How To Use App Store Promo Codes

Apple created app store promo codes in order to allow developers to have a way to distribute their application for reviewing purposes. In other words, when a developer is ready to market their application, they have to somehow allow reviewers to get the app on their iPhone, without having to pay for it. The past options included sending the reviewer a small iTunes gift card and trusting they actually use it for the appliation, or using the ad hoc distribution process. Neither are quick and easy. 

With promo codes, the developer quickly generates the code and emails it to the reviewer, who has to simply redeem the code through iTunes. 

Limitations

• 50 codes per app. (each time the app is updated the number of codes goes back to 50)
• One time use. (each code can only be used once)  
• Codes expire after 28 days.   
• US only.  
• Codes can be used before app goes live in the App Store, as long as Apple has approved your application.   
• Developers must agree to Apple’s terms of conduct before being allowed to use codes. The purpose is to promise not to sell the codes personally, cutting out Apple’s 30%.     

Creating Promo Codes (for developers)

• Go to iTunes Connect (itunesconnect.apple.com) 
• Log in 
• Click “Request Promotional Codes”  
• Choose application  
• Indicate number of codes (remember, they only last 28 days, so don’t generate all 50 at once)  

Redeeming Promo Codes

• Go to the iTunes Store and click “Redeem”

• Enter the code – that’s it.