Apple introduces new Featuring Nominations to boost app visibility on the App Store

Apple has introduced an exciting opportunity for app developers: they can now apply to have their apps featured on the App Store. This new “Featuring Nominations” tool, accessible through App Store Connect, marks a significant step towards transparency, allowing developers to directly request promotional consideration for their apps. With this feature, developers can inform Apple’s editorial team about major updates, app launches, or special in-app events, aiming for a coveted spot on the App Store’s Today tab.

The process is straightforward: developers submit their nominations via App Store Connect, providing Apple’s team with essential details about their app’s latest enhancements, launches, or new features. If Apple selects an app for promotion, the developer will receive a notification, and the app will be prominently showcased in select placements on the Today tab. This visibility can be a game-changer for app engagement and user acquisition, as it puts the app in front of millions of App Store users globally.

In tandem with the nomination feature, Apple has also revamped App Store Connect to support developers with robust marketing tools. The updated platform enables developers to generate customized, Apple-designed assets for social media, helping them promote their apps with visuals crafted to drive user interest. With this feature, developers can create professional-looking marketing materials for platforms like Instagram, complete with an App Store link that leads potential users directly to the app’s download page.

These updates to App Store Connect follow a series of enhancements, including a recent redesign of Apple’s TestFlight app, which introduced a new interface to support developers in app testing and previewing. The new App Store Connect app is available for free on the App Store and is compatible with iOS 17 or later. By providing more accessible marketing tools and a transparent path to being featured, Apple continues to support its developer community, empowering them to grow their audience and elevate the user experience on iOS devices.