Update: This issue has been addressed as of 9/25/2020. App Store Connect now includes iOS 14 filter and launch date.
App developers rely on their App Store Metrics to see how they’re growing or identify potential issues. If any metrics are not reported, they could be flying blind or work off inaccurate information. With the recent release of iOS 14, developers need to follow their usage metrics as users update to the newest operating system.
However, an error in App Store Connect is currently not marked or filtering App Analytics data for users on iOS 14, which could add a level of difficulty for developers trying to optimize their apps.
Developers can view the metrics for their apps in App Store Connect under “App Analytics.” The metrics include important usage and discovery data like Impressions, App Units and Sessions. These are important for developers to track in order to determine how well they’re doing.
An important part of analyzing metrics is being able to filter the data by category, including the version of iOS. Although iOS 14 launched over a week ago, App Store Connect does not include a filter for the new operating system.
iOS 14 is not included in any of the Analytics sections used for filtering or tracking operating systems. It cannot be added as a filter or selected under “View By” for platform versions, which stops at iOS 13.6. While the analytics mark the launch of each operating system up to iOS 13.6, no such indicator can be found on September 15th, 2020, when iOS 14 was released to the public.
This raises several concerns. It is now unclear if App Store Connect is tracking user metrics on iOS 14; if not, then the metrics could make it appear as though usage is declining when in reality users are updating.
If it is still tracking iOS 14 user metrics and not including it as a filter, developers will have to essentially reverse-filter it by subtracting the metrics from all previous versions from the aggregate data.
If Apple is not gathering iOS 14 metrics, it puts developers in a difficult position. The analytics data is essential for tracking usage, including identifying potential issues and assessing the impressions and session lengths.
Being unable to filter issues or gains to a specific operating system - especially a new one - would leave developers in the dark about what’s working and where to improve. This could have a significant negative impact on their optimization and overall business.
This is not the first time App Store Connect has not kept up with a new OS. Developers have been reporting the issue to Apple Support to make sure it can be addressed, but there is not currently a timeline indicating if Apple is working on addressing it or how long it could take.
It is also unknown if metrics will need to be backfilled to the launch of iOS 14. If it is necessary and depending on how long it takes, this could potentially cause developers to miss weeks or even months of analytics data.
Certain bugs, like the recent country-based app distribution error, were resolved within the day, whereas other App Store errors have taken longer to fix.
While waiting for an update to address this issue, developers should pay close attention to the metrics that are visible as well as their reviews. If there are any issues that are causing iOS 14 users to leave, they may leave reviews as well.
Developers should be sure to test their own apps on the latest OS to try identifying any issues early on, so they can address them before they drive users away.
Analytics are essential for maintaining a proper app and a happy userbase. If the analytics fall behind, so can your App Store Optimization. This issue is currently ongoing, so keep an eye out for any updates as it’s addressed.
Want to learn more about App Store Optimization? Contact Gummicube and we’ll help get your strategy started.
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