| name | app-store-featuring-nomination |
| description | Use when submitting an App Store featuring nomination in App Store Connect (Featuring -> Nominations) for an update, launch, or in-app event, including how to write each field, when to time it, and what realistic expectations to hold. |
App Store Featuring Nomination
A nomination is a clean, specific pitch to Apple editors. It is free, it never hurts the app, and it is mostly a long shot. Treat it as a habit, not a lottery ticket.
Pick The Type First
- App Enhancements: a significant update to a live app. This is the common case.
- App Launch: only a brand-new app or a pre-order. Do not use it for updates.
- New Content: in-app events, offers, or seasonal moments.
Fill The Fields
- Nomination Name: short.
<App> <version>: <hook>.
- Description: editorial-only, about a 1000 character limit. Write it in this order:
- lead with the unique value in one line
- name the Apple tech you adopted (SwiftUI, WidgetKit home and lock widgets, App Intents)
- design point
- the daily-use or habit angle
- one short solo or story line
- proof: rankings, rating
- privacy posture
- Helpful Details: about a 500 character limit. The differentiation and the human story. Why this stands out.
- Supplemental Materials: paste a real landing-page URL. Rich visual context helps editors get it fast.
Tight and specific. No fluff. No em-dashes.
Dates, Platforms, Reach
- Publish Date is when your update goes live, not the feature date. Apple chooses if and when to feature.
- Keep platforms and relevant countries broad for reach. Lead with your strongest market as the proof point.
- Localize where it applies.
- An in-app event is optional. A "Major Update" in-app event can strengthen a nomination, but it is not required.
Timing
- nominate at least about 3 weeks before the window you want
- aim the publish and feature window for a Thursday or Friday so it rides into the weekend, when browse and downloads peak Saturday and Sunday
- tie it to a real moment when you can
- for a year, habit, or mood app the best window by far is late December into early January, the "new year, new habits" moment
- back-to-school and awareness months are secondary windows
Reality Check
Featuring is discretionary. Most nominations are not featured.
- Apple almost never replies. No acknowledgment, no decision email, no rejection.
- silence does not mean no
- you find out from a spike in App Analytics, an "App Store Browse" or featuring acquisition source, or an App Store Connect notification, not from a reply
- re-nominate for each meaningful update and each seasonal moment
Submit a clean one, then move on and keep building.
