‍What Causes Error ITMS-9000?

Error ITMS-9000 occurs when the app’s binary is improperly configured or fails to meet certain technical criteria set by Apple. This includes issues with the app’s entitlements, missing or mismatched provisioning profiles, or outdated build settings in Xcode. Familiarizing yourself with Apple’s requirements for app binaries can help prevent this error during submission.

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Common Scenarios for Error ITMS-9000 - Invalid Binary

Developers frequently encounter this error in the following situations:

1. Mismatched or Missing Provisioning Profiles: Submissions can fail if the binary isn’t properly signed with a valid provisioning profile.
2. Incorrect App Entitlements: If entitlements do not match what is configured in App Store Connect, the submission may be rejected.
3. Outdated or Improper Xcode Build Settings: Incompatible build settings or outdated SDKs in Xcode can trigger this error.
4. Incomplete Metadata or Missing Assets: App metadata or required assets that are incomplete or missing often result in an Invalid Binary error.

👉Read more: SKError Code Unknown SKError Cases

Step-by-Step Solutions for Error ITMS-9000

‍Solution 1: Verify Provisioning Profiles and Code Signing

• Purpose: Ensures that the app binary is properly signed and meets Apple’s distribution requirements.
• Steps:

1. In Xcode, go to Signing & Capabilities and ensure the correct provisioning profile is selected.
2. Confirm that both the development and distribution profiles are active and valid.
3. Rebuild the app with the correct provisioning profile and retry submission.

• Result: Valid provisioning profiles eliminate most code-signing issues, allowing the binary to be properly validated.

Solution 2: Confirm App Entitlements in Xcode

• Purpose: Ensures that the entitlements match the configurations in App Store Connect.
• Steps:

1. In Xcode, navigate to the Signing & Capabilities tab for the project.
2. Confirm that all required entitlements (e.g., push notifications, iCloud) are correctly configured.
3. Ensure these match the capabilities listed in App Store Connect.

• Result: Matching entitlements prevent configuration mismatches and submission rejections.

Solution 3: Update Build Settings and SDK Version in Xcode

• Purpose: Updates the project to meet Apple’s latest build requirements.
• Steps:

1. Open the Build Settings tab in Xcode.
2. Ensure that the Base SDK is set to the latest iOS version.
3. Confirm that the Deployment Target is compatible with Apple’s requirements for your app.
4. Rebuild the binary and resubmit.

• Result: Updated build settings ensure compatibility with App Store requirements and minimize submission errors.

Solution 4: Check Metadata and Assets in App Store Connect

• Purpose: Ensures that all necessary app information and assets are complete and accurately filled out.
• Steps:

1. In App Store Connect, check the app’s metadata (description, screenshots, icons).
2. Verify that all required assets are uploaded in the correct resolutions.
3. Double-check localization settings if the app is available in multiple languages.

• Result: Complete and accurate metadata helps prevent binary rejection due to missing information.

Solution 5: Use Application Loader for Direct Binary Uploads

• Purpose: Sometimes bypassing Xcode submission and using Application Loader can help when facing submission errors.
• Steps:

1. Export the app archive from Xcode and save it to your machine.
2. Use Application Loader to upload the binary directly to App Store Connect.
3. Follow any additional instructions provided by Application Loader if errors occur.

• Result: Uploading via Application Loader can sometimes resolve Xcode submission issues.

👉Read more: The App Store Rejected My App, Now What

Conclusion

Error ITMS-9000 - Invalid Binary, often arises from issues with provisioning profiles, entitlements, build settings, or incomplete metadata. By verifying profiles, checking entitlements, updating build settings, reviewing metadata, and considering Application Loader for uploads, developers can resolve this error and submit successfully.

Nami’s low-code solutions can streamline app configuration and deployment, handling these technicalities so you can focus on the core aspects of your app. Learn more at NamiML.

‍What Causes Error Code 3?

Error Code 3 typically arises when the billing service cannot be accessed due to configuration, network, or device limitations. This may happen if the app isn’t published on a testing track in the Google Play Console, or if the device does not support Google Play services (e.g., certain restricted or non-Android devices). Additionally, attempting to test billing functionality on an emulator without Google Play Store integration will often lead to this error.

Knowing these causes allows developers to apply focused solutions to rectify the error.

