App Store Connect for Developers Gains Refreshed UI, Feature Notifications and More

Apple today overhauled the App Store Connect app designed for developers, introducing version 2.0. Developers use App Store Connect to distribute and manage their apps for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. ‌App Store‌ Connect 2.0 includes a refreshed UI throughout the app, as well as new capabilities. Developers are […]

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Developers Now Required to Share Phone Number and Address on EU App Store to Meet ‘Trader’ Requirement

Apple today reminded developers that the EU trader requirement in the European Union is now being enforced. Developers who distribute apps in the EU will now need to share information that includes address, phone number, and email address on the EU App Store. Submitting updates for apps on the ‌App Store‌ in the European Union […]

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Apple Loosens App Store External Linking Rules and Changes Fee Structure in European Union

Apple is today announcing some updates to its Digital Markets Act compliance plan in the European Union, with changes to external linking that give developers more freedom to direct customers to non-App Store purchase options and sales. EU developers that are operating under the new App Store business terms or the prior ‌App Store‌ purchase […]

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Apple Updates App Store Guidelines for PC Emulator Apps

Apple today refreshed its App Store Guidelines created for developers, modifying the emulator rules to include express permission for PC emulators to download games. Guideline 4.7 has been updated to state that PC emulator apps can offer to download games. The guideline previously said that console emulator apps could include the option to download games, […]

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Apple Redesigning TestFlight App in iOS 18

Apple plans to overhaul the design of its TestFlight app that is available to developers for beta testing their apps, and the updated design was highlighted in a WWDC session on App Store Connect. TestFlight in iOS 18 features a new invitation experience that will better showcase the app by highlighting key information including app […]

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iOS 18 Will Let You Activate Third-Party Camera From iPhone’s Lock Screen or Action Button

iOS 18 includes a new LockedCameraCapture framework for developers, which will bring some useful new functionality to third-party apps with camera features. The update will let a third-party camera app be opened directly from the Lock Screen. The expansion of Control Center in ‌iOS 18‌ allows for third-party apps to be added to Control Center […]

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Apple Updates Developer Forums Ahead of WWDC, Provides Insights Into Available Developer Tools

As the countdown to WWDC 2024 continues, Apple today highlighted the tools and programs that it makes available to developers, and announced an update to the Apple Developer Forums. Apple says that the updated forums will connect developers with more experts and with other developers for timely responses to technical questions. Apple engineers will provide […]

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WWDC 2024 Will Include In-Person Special Event at Apple Park

While Apple does not plan to hold a traditional in-person WWDC event this year, the company will invite select developers and students to attend a special event at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. On Monday, June 10, Apple will host a keynote viewing party to let attendees watch the pre-recorded unveiling of new […]

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Apple Working on Solution for EU Core Technology Fee Possibly Bankrupting Apps That Go Unexpectedly Viral

Since Apple announced plans for the 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee that apps distributed using the new EU App Store business terms must pay, there have been ongoing concerns about what that fee might mean for a developer that suddenly has a free app go viral. Apple’s VP of regulatory law Kyle Andeers today met […]

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Apple to Let EU iPhone Users Delete Safari and More Easily Transition to Android

In addition to adding support for alternative app marketplaces and alternative payment methods in the European Union, Apple is making several other changes to comply with the terms of the Digital Markets Act. Apple today outlined some of its upcoming plans in a DMA Compliance Report [PDF]. Apple is going to make it easier for […]

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Apple Gives Developers More Insight Into App Performance With Over 50 New Analytics Reports

Alongside the app ecosystem changes that Apple is making in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act, Apple has introduced new analytics information that’s available to developers around the world. There are more than 50 reports that are available through the App Store Connect API, with these reports aimed at giving developers […]

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Apple Tweaks New EU App Store Business Terms After Developer Feedback

With the launch of iOS 17.4, Apple’s app ecosystem changes in the European Union have gone into effect. Apple today said that it made some last minute updates to its terms of service after receiving feedback from developers. To distribute apps through an app marketplace, with a reduced fee to Apple, or with an alternative […]

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Apple Starts Letting Developers Add Alternative App Marketplaces to App Store Connect

EU developers can now add alternative app marketplaces to App Store Connect, Apple said today. Apple is also accepting submissions for the Notarization process, which is required for all apps that will be distributed through alternative marketplaces. Apple is making these changes to ‌App Store‌ Connect ahead of the launch of iOS 17.4, an update […]

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Apple’s 2024 Swift Student Challenge Now Live

Apple today began accepting submissions for its 2024 Swift Student Challenge. Apple’s annual challenges ask students to create an innovative coding project using the Swift Playgrounds app. Apple first announced plans for an early 2024 launch in November 2023, giving students plenty of time to prepare for this year’s event. Apple will select 350 winners […]

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App Developers Can Now Sign Up for Consultations on Complicated EU App Ecosystem Changes

Apple this week announced that developers can sign up to meet with an Apple team member to discuss the changes being made to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union. Developers can request a 30-minute online consultation to ask questions and provide feedback about Apple’s changes. Topics of discussion include alternative distribution […]

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Apple Now Selling $300 Developer Strap for Vision Pro

Through its Developer website, Apple is offering a $300 “Developer Strap” for the Vision Pro, which provides a USB-C connection between the headset and a Mac. Apple says that the Developer Strap is helpful for “accelerating the development of graphics-intensive apps and games.” It is designed to provide the same audio experience as the standard […]

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Apple Expands Analytics Available to Developers as Part of App Store Changes

As part of the App Store changes being enabled in Europe, Apple is providing all developers worldwide with updated analytics information. More than 50 new reports are available through the ‌App Store‌ Connect API to help developers analyze their app performance. Some of the new metrics: Engagement – Apple is offering additional insight into the […]

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Apple Launching 2024 Swift Student Challenge on February 5

Apple will begin accepting submissions for its next Swift Student Challenge on Monday, February 5, Apple said today in news provided to developers. Apple first announced plans for an early 2024 launch in November, giving students plenty of time to prepare. The Swift Student Challenge tasks students with creating an innovative coding project using the […]

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Apple to Launch Next Swift Student Challenge in February 2024

Apple today announced that it plans to hold its next Swift Student Challenge in February 2024, marking the first time the company has provided advanced notice to give students time to prepare. The Swift Student Challenge tasks students with creating an innovative coding project using the Swift Playgrounds app. This year’s Swift Student Challenge will […]

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