Apple Apologizes After Sending Ad Spend and Install Reports to Wrong Developers Due to 'Processing Error' - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
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

109 months ago
So... rather than fix the issue, they're just going to scrap the emails altogether.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
109 months ago
these frequent dumb issues are really starting to wear on my fanboy shine. :(
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OldSchoolMacGuy Avatar
109 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

rave app

Apple Sued for Pulling Co-Viewing App Rave From the App Store

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:41 am PDT by
Rave, a cross-platform service that lets users watch movies and TV shows together, today filed a series of antitrust lawsuits against Apple after Apple removed the Rave app from the App Store in August 2025. According to Rave, Apple cited "unspecified allegations of fraud and vague concerns about content moderation" when pulling the app. Rave alleges Apple targeted the service because Rave...
Liquid Glass App Store Feature

Apple Working on Plan to Allow AI Agent Apps on the App Store

Wednesday May 13, 2026 11:02 am PDT by
Apple is looking into ways to better support apps that include AI agents and AI coding capabilities in the App Store, reports The Information. Apple is designing a system that would maintain its security and privacy standards while allowing for AI app features, but details on how the system will work are unavailable. Apple started blocking updates for some popular vibe coding apps in March...
apple india

India Refuses to Let Apple Pause App Store Antitrust Case

Tuesday May 19, 2026 4:52 am PDT by
An Indian court has ruled that Apple must cooperate with a government investigation into its App Store practices, rejecting the company's attempt to put the case on hold (via Reuters). The Delhi High Court ruling keeps a probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) alive, which found in 2024 that Apple had abused its dominant position in the iPhone apps market. The CCI wants Apple's...