8", str1); if (str2.empty()) return 1; std::cout << "converted" << std::endl; return 0; } Using "UTF-32" works fine, but "WCHAR_T//TRANSLIT" fails. What is the recommended way to convert wchar_t strings using libiconv? Why does the conversion fail with "WCHAR_T//TRANSLIT"? Thank you in advance!

I'm trying to download an iOS Simulator runtime in Xcode 26.2 or 26.1 on macOS 26.1, but the download keeps failing with the following error: Download failed. Domain: DVTDownloadableErrorDomain Code: 41 Failed fetching catalog for assetType (com.apple.MobileAsset.iOSSimulatorRuntime), serverParameters ({ RequestedBuild = 23C54;}) Domain: DVTDownloadsUtilitiesErrorDomain. Code: -1. Download failed due to a bad URL. (Catalog download for com.apple.MobileAsset.iOSSimulatorRuntime) Domain: com.apple.MobileAssetError.Download Code: 49 User Info: {checkConfiguration = 1;} macOS &amp; Xcode Info: macOS Version: 26.1 (Build 25B78) Xcode Version: 26.2 (24553) (Build 17C52) What I've tried so far: Formatted my Mac and reinstalled Xcode multiple times. Completely deleted Xcode and its related files several times (/Applications/Xcode.app, caches, preferences). Tried different internet connections from multiple locations. Checked Apple servers and verified network. Attempted downloading other simulator runtimes (fail). but download fails immediately with DVTDownloadableErrorDomain Code 41 and bad URL error. Question: How can I fix the simulator download issue in Xcode 26.2 on macOS 26.1? Is there a known workaround for the bad URL / catalog download error?

I am developing the electronic part of product, it includes a Find-My features. I saw some forum that testing Find-My feature needs a CSR and testing token. Can anyone teach me how to apply CSR and testing token step by step? Thank you very much. Best regards Sam Ng

Hi all, Our company is applying for the Find My certification for our smartwearable product. Now we submitted the product plan and it's approved. The lab asked us to get the token but we searched on internet and the documents about it are limited. The CSR has approved and we already had .pem and .key file. I wonder what should we do next. Any helps are appreciated

I'm trying to manage multiple Command Line Tools versions side-by-side (e.g., 16.2 and 26.2). I renamed the CLT directory to /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools-26.2.0 and set: xcode-select -s /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools-26.2.0 or DEVELOPER_DIR=/Library/Developer/CommandLineTools-26.2.0 Both result in: c++: error: unable to find Xcode installation from active developer path "/Library/Developer/CommandLineTools-26.2.0" It appears CLT only works at the fixed path /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools, unlike Xcode which can be at any location. Is this by design? Is there a supported way to use multiple CLT versions in parallel, similar to how multiple Xcode versions can coexist?

Notarization Rejects Valid Developer ID Certificates - Apple Infrastructure Issue? Environment macOS: 15.6.1 Xcode: 26.0.1 Architecture: arm64 (Apple Silicon) Team ID: W---------- Certificate Status: Valid until 2030 (verified on developer.apple.com) Problem Apple's notarization service consistently rejected properly signed packages with error: "The binary is not signed with a valid Developer ID certificate." Despite: ✅ Valid certificates on developer.apple.com ✅ Local signing succeeds (codesign --verify passes) ✅ Proper certificate/key pairing verified ✅ Package structure correct Failed Submission IDs September 2025: adeeed3d-4732-49c6-a33c-724da43f9a4a 5a910f51-dc6d-4a5e-a1c7-b07f32376079 3930147e-daf6-4849-8b0a-26774fd92c3c b7fc8e4e-e03c-44e1-a68e-98b0db38aa39 d7dee4a1-68e8-44b5-85e9-05654425e044 da6fa563-ba21-4f9e-b677-80769bd23340 What I've Tried Re-downloaded fresh certificates from Apple Developer Portal Verified certificate chain locally Tested with multiple different builds Confirmed Team ID matches across all configurations Verified no unsigned nested components Waited 3 months for potential propagation delays Verified all agreements are current and accepted Re-tested with minimal test package - same error persists Local Verification # Certificates present and valid security find-identity -v -p codesigning | grep "Developer ID" 1) XXXXXXXXXX "Developer ID Application: <<REDACTED>> (W----------)" 2) XXXXXXXXXX "Developer ID Installer: <<REDACTED>> (W----------)" # Signing succeeds codesign --verify --deep --strict --verbose=2 [app] → Success Question This appears similar to thread #784184. After 3 months and ensuring all agreements are signed, the issue persists with identical error. The certificates work for local signing but Apple's notarization service rejects them. Could this be: Backend infrastructure issue with Team ID W----------? Certificate not properly registered in Apple's notarization database? Known issue requiring Apple Support intervention? Has anyone else experienced valid Developer ID certificates being rejected specifically by the notarization service while working locally?