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Common Scenarios for Error Code 3 - Billing Unavailable

The error frequently appears in the following situations:

1. Testing on Unpublished Development Builds: Development builds without publishing in Play Console may lack access to billing functionality.
2. Device-Specific Limitations: Testing on devices without Google Play services, like some emulators or restricted Android versions.
3. Lack of Google Play Store Access: Devices that do not have the Google Play Store installed cannot access the billing service.
4. Network Issues: Testing in regions or under network conditions that restrict access to Google Play services.

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Step-by-Step Solutions for Error Code 3

Solution 1: Publish the App to an Internal or Closed Testing Track

• Purpose: Allows billing functionality to be tested in a controlled environment by ensuring that the app is accessible through the Play Console.
• Steps:

1. Open the Google Play Console and navigate to App Releases.
2. Set up an Internal Testing Track or Closed Testing Track for the app.
3. Add testing accounts and publish the app to this track.

• Result: This enables the app to access Google Play Billing, as it’s available on an approved track for testing.

Solution 2: Test on a Physical Device with Google Play Store Installed

• Purpose: Emulators or devices without Google Play Store often lack access to billing services.
• Steps:

1. Test in-app purchases on a physical Android device that has the Google Play Store installed.
2. Ensure that the device has the latest version of Google Play services installed.

• Result: Testing on a real device with Google Play Store ensures compatibility with billing services.

Solution 3: Verify Google Play Services Availability on the Device

• Purpose: Google Play services are required to enable billing functionality, and devices without it will not support in-app purchases.
• Steps:

1. On the testing device, go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services.
2. Confirm that Google Play services are installed and updated.

• Result: Ensures that the device can access billing functions by confirming Google Play services are operational.

Solution 4: Clear Cache and Data for Google Play Store and Google Play Services

• Purpose: Helps refresh the billing data and configurations by clearing cached information.
• Steps:

1. On the device, go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store.
2. Go to Storage and select Clear Cache and Clear Data.
3. Repeat the process for Google Play Services.
4. Restart the device and retry the purchase flow.

• Result: This often resolves errors arising from outdated or mismatched cached billing data.

Solution 5: Ensure a Stable Network Connection

• Purpose: A stable internet connection is necessary to establish communication with Google Play’s billing service.
• Steps:

1. Switch to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network.
2. Confirm that the device can access other Google services, such as the Play Store.

• Result: Testing with a stable network ensures uninterrupted billing communication with Google servers.

Conclusion

Error Code 3 - Billing Unavailable, is a common issue that often stems from limitations in testing environments, device compatibility, or network conditions. By following these steps—publishing to a testing track, testing on devices with Google Play Store, verifying Google Play services, clearing cache, and ensuring network stability—developers can effectively troubleshoot and resolve this error.

With Nami’s low-code solutions, developers can skip the hassle of configuring and updating in-app billing, providing a ready-to-go environment that keeps your app’s billing setup in check. Discover more at NamiML.

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Alternative payments are finally here for the App Store. At least in South Korea, with a number of important caveats.

On March 15, 2022, detailed rules from the Korea Communications Commission went into effect preventing Apple and Google from mandating that app developers have to use their payment systems. These rules resulted from an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act in South Korea which was signed into law in August 2021.

Now, Apple has finally provided app developers with detailed guidance for how to use a third-party payments provider in South Korea.

👉Read more: Epic v. Apple Ruling: What It Means for Your App

7 Takeaways from Apple’s South Korea Guidelines

Here are 7 takeways you need to know before considering whether to offer alternative payments in South Korea:

1. Apple still takes a 26% commission

The commission assessed is the normal App Store revenue split of 30% to Apple, less the fees associated with payment processing and related features.

2. Responsible for user support related to payments shifts from to the developer

App developers offering alternative payments in South Korea will need to provide all end user support functions related to payment processing issues, refund requests, subscription management, and more. Apple will not field any support requests related to third-party payments and will direct users to your support URL(s).

3. To offer alternative payments in South Korea, your app needs a special entitlement from Apple

Developers interested in offering alternate payments in South Korea must request a special entitlement called the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement for use within a build of your app specific to the South Korea App Store storefront.

4. Your alternative payments app for South Korea must be a new, separate app binary

App developers who want to offer alternative payments in South Korea must create a new app binary. This app will need to use a new bundle ID that has not been previously published on the App Store.

5. You must select an Apple pre-approved payment service provider

Apple has pre-approved four payment services providers (PSP) in South Korea for payment processing:

• KCP
• Inicis
• Toss
• NICE

Each of these providers all meet Apple’s criteria which includes having broad payment support, industry standard privacy and security, fraud prevention, subscription billing, and split payments support. The special entitlement permits usage of only one PSP. You may request a PSP not on the pre-approved list, but Apple will consider additional PSPs at their discretion.

