Apple Apologizes After Sending Ad Spend and Install Reports to Wrong Developers Due to 'Processing Error' - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Apologizes After Sending Ad Spend and Install Reports to Wrong Developers Due to 'Processing Error'

by

Apple today apologized after sending incorrect information to some iOS developers using its Search Ads Basic service yesterday. The reports actually belonged to other developers, according to Steve Troughton-Smith and others affected.

app store search ads basic
The follow-up email blames the mishap on a "processing error" and adds that all future reports of these kind will require developers to sign into their accounts to view their dashboards to ensure this issue does not occur again.


The full email was shared by developers Louis D'hauwe and Pat Murray on Twitter, as spotted by Cult of Mac:

Thank you for being a part of the iOS developer community and for using our new Search Ads Basic service.

Due to a processing error, the January monthly results email we sent to you contains incorrect app promotion information.

Accurate performance information is always available in your Search Ads account. To ensure such an issue will not recur, all future performance communications will direct you to sign in to your account to view your Dashboard.

We apologize for the inconvenience this error has caused. We value your business and will work hard to make our new Basic service something you'll love.

Introduced late last year, Search Ads Basic works so that developers only pay out if a user installs the app. It includes suggestions on how much a developer should pay based on historical data pulled from the App Store based on the type of app being marketed, and uses App Store trends to target the ideal audience.

Top Rated Comments

107 months ago
So... rather than fix the issue, they're just going to scrap the emails altogether.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
107 months ago
these frequent dumb issues are really starting to wear on my fanboy shine. :(
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OldSchoolMacGuy Avatar
107 months ago
So... rather than fix the issue, they're just going to scrap the emails altogether.
Seems the easiest way to mitigate the issue. Also saves sending a bunch of worthless emails to most who don't care about them. If you care enough, login. Save the majority who never look at them the task of having to delete them each month.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS App Store General Feature Black

Apple Pulls Vibe Coding App 'Anything' From App Store, Escalating Enforcement [Updated]

Monday March 30, 2026 2:33 pm PDT by
Apple has removed a "vibe coding" app from its App Store, reports The Information. AI app building app "Anything" was pulled from the App Store, and Anything co-founder Dhruv Amin was told that his app violated Guideline 2.5.2. "Vibe coding" is a term used for code generated using AI based on natural language with no coding experience necessary. Anything and other apps like it let users...
Apple App Store Awards 2025

Apple Turns Off Payments in Russia

Thursday April 2, 2026 8:47 am PDT by
As of April 1, payment processing is no longer available for purchases made across the App Store and other Apple services in Russia, according to Apple. In a new support document, Apple said new purchases, in-app purchases, and subscription renewals are no longer available in Russia unless a user already has funds in their Apple Account balance, which can continue to be used. This change...
app store blue banner epic 1

Apple Asks Court to Pause App Store Fee Fight While It Petitions Supreme Court in Epic Games Case

Monday April 6, 2026 1:32 pm PDT by
Apple plans to ask the United States Supreme Court to weigh in on the App Store fee restrictions and contempt of court ruling levied against it in the ongoing Epic Games vs. Apple legal battle. In a filing on April 3 (via TechCrunch), Apple asked the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to hold off on a plan that would see the U.S. Northern District of California decide on a reasonable commission...