Webhooks, Build Upload, and Feedback APIs Now Available
Apple has significantly expanded the App Store Connect API with several long-awaited features that promise to streamline app development workflows. The new additions focus on automation and real-time notifications, helping developers iterate faster and respond more quickly to user feedback.
Key New Features
Webhooks API: The biggest addition is webhook support, which replaces the need for constant polling with push notifications. Instead of repeatedly asking App Store Connect for updates, your server now receives automatic notifications when important events occur. This event-driven approach is far more efficient and enables real-time responses to app state changes.
Build Upload API: Developers can now automate the entire build upload process through the API. This standardized approach works with any programming language or platform and provides better error handling with well-formatted messages. The process involves creating a BuildUpload, providing file details, uploading the binary, and confirming completion.
Feedback API: TestFlight feedback can now be retrieved programmatically, including both screenshot feedback and crash reports. This addresses a long-standing developer request and enables better integration with development tools and issue tracking systems.
Supported Webhook Events
The new webhook system supports notifications for:
- Build upload state changes
- Build beta state changes (TestFlight review completion)
- TestFlight feedback submissions
- App version state changes
- Apple-Hosted Background Asset state changes
Setting Up Webhooks
Webhooks can be configured either through the App Store Connect web interface (Users and Access > Integrations > Webhooks) or programmatically via the API. Each webhook requires a descriptive name, endpoint URL, and secret key for signature verification to ensure notifications genuinely come from Apple.
The Automation Loop
These updates work together to create a fully automated development cycle:
- Upload builds using the new Build Upload API
- Receive webhook notifications when processing completes
- Automatically distribute to TestFlight beta testers
- Get instant notifications when feedback arrives
- Retrieve detailed feedback through the Feedback API
Security and Verification
All webhook notifications include HMAC-SHA256 signatures in the X-Apple-SIGNATURE header, allowing you to verify that notifications actually came from Apple using your configured secret key.
Summary
These API enhancements represent a major step forward in App Store Connect automation capabilities. By eliminating the need for constant polling and providing real-time notifications, developers can build more responsive workflows and focus more time on creating great user experiences rather than managing deployment processes.
The updates are available now, and Apple recommends that developers start by implementing webhook listeners, then build reactive automation based on the events, and finally explore the broader App Store Connect API ecosystem for additional automation opportunities.
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