Promo Codes
Promo Codes are Apple’s official free-giveaway mechanism: generate redemption codes so designated users can download your paid app for free, or get specific IAP items for free. Ideal for press, seed users, and special channels.
What Promo Codes Can Do
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| Give away a paid app | Let users download your paid app for free |
| Give away IAP | Let users get specified IAP items for free (non-consumable, auto-renewable subscriptions, etc.) |
| Press / reviews | Provide codes to tech media and influencers for review |
| Seed users | Reward early users and core fans |
Promo codes ≠ coupons. Promo codes are “free giveaways” (the user pays nothing); discounts belong to the subscription offer system or regional pricing adjustments.
Generate & Distribute
- Go to App Store Connect → select the app → App Information (or the relevant IAP page) → Promo Codes.
- Click + Generate:
- App promo codes: up to 100 codes per app version.
- IAP promo codes: generate a limited number of codes per IAP for users to redeem the IAP for free.
- Copy and distribute to target users.
- Users redeem the code in the App Store’s Redeem entry.
Limits & Notes
- Limited quantity: the number of promo codes per version / per IAP has an upper bound; allocate wisely.
- One code, one use: each code can be redeemed once.
- Expiry: codes usually have a validity period (roughly 1 year from generation; check the interface), so use them within the window.
- No resale / no bulk abuse: can’t resell codes or use them for ranking manipulation.
- IAP promo codes: apply only to certain IAP types — confirm the IAP supports them before creating.
Reality check: promo codes are a “small-scale, targeted” tool, not for mass growth. For scalable free trials or campaigns, use subscription free trials or price reductions instead.
Promo Codes vs Subscription Offer Codes
| Aspect | Promo Codes | Subscription Offer Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Free app / IAP giveaway | Discounts or trials for subscribers |
| Applies to | Paid apps, some IAP | Auto-renewable subscriptions |
| Redeemed value | Fully free | Per offer terms (discount/trial) |
| Typical use | Press, giveaways | Win-back, promotions |
Self-Check List
- Confirm your app / IAP supports promo codes
- Code allocation planned (press / seed users / campaigns)
- Redemption method and validity communicated
- Avoid bulk use and resale
FAQ
- Can I sell promo codes? No. They’re giveaway items; resale violates Apple policy.
- Which IAP types support promo codes? Mainly non-consumable IAP and auto-renewable subscriptions; check interface support when creating.
- Redeem failure? Check whether the code is used, expired, or the region/account doesn’t qualify.
- Can I distribute multiple batches for a live version? The number of codes per version is limited; a new version release lets you generate a new batch.