App Store Connect API Essential Guide

What type of API does App Store Connect provide?

App Store Connect API Type

App Store Connect uses a REST API.

Key Points

• The App Store Connect API is designed to allow developers to automate tasks and workflows related to managing apps on the App Store.
• REST (Representational State Transfer) is one of the most popular types of APIs, known for its flexibility and ease of use.
• REST APIs typically use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) for operations and communicate using JSON data format.

Comparison to Other API Types

While App Store Connect uses REST, it's worth noting how it compares to other common API types:

• SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol): More rigid structure, uses XML, and has built-in security features. Often used in enterprise environments.
• GraphQL: Offers more flexibility in data querying, allowing clients to request exactly the data they need. Developed by Facebook and gaining popularity.
• gRPC: A high-performance RPC (Remote Procedure Call) framework developed by Google, often used for microservices.

Best Practices

When working with the App Store Connect REST API:

1. Familiarize yourself with RESTful principles and HTTP methods.
2. Use appropriate authentication mechanisms as required by Apple.
3. Handle errors using standard HTTP status codes.
4. Consider versioning strategies for API updates.

Does the App Store Connect API have webhooks?

Based on the search results provided, it appears that the official App Store Connect API does not currently support webhooks. Here are the key points:

Current Status

• The official App Store Connect API documentation does not mention any webhook functionality.

• There are multiple developer requests and discussions about wanting webhook support for App Store Connect, indicating it's not currently available.

Workarounds

• Some developers have created third-party solutions to simulate webhook-like functionality by polling the App Store Connect API at regular intervals and sending notifications when changes are detected.

• For example, the "App Store Connect Notifier" project on GitHub uses polling to check for updates and post them to Slack.

Potential Future Support

• There are indications that developers are hoping Apple will add webhook support in the future:

  • One developer mentioned "The long-term goal of this project is to retire itself once App Store Connect finally starts supporting webhooks."

  • Another developer commented "Do we have webhook support now? It's been 2 years." in a forum thread from 2022.

Alternative Notification Options

• While not webhooks, Apple does offer App Store Server Notifications that can be enabled to receive updates about in-app purchases and subscriptions.

In summary, as of now, the official App Store Connect API does not support webhooks. Developers have to rely on polling or third-party solutions if they want to receive automated notifications about app status changes. There seems to be ongoing interest from the developer community for Apple to add webhook support in the future.

Rate Limits and other limitations

Here are the key points about the API rate limits for the App Store Connect API:

Documented Rate Limits

• According to the official documentation, there is an hourly rate limit for API requests.
• The specific hourly limit can vary, but one user reported having a limit of 3600 requests per hour.

Additional Undocumented Limits

• There appears to be an undocumented per-minute rate limit as well.
• One developer found that after 300-350 requests in a given clock minute, they would start receiving 429 (Rate Limit Exceeded) errors.
• Limiting requests to 300 per minute resolved the issue for that developer.

Rate Limit Headers

• The API returns rate limit information in response headers.
• For example: "x-rate-limit": "user-hour-lim:3600;user-hour-rem:3121;".
• This indicates the hourly limit and how many requests remain for that hour.

Best Practices

• Handle 429 errors gracefully and retry requests later.
• Track data locally to minimize unnecessary API calls.
• Implement rate limiting in your code to stay within both hourly and per-minute limits.
• Be aware that the exact limits may change, so build in flexibility to your implementation.

Additional Notes

• During temporary outages or issues on Apple's end, you may encounter rate limit errors even if you haven't exceeded the limits.
• In such cases, waiting and retrying later often resolves the issue.

It's important to note that while the hourly limit is documented, the per-minute limit appears to be undocumented and may be subject to change. Always refer to the latest official documentation and be prepared to adjust your implementation if needed.

Latest API Version

The most recent version of the App Store Connect API is 3.4, based on the information provided in the search results.

Key points to consider:

1. Apple announced the release of App Store Connect API version 3.4 on March 22, 2024 [4].

2. This update brings significant improvements and new features to the API [4].

3. The new version provides access to more detailed data on app performance, including metrics such as impressions, product page reviews, conversion rates, download sales, active devices, and crashes [4].