Hi Apple Developer Support Team, I placed a membership order on 12/27/2025 — Order #W1642892477 — and I’m running into two issues: Possible duplicate charges I was first charged on the card ending **73, but the site then indicated the charge did not go through. However, I can see the deduction on my card. I then tried again using my second card ending **53, and I also see a deduction there. Please confirm whether both charges actually captured or if one is only a pending authorization. If both captured, please refund the duplicate charge. Membership still shows “Pending” Even though payment appears successful, when I log in my membership status still shows Pending. I also have not received any approval/activation/confirmation email. Could you please: Confirm the payment status for Order W1642892477 (including both cards), Activate my membership, and Let me know how long activation normally takes and whether there’s any action needed from my side? Thank you, Raymond.

We integrated DeviceCheck framework into our app to prevent fraudulent call to our app service around one year ago. Recently, we received a few cases related to this function over Christmas Eve period. Based on the logs we have, it indicated both the following two functions returned errors. But we don't have the exactly errors logged and now we cannot replicate. DCAppAttestService.shared.attestKey() DCAppAttestService.shared.generateAssertion() The other finding we have is some users reporting this issue recently upgraded their devices from iOS 18 to iOS 26. So we are suspecting it's due to either the OS upgrading, or Apple's app attest service degrading. Anyone encountered the similar issues before, or have any idea regarding the root cause? Thanks!

Hi all, I’m building an iOS app that uses CoreNFC to communicate with a YubiKey 5C NFC over ISO14443 / ISO7816 and send APDUs (e.g. select an applet by AID). Environment • Device: iPhone 13 Pro Max • iOS: 18.6.2 • Xcode: 26.1.1 (17B100) • API: NFCTagReaderSession(pollingOption: .iso14443) using NFCTag.iso7816 What I’m trying to do 1. Start NFCTagReaderSession(.iso14443) 2. Detect tag → connect 3. Send ISO7816 APDUs (SELECT AID, etc.) Issue A — Entitlements / signing If I add ISO7816-related NFC entitlements, Xcode fails signing with an error like: • “Provisioning profile … doesn’t match entitlements file value for com.apple.developer.nfc.readersession.formats” When I inspect the generated .mobileprovision, I only see something like: • com.apple.developer.nfc.readersession.formats = [NDEF, TAG, PACE] …and I do not see an ISO7816 / select-identifiers entitlement (and the Developer portal UI doesn’t appear to let me enable it). Questions: 1. Is ISO7816 access under com.apple.developer.nfc.readersession.formats restricted and requires Apple approval? If yes, what’s the correct request process? 2. Is com.apple.developer.nfc.readersession.iso7816.select-identifiers required for sending ISO7816 APDUs? If yes, how do developers obtain it / enable it for an App ID + provisioning profiles? 3. What is the Apple-supported way to configure entitlements/profiles for CoreNFC ISO7816 APDU communication with a token like a YubiKey? Issue B — Runtime NFC error Separately (even when I can run), I intermittently/consistently get: • NFCError Code=104 (“Tag is not connected”) This occurs after the tag is detected/connected when trying to establish a session or send APDUs. I’ve verified: • No phone case interference • Correct placement • Consistent detection “tick” from the phone for "Ready to Scan" prompt after tapping YubiKey 5C NFC device. If helpful, I can share: • A minimal sample project • The exact entitlements I tried • Console logs around the Code 104 failure Thanks!

I've made my first app and encountered an unexpected (potentially existential) issue. The Manager app is designed to tag 3rd party "plugins" used by a DAW, storing metadata in a local SQLite database, and move them between Active and Inactive folders. This allows management of the plugin collection - the DAW only uses what's in the Active folder. Permissions are obtained via security-scoped bookmarks on first launch. The app functions as intended: plugin bundles move correctly and the database tracks everything. No information is written to the plugins themselves. The Problem:
When moving plugins using fs.rename() , the MAS sandbox automatically adds the com.apple.quarantine extended attribute to moved files. When the DAW subsequently rebuilds its plugin cache, it interprets quarantined plugins as "corrupt" or potentially malicious and refuses to load them. Technical Details: Moving files with NSFileManager or Node.js fs APIs within sandbox triggers quarantine Sandboxed apps cannot call xattr -d com.apple.quarantine or use removexattr() The entitlement com.apple.security.files.user-selected.read-write doesn't grant xattr removal rights User workaround: run xattr -cr /path/to/plugins in Terminal - not acceptable for professional users Question:
Is there any MAS-compliant way to move files without triggering quarantine, or to remove the quarantine attribute within the sandbox? The hardened-runtime DMG build works perfectly (no sandbox = no quarantine added). Any insight appreciated!

Hello, I am new application developer that has been developing several applications in the productivity and finance sections concurrently for about 1 year. One of my applications is nearly ready to be submitted to the App Store. I have received a lot of discouragement from people who have submitted apps in regards to putting submitting as a paid app, however due to all of the upfront and ongoing investment I've made, I do not wish to release my application for free initially. (I am learning how to best integrate storekit and in-app purchases and subscriptions, but I'm not ready to implement that yet) QUESTION: When releasing an app as a paid app and then converting to a FREE app with subscription later on, is there anything I need to be aware of technically or in regards to guidelines so I don't shoot myself in the foot when changing pricing? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.