Store Ops
9 post(s)
-
Apple Developer releases (May 4, 2026): Xcode 26.5 RC and iOS 26.5 RC are here
Apple posted the 26.5 release candidates across Xcode and the OS lineup. Even if you are not shipping platform features, RC week is when build, signing, and CI toolchain problems surface. Treat it like a launch readiness checkpoint, not a developer curiosity.
-
App Store Marketing Weekly – Week 12 (2026)
This week: Android’s ‘desktop mode’ just became real, Google Play is smoothing the path for paid games and trials, and store distribution is quietly becoming cross-device by default.
-
Google Play is making PC, paid games, and trials feel more ‘store-native’
Google outlines new Play changes for games: better PC discovery and badging, ‘buy once play anywhere’ pricing (EAP), game trials on mobile listings, and wishlist/discount notifications.
-
Google Play Games Level Up: Sidekick testing, pre-reg device breakdowns, and 2026 milestone checklist
Google is pushing Play Games Sidekick (an in-game overlay tied to the You tab), adding better pre-registration device insights in Play Console, and formalising the July/Nov 2026 Level Up requirements.
-
App Store Connect release notes (March 10, 2026): TestFlight now accepts Xcode 26.4 beta 3 builds
A small App Store Connect/TestFlight release note that matters for CI: Apple now allows uploads built with Xcode 26.4 beta 3 (SDKs for the 26.4 beta 4 OS lines) for internal and external testing.
-
App Store Marketing Weekly – Week 11 (2026)
This week: age assurance is spreading, promo-code workflows are changing, and retention UX is now getting reviewed like a store page.
-
App Store Connect: bundles can now include apps on different platforms (what it changes for promos)
A small App Store Connect release note with surprisingly practical impact: bundles created from Feb 17, 2026 can mix platforms. Good news for cross-sell, but it changes how you think about eligibility and storefront QA.
-
Google Play Console: ‘Save for later’ lets you send only some changes to review
Google added a simple but high-impact workflow: you can hold back specific Play Console changes (like store listing edits) while still submitting urgent track fixes for review.
-
Offer codes will replace In-App Purchase promo codes in App Store Connect (cutoff: March 26, 2026)
Apple says you won’t be able to create new In-App Purchase promo codes from March 26, 2026, and should move to offer codes instead. Here’s what’s changing and the practical store-ops checklist.