Getting Featured on the App Store

The App Store showcases great apps and games that impact the lives of people around the world, helping to shine a spotlight on developers doing incredible work. Apple’s always looking to highlight new apps, games, significant updates, in-app events, and great stories.

Overview

The App Store has a global team focused on helping users discover and engage with apps and games that fit their needs. Campaigns and programs are created to help, inform, and inspire users while also helping you drive downloads and redownloads. Apple worldwide team of editors curates selections on the App Store for each Apple platform in order to help your app or game get in front of the right users, in the right places, at the right times.

Apple highlight new apps and games as well as those with significant updates, special in-app events or exclusives, cultural or seasonal moments, and more. Apple also highlights unique stories — for example, a behind-the-scenes look at how a developer launched an app that changed an industry or supported their community, or a spotlight that shows how an app helped a user solve an uncommon problem.

Factors Apple considers

Apple looks for high-quality apps and games across all categories and business models. There is no paid placement or checklist of requirements. Selection is based on a variety of factors, all of which amount to a great product that all customers will love.

UI design. Great usability, appeal, and overall quality — such as beautiful visuals or intuitive gestures and controls.

User experience. Cohesive, efficient, and valuable functionality that’s helpful and easy to use.

Innovation. Solves a unique problem for users or takes advantage of new technologies to provide an optimal user experience.

Uniqueness. Stands out from the crowd, defines a new genre, or takes a fresh approach to a familiar category.

Accessibility. Well-integrated features that provide a great experience for a broad range of users.

Localization. High-quality and relevant localizations, including culturally appropriate content and support for multiple languages.

App Store product page. Compelling screenshots, app previews, and descriptions, as well as ratings and reviews.

Additional considerations for games:

  • Gameplay design
  • Art and animation
  • Controls
  • Story and characters (if applicable)
  • Replayability (if applicable)
  • Sound effects and music
  • Technical performance
  • Overall value

Share your story with Apple

Contact Apple