At WWDC 2024, Apple announced a significant update that will allow app developers to directly share their new content or features with the App Store’s Editorial team before its release. This new feature is called "Featuring Nominations" and is set to arrive in September alongside the launch of iOS 18.
What is Featuring Nominations?
In the current system, the App Store’s Editorial team creates stories about apps and their developers, as well as rounds up apps of interest into collections that are highlighted across the App Store’s many sections. However, there was no formal process for alerting App Store editors about upcoming changes that could potentially qualify an app for this type of recognition.
With Featuring Nominations, developers will be able to directly share their plans with Apple using a new dashboard in App Store Connect. This will allow them to create nominations, either one by one or by uploading a spreadsheet to nominate apps in bulk.
How Does Featuring Nominations Work?
To use Featuring Nominations, developers will need to access the new "Nominations" dashboard within App Store Connect. From there, they can create their nominations and provide relevant details about the update, such as:
- A memorable name for the nomination
- A text description explaining any relevant details about the update and the expected publish date
- Additional information in the "Helpful Details" field, which can include the developer’s story, how they created the app, or their efforts around key factors like accessibility or inclusivity features
What Type of Updates Can Be Nominated?
Developers can alert editors to three different types of updates:
- New Content: This includes any new features, updates, or changes that will be added to an existing app.
- App Enhancements: This refers to improvements made to the overall performance or functionality of an app.
- New App Launches: This is for developers launching a brand-new app.
What Happens After a Nomination?
Once a nomination has been submitted, the App Store’s Editorial team will review it and decide whether to feature the app on the App Store. If they choose to do so, developers will receive a push notification from App Store Connect with new Promote Your App marketing assets designed for sharing the news on social media.
Additional Features in App Store Connect
The update also includes other features that can help developers promote their apps:
- Custom Product Pages: Developers can create deep links to custom product pages within their app, which can be used when advertising the app via Apple Search Ads or on other platforms.
- TestFlight Updates: The TestFlight redesign now has new panels for beta descriptions, developer info, categories, and build expiration dates. Test invitations will also show build screenshots.
Conclusion
Featuring Nominations is a significant update that can help developers get their apps recognized by the App Store’s Editorial team. By providing a formal process for submitting nominations, Apple aims to make it easier for developers to share their new content or features with a wider audience.
As the app development industry continues to evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest tools and features is essential for success. With Featuring Nominations and other updates in App Store Connect, developers have more opportunities than ever before to showcase their apps and reach a larger audience.
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