6. You must surface an External Purchase Modal Sheet
to users as part of your alternative payments flow

Before collecting payment information, you must inform users that the app is using alternative payments via a modal sheet conforming to a design provided by Apple.

7. No web views allow for third-party in-app payments

Apple is requiring that the in-app payment experience for apps in South Korea taking advantage of alternative payments is fully native. No web views are permitted.

👉Read more: The App Store Rejected My App, Now What

Final Thoughts on Alternative Payments in South Korea

It remains to be seen whether app developers will widely adopt alternative payments in South Korea or anywhere else in the world should they become available in other juristidations.

Arguably, Apple’s requirements allow compliance with South Korea law while trying to minimize as much end user confusion as possible.

For app developers and publishers, owning the customer transaction can sound enticing. As we’ve shown in this article, there are important considerations that make it a less straightforward decision.

At Nami, we’re tracking the global regulatory pressure that has been building for some time that may force Apple and Google to more widely permit a solution such as what’s now available in South Korea.

We’ll have more to say in the future about the approach we’re taking with our product. In the meantime, we are 100% committed to providing a great experience for developers who depend on native Apple and Google billing.

       

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Nami co-founder & CEO Dan Burcaw joined Steve Young on App Masters Live where he discussed optimizing mobile subscriptions apps. The live session included real-time audits of three subscription apps.

This week is you will discover how to launch, scale, and optimize your mobile app subscription business. Our guest is Dan Burcaw, Co-Founder at Nami ML, a company focused on helping app developers start and grow mobile subscription businesses. Nami has assembled the world’s first machine learning dataset designed to accelerate subscription revenue. With over 1 Billion data points collected, Nami’s algorithm is trained to find and convert likely subscriptions.

Watch the replay on YouTube below or listen to the audio recording on Apple Podcasts:

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‍👉Read more: Top Reasons Users Cancel Your Subscription

What Causes Error Code 5?

Error Code 5 generally happens when the app doesn’t pass the expected parameters correctly in API calls or is misconfigured in the Google Play Console. For instance, developers may attempt to send incomplete or incorrect purchase or subscription IDs, or the product IDs might not match those configured in the Play Console. Additionally, this error can arise if the app is not properly linked to the billing configuration in the Play Console, causing the Play Store to reject the request.

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Common Scenarios for Error Code 5 - Developer Error

This error commonly occurs in the following situations:

• Incorrect API Parameters: Mismatched or invalid product IDs are sent in purchase or subscription API calls.

• Unregistered Product IDs in the Play Console: Attempting to use product IDs in the app that don’t correspond to IDs set up in the Play Console.

• Misconfigured App in Google Play Console: An app that hasn’t been fully configured for Google Play Billing can trigger this error during purchase initiation.

• ‍Testing Errors on Unpublished Apps: Apps that aren’t published on an internal testing track or have incorrect test environments set up may encounter this error.

‍

Step-by-Step Solutions for Error Code 5

Solution 1: Verify All Product and Subscription IDs

• Purpose: Ensures that the correct and registered IDs are used in the billing requests.
• Steps:

1. Open the Google Play Console and navigate to In-app Products.
2. Confirm that all product or subscription IDs used in the app match the IDs registered in the Play Console.
3. Update any discrepancies in the app code to reflect the correct IDs.

• Result: Using correct IDs helps the Play Store process the purchase requests accurately, resolving most issues with this error.

Solution 2: Review API Call Parameters

• Purpose: Ensures that all parameters required for billing API calls are accurately included.
• Steps:

1. In your billing API implementation, review each API call to ensure no parameters are missing.
2. Confirm that required fields, such as purchase tokens, product details, and SKU information, are correctly filled.
3. Consult the Google Play Billing documentation to verify compliance with current parameter requirements.

• Result: Ensuring complete and accurate parameters in billing calls eliminates issues with missing data that can cause this error.

Solution 3: Publish App to an Internal Testing Track

• Purpose: Testing on an unpublished app can cause errors; publishing the app to an internal testing track provides the required environment.
• Steps:

1. Open the Google Play Console and go to the App Releases section.
2. Create an Internal Testing Track and publish the app there for proper testing.
3. Add test accounts to this track to simulate real purchase flows.

• Result: Testing on an internal track helps replicate real-user conditions, allowing accurate integration testing without encountering Developer Errors.

