How to Get Your App Featured on Apple's App Store

Getting featured on the App Store can transform your app's trajectory overnight.

I've helped launch dozens of apps, and I can tell you that in 2024, with thousands of submissions flooding Apple's gates daily, the game has changed.

But the fundamentals? They're still gold.

Ratings matter

Your rating should be sitting at 4.5 stars or higher – anything less and you're fighting an uphill battle. But here's the part most miss: it's not just about the average rating. You need a steady stream of recent positive reviews.

Set up an intelligent review prompt system. The key word here is intelligent.

Don't ask for reviews randomly. Trigger your prompt after success moments – when users complete a task, achieve a goal, or receive value from your app.

For a task management app, that might be after they complete their fifth task. For a fitness app, maybe after their third workout.

Your update cadence matters more than you think.

Establish a regular release cycle. Each update should mix bug fixes with meaningful improvements. Don't just fix things; enhance things. Show Apple and your users that your app is alive and evolving.

Build a clear path to revenue

Your monetization strategy needs to be crystal clear, both to users and Apple.

Free apps need a clear path to revenue. Paid apps need to justify their price tag. But here's what really works in 2024: value-based pricing tiers.

Start with a free tier that provides genuine value. Not a crippled version of your app – a complete experience that solves a real problem. Then layer on premium features that enhance that experience.

Structure your subscriptions logically. Monthly plans work for content-driven apps. Annual plans work better for utility apps.

Focus on a core feature

Here's where most apps go wrong. They try to be everything to everyone. Stop that. Look at your analytics. Find the one feature that gets the most engagement. The one thing users rave about in reviews. That's your core. Double down on it.

Take your main feature and make it exceptional. If you're a photo editing app, pick one type of editing you do better than anyone else. Maybe it's portrait enhancement, maybe it's landscape optimization. Whatever it is, make it so good that users come to you specifically for that feature.

Strip away features that dilute your core experience. Each feature in your app should support your main value proposition. If it doesn't, it's just adding complexity. Complexity is your enemy when trying to get featured.

It sounds simple but it's probably the hardest thing ever, so it can be a source of differentiation and what ultimately makes you stand out.

Yes, consider adding AI

Let's get practical about AI. First, forget about slapping ChatGPT into your app. That's not what Apple wants to see. Instead, focus on using AI to reduce friction in your user experience.

Start with CoreML. Build models that learn from user behavior to make their experience better. If you're a productivity app, use on-device AI to predict the user's next action. If you're a fitness app, use it to adjust workout recommendations based on performance patterns.

The key is to make AI invisible. Users shouldn't know they're interacting with AI – they should just notice that your app seems to understand them better over time.

Build with privacy in mind

Privacy isn't just about compliance anymore – it's a feature set. Start by mapping out your data collection. For every piece of data you collect, ask yourself: "Can we provide this feature without this data?" If yes, don't collect it.

When you do need data, be transparent about it. Create a privacy dashboard in your app. Show users exactly what you're collecting and why. Give them granular control. Let them opt out of optional data collection while keeping core functionality.

Implement Sign in with Apple even if you have other sign-in options. Make it the first option users see. It shows Apple you're aligned with their privacy vision and gives users an easy, secure way to try your app.

Consider Digital Wellbeing

Digital wellbeing isn't just about adding a screen time tracker.

Start by auditing your notification strategy. Create a hierarchy: urgent, important, and optional. Time-sensitive notifications should be rare – reserve them for things that genuinely need immediate attention. Tag your notifications properly. Build different experiences for different Focus states.

Don't chase engagement for engagement's sake. Build features that encourage meaningful use rather than addictive patterns. If your app helps users accomplish their goals faster and then get back to their lives, you're doing it right.

Pay attention to your App Store Presence

Your App Store page needs to sell your app in seconds. Start with your first screenshot – it should communicate your core value proposition instantly. Don't waste it on a login screen or splash page. Show your app solving the user's primary problem. Read our recommendations on how to design screenshots that convert.

Write your app description like you're telling a story. First paragraph: the problem you solve. Second: how you solve it. Third: what makes your solution unique. Use short sentences. Break up text into scannable chunks. Remember, most users will only read the first three lines.

We've built an AI tool to help you generate optimized App Store descriptions. Try it here, it’s completely for free.

Your preview video should be watchable without sound. Lead with your best feature in the first 3 seconds. Show real usage scenarios, not marketing fluff. Keep it under 30 seconds. End with a clear call to action.

Update your screenshots seasonally. When Christmas comes around, show holiday-themed content. During back-to-school season, highlight relevant features. This shows Apple your app is actively maintained and culturally aware.

Interface design is everything

Start by mapping every user action to its impact. Each tap should have a clear, immediate result. If a user has to tap more than three times to reach a core feature, redesign that flow. Remember: the best interface is one the user doesn't have to think about.

Implement progressive disclosure. Don't show all options at once. Surface basic features first, then reveal advanced features as users become more experienced. This keeps your interface clean while supporting power users.

Design for interruption. Users will switch apps mid-task. Make it easy to resume where they left off. Save states automatically. Provide clear visual cues about progress and status. Consider adding a "continue where you left off" section on your home screen.

Accessibility isn't optional. Start with dynamic type support. Test your app with VoiceOver. Ensure all interactive elements have proper labels. Add proper contrast ratios. These aren't just accessibility features – they make your app better for everyone.

Consider the whole Apple ecosystem

Don't just port your iPhone app to iPad. Rethink how the larger screen can enhance your core features. Use split views meaningfully. Add drag and drop support. Make use of the Apple Pencil if it makes sense for your app.

For Vision Pro, think spatial. Don't just float your 2D interface in space. Consider how spatial computing can enhance your core functionality. If you're a home design app, let users visualize furniture in their actual space. If you're a productivity app, think about how infinite canvas could change how users organize information.

Watch integration needs to be purposeful. Focus on glanceable information and quick actions. Don't try to replicate your full app experience. Think about what makes sense in a five-second interaction on your wrist.

Optimize performance

Start with launch time. Measure your cold start time. If it's over two seconds, you've got work to do. Use background fetch to pre-load data. Implement progressive loading. Show useful content before everything's loaded.

Monitor your battery impact. Use Instruments to profile your app's energy usage. Background operations should be batched and scheduled intelligently. Network requests should be combined and cached where possible.

Storage optimization matters more than ever. Implement proper cache management. Use On-Demand Resources for content users don't need immediately. Add a cache clearing option in your settings. Users notice when an app respects their storage space.

Build an app they can’t ignore

Sustainability isn't just trendy – it's becoming essential. Add features that help users understand their environmental impact. If you're a delivery app, show the carbon footprint of different delivery options.

Build for international audiences from day one. Implement proper localization. Consider cultural differences in your feature set. What works in the US might not work in Japan. Show Apple you understand global markets.

Getting featured isn't about luck. It's about building an app that Apple can't ignore. Focus on quality. Be intentional about every feature. Think about how your app contributes to the broader iOS ecosystem. Make it easy for Apple to see the thought and care you've put into your app.

Most importantly, think long-term. The apps that get featured aren't usually the ones trying to get featured. They're the ones focused on building something genuinely valuable, maintaining quality, and consistently improving based on user feedback.

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