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Product · Creator codes

Apple retired in-app purchase promo codes. Here’s what replaces them.

Since 26 March 2026 you can’t create new promo codes for in-app purchases. Offer codes now cover every in-app purchase type, and the store itself confirms each redemption. That makes them the strongest creator signal on iOS.
Plan your codes (free)What changed, in detail

Purchase first

The purchase happens before the app is ever opened.

Apple’s offer-code redemption link opens the App Store with the code applied, and it opens from in-app browsers, where universal links fail. Per RevenueCat, it also installs the app during redemption.
Purchase-first funnelVVerified
  1. Touch:

    Tap in TikTok

    creator’s smart link

  2. Touch:

    “Claim 20% off”

    opens the App Store

  3. Touch:

    Code applied, subscribe

    SARAH20 · Apple records it

    VVerifiedWinner
  4. Install:

    App installs

    during redemption

  5. App open:

    First open

    renewals tied to the user

  6. Decision:

    Receipt

    commission on net

https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id={appId}&code={code}

Being validatedWhether the redemption link installs and applies the code from every in-app browser is being tested on real devices. Where it doesn’t, the landing page leads with copy-code and in-app code entry instead.

Automation

Codes that run themselves.

  1. 01

    Connect App Store Connect

    An API key allowed to manage in-app purchases. Proofline creates an offer for each subscription, such as “Creator: 20% off for 3 months” or a free trial.

  2. 02

    One custom code per creator

    SARAH20, LEO15: up to 64 letters and digits. Apple doesn’t allow edits after creation, so Proofline checks every code before it’s created.

  3. 03

    Limits and expiry, tracked

    Each code issue has a redemption limit. Proofline watches it and reissues the same code before it runs out, and keeps you inside Apple’s quarterly allowance.

  4. 04

    Redemptions become receipts

    Apple reports the purchase directly or through RevenueCat’s offer_code field. Proofline records a store-verified signal and decides attribution, even before the app is opened.

Today you enter codes by hand and Proofline tracks them; automated creation through the App Store Connect API follows.

Apple’s limits

The numbers to plan around.

Apple offer code limits
Custom code lengthUp to 64 characters; letters and digits only; can’t be edited after creation
Codes per app1,000,000 per quarter, shared across all in-app purchases
Per customerOne redemption per offer
ExpiryOne-time codes last up to six months; custom codes can run without an end date
OfferA code needs an offer: a discount or a free period

Being validatedWe’re still confirming in Apple’s sandbox whether a transaction carries the custom code text or only the offer’s ID. If it’s the offer ID, top creators get their own offer and everyone else uses in-app code entry, so attribution stays exact.

Being validatedExpiry rules and the number of offers per subscription are being confirmed in Apple’s sandbox before automation depends on them.

Google Play

Play promo codes, as the Android backup.

On Android the Install Referrer carries the click ID through the install, so codes are a backup: custom Play promo codes for subscriptions, new subscribers only, with a redemption limit set at creation.

Try it on your own creator traffic.

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