Solution 4: Clear Play Console Cache on Device

• Purpose: Clears potentially outdated configuration data that may cause a mismatch in subscription or purchase IDs.
• Steps:

1. On the testing device, navigate to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store.
2. Go to Storage and select Clear Cache.
3. Re-open the Google Play Store and attempt the in-app purchase or subscription flow again.

• Result: Clearing the cache ensures the device syncs with the latest configuration, reducing mismatched parameter issues.

Solution 5: Re-check Developer Settings in Play Console

• Purpose: Ensures that all Google Play Billing settings are fully configured.
• Steps:

1. In the Google Play Console, navigate to Settings > Developer Account > Linked Apps.
2. Confirm that the app is correctly linked to the billing setup, and that all settings align with Google’s requirements.

• Result: Proper configuration in the Play Console reduces billing errors and prevents issues related to Developer Error.

Conclusion

Error Code 5 - Developer Error is typically due to incorrect parameters or configuration issues in Google Play’s billing setup. By verifying product IDs, reviewing API parameters, publishing to a test track, and ensuring proper Play Console configuration, developers can resolve this error efficiently.

With Nami’s low-code solutions, developers can avoid the complexities of in-app billing integration altogether, allowing a seamless setup and maintenance of in-app purchases without the constant hassle of updates. Learn more about simplifying in-app billing at NamiML.

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Gone are the days of one-time purchases for many products and services. Both B2B and B2C customers now have the option to access everything from software to music to even meal boxes at a subscription. This has fundamentally shifted the way businesses operate, placing a premium on retaining subscribers over extended periods to maximize customer lifetime value.

However, keeping subscribers engaged and subscribed is no mean feat. It is a constant challenge for many reasons –

• The cost of churn is, well, costly. Losing a subscriber isn't just about missing out on one or two month's payment. Studies show it can cost 5-7 times more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one. Churn, the rate at which subscribers cancel their subscriptions, directly impacts a company's revenue stream and the overall health of the business.
• Balancing growth and retention can be tricky. Companies often face pressure to prioritize subscriber acquisition to meet growth targets. However, neglecting churn management can lead to unsustainable growth and hinder long-term profitability.

Understanding the reasons behind churn and implementing effective strategies to reduce it is crucial for subscription-based business. By minimizing churn, companies can not only stabilize their revenue but also foster long-term customer relationships that fuel sustainable growth.

👉Read more: How to Optimize Your Subscription Apps

Top Reasons Users Cancel Subscriptions

Subscribers cancel subscriptions for a variety of reasons, often a combination of factors. Let’s delve into the key categories that contribute to churn.

Lack of Perceived Value

• Failing to meet user needs and expectations. This is a fundamental issue. If your subscription service doesn't address the core needs users signed up for, they'll have little reason to stay. For example, a fitness app that lacks engaging workouts or a meal-kit delivery service with repetitive recipes might lead to cancellations.
• Unclear value proposition or benefits not realized. Sometimes, users might not fully grasp the value proposition of your service. Confusing marketing messages or a poorly designed onboarding process can leave them unsure of how the subscription benefits them.
• Feature fatigue or feeling overwhelmed by complexity. Offering too many features can backfire. Users might feel overwhelmed by a complex interface or an abundance of features they don't need or use. This can lead to frustration and ultimately, churn.

Friction and Usability Issues

• Difficult or confusing user experience. A clunky interface, unclear navigation, or a slow-loading app can significantly hinder user experience. If it's difficult for users to find what they need or complete tasks within the platform, they're more likely to abandon ship.
• Technical problems or bugs hindering user journey. Technical glitches, bugs, and frequent crashes create a frustrating experience for users. These issues disrupt the user journey, making them unhappy and leading to cancellations.
• Lack of proper onboarding and in-app guidance. New users need a clear roadmap to navigate your platform and understand its value. Users might struggle to get the most out of your subscription without proper onboarding and in-app guidance, leading to dissatisfaction and churn.

Customer Experience Shortcomings

• Poor customer support and slow response times. Efficient and helpful customer support is crucial for retaining subscribers. If users encounter problems and don’t get timely assistance, they're more likely to cancel their subscriptions.
• Hidden fees or unexpected charges cause frustration. Transparency in pricing is key. Hidden fees or unexpected charges tend to erode user trust and lead to cancellations.
• Difficulty in managing accounts. Making it difficult for users to manage their subscriptions creates a negative perception. A smooth and straightforward process to upgrade or downgrade fosters trust and can help retain subscribers who might otherwise churn out of frustration.