New features in App Store Connect API 3.4:

1. App Store Engagement: Provides insights into how users discover and interact with apps on the App Store, including impressions and page views [4].

2. App Store Commerce: Offers details on post-installation metrics, such as total downloads, first downloads, pre-orders, and purchases [4].

3. App User: Includes analytical metrics like sessions, installations, and crashes, providing a deeper understanding of user behavior [4].

4. Framework Usage and Performance: Provides a detailed look at app performance and user interaction with specific iOS features [4].

Impact and significance:

1. The update addresses previous limitations in accessing crucial metrics, allowing for more comprehensive app performance analysis [4].

2. This new version is expected to bring significant benefits to everyone involved in the app ecosystem, including developers, marketing professionals, and product managers [4].

3. Tools and services that rely on the App Store Connect API, such as EasyAppReports, are already working on integrating the new data to offer users a more comprehensive view of their app's performance.

It's worth noting that Apple regularly updates its APIs and services, so it's always a good idea to check the official Apple Developer documentation for the most up-to-date information on the App Store Connect API.

How to get a App Store Connect developer account and API Keys?

To get a developer account for App Store Connect and create an API integration, you need to follow these steps:

Request Access to the App Store Connect API

1. The Account Holder (team agent) must request access to the API in App Store Connect.

2. To request access:

   • Log in to App Store Connect
   • Click on "Users and Access"
   • Click on the "Keys" tab
   • Click "Request Access"

3. Review the terms, check the agreement box, and click Submit.

4. Your request will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.

Generate API Keys

Once access is granted, you can generate API keys:

1. For individual use:

   • Any user with appropriate permissions can generate their own API key
   • Click your username, then "Edit Profile"
   • Click "Download" to get your API key

2. For team use (requires Account Holder or Admin role):

   • Go to Users and Access > Integrations
   • Click "Generate API Key"
   • Enter a name and select role permissions

Key Points to Consider

• Only the Account Holder (team agent) can initially request API access.
• API keys are private and can only be downloaded once. Store them securely.
• You can generate role-based API keys for all apps or individual user keys.
• Team API keys can be assigned specific role permissions.

Best Practices

• Revoke API keys immediately if they become lost or compromised.
• Use team API keys for automated workflows across your organization.
• Regularly review and manage API key access, especially when team members leave.
• Utilize the API to automate tasks like app management, provisioning, and analytics.

By following these steps and best practices, you can set up and effectively use the App Store Connect API for your development workflow.

What can you do with the App Store Connect API?

Based on the search results provided, here is a list of data models you can interact with using the App Store Connect API, along with what is possible for each:

App Metadata

• Manage app information such as:
  • App categories
  • Global availability
  • Primary locale
  • License agreements
• Create new versions or add new platforms
• Upload app previews and screenshots
• Add and update localized information like:
  • App name
  • Description
  • Keywords
• Complete coverage of app version metadata from creation through submission for App Review

User Management

• Manage users on your team
• Create provisioning profiles

TestFlight

• Add and remove beta testers

Sales and Finance

• Download sales and financial reports

Power and Performance Metrics

• Access aggregate data on:
  • Memory usage
  • Launch time
  • Hang rate
  • Disk writes
  • Battery consumption

App Store Versions

• Create new app versions
• Set pricing for versions
• Associate builds with versions
• Submit versions for App Review

Localizations

• Manage app store version localizations

Phased Releases

• Manage phased release information for app versions

Builds

• Associate builds with app versions
• Access performance metrics for specific builds

Territories

• Retrieve territory information

In-App Purchases

• Note: Configuration of in-app purchases still requires using the App Store Connect website

App Icons

• Retrieve app icon information

Certificates and Profiles

• Create and delete signing certificates and provisioning profiles

It's worth noting that while the API provides extensive capabilities, some actions like manually releasing an app or configuring Game Center still require using the App Store Connect website. The API is continually expanding, so new capabilities may be added over time.