External Factors Influencing Decisions

• Changes in user needs or life circumstances. Sometimes, churn is due to factors outside your control. Users' needs and life circumstances can evolve. A student who subscribed to a language learning app might cancel upon graduation as they no longer need it.
• Economic downturns leading to budget cuts. Economic downturns can force users to tighten their belts and cut back on discretionary spending, which can lead to subscription cancellations.
• Finding a better deal or competitor offering more value. The subscription market is competitive. If users find a competitor offering a better deal or more value for their money, they might switch providers.

Strategies to Reduce Subscription Churn

Having identified the common reasons behind churn, let's explore strategies high-performing subscription apps have in common and that you can adopt to keep subscribers happy and engaged.

Optimize the User Experience

• Prioritizing user research and understanding customer needs. Understanding the target audience and their needs is fundamental to any business. Conduct user research through surveys, user interviews, and A/B testing to identify pain points and areas for improvement.
• Simplifying onboarding and communicating value clearly. The onboarding process is crucial for creating the right first impression –get this wrong and you risk alienating even the most enthusiastic first-time users. Make the onboarding process smooth, and informative, and highlight the value proposition clearly. Users should quickly grasp what the subscription offers and how it benefits them.

• Focusing on user interface (UI) improvements and intuitive design. A clean, intuitive UI is essential. Strive for a user-friendly design that allows users to navigate the platform easily so they can find what they need without getting lost.

Deliver Consistent Value

• Regularly update features and content to maintain user engagement. Complacency is the enemy of retention. Regularly introduce new features, fresh content, and updates to keep users engaged and coming back for more.
• Implement personalized recommendations and cater to user preferences. Personalization goes a long way in enhancing the user experience. Study user behavior to recommend content, features, or subscription plans that cater to individual preferences.
• Offer different subscription tiers to cater to different needs. A one-size-fits-all approach might not work when trying to engage with users with differing needs, missions, and psychographics. Consider offering different subscription tiers with varying features and price points to cater to diverse user needs and budgets.

Create Strong Customer Relationships

• Extend proactive customer support and address user concerns promptly. Provide excellent customer support with multiple channels for users to reach you (e.g., live chat, email, phone). Respond to inquiries promptly and address user concerns so that they continue to trust you.
• Gather user feedback and implement improvements based on insights. Actively seek user feedback through surveys, reviews, and support interactions. You can also make use of in-app or in-platform user behavior to understand “aha moments” and drop-off points. Analyze different subscription metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that enhance the user experience.
• Offer loyalty programs and incentives to reward long-term subscribers. Show appreciation for your loyal customers. Implement loyalty programs, exclusive discounts, or early access to new features to reward long-term subscribers and incentivize them to stay.

Address Payment and Billing Issues Proactively

• Ensure a smooth and secure checkout process. The checkout process for subscriptions should be frictionless and secure for your users. Offer multiple payment options and ensure a clear and transparent pricing structure.
• Offer flexible subscription options like pausing or downgrading plans. Give your subscribers flexibility. Allow them to pause their subscription if needed, downgrade to a lower tier, or easily switch plans based on their evolving needs.
• Send out clear communication regarding billing cycles and potential price changes. Transparency in billing is key. Communicate billing cycles clearly, and provide advance notice of any potential price changes to avoid surprises and frustration.

👉Read more: Driving Customer Retention and Revenue with Cohort Analysis

Flip the Script on Subscription Cancellations

For any subscription-driven business, understanding churn and its causes is critical. Losing subscribers not only impacts revenue but also weakens your customer base, negatively impacting investor confidence. By identifying the reasons behind subscription churn, as explored in this article, businesses can develop effective strategies to retain subscribers.

The key takeaways for reducing churn lie in:

• Optimizing the user experience: Prioritize user research, simplify onboarding, and focus on intuitive app design to create a seamless and engaging platform.
• Delivering consistent value: Regularly update features and content, personalize the user experience, and offer flexible subscription tiers to keep users engaged and satisfied.
• Fostering strong customer relationships: Provide excellent customer support, actively seek user feedback, and implement loyalty programs to build trust and incentivize subscribers.
• Addressing payment and billing issues: Ensure a smooth checkout process, offer flexible subscription options, and maintain transparent communication regarding billing.

Remember, churn management is an ongoing process. By continuously analyzing data, implementing improvements, and adapting to user feedback, subscription businesses can minimize churn and build a loyal subscriber base that fuels sustainable growth.

To learn more about how to manage your subscriptions successfully, reach out to Nami ML.

       

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