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Distributing your iOS App in Japan

Expand your reach to one of the world’s most valuable mobile gaming markets. Through our partnership with BBSS (SoftBank Group), Aptoide iOS enables you to distribute your apps to over 55 million players in Japan.

The process is designed to be quick, takes under 2 minutes, and consists of three main steps:

  1. Enable Japan Distribution: Generate your Marketplace Token in Aptoide Connect and link it to App Store Connect.
  2. Implement our Billing SDK (Aptoide Billing apps only): Ensure you are using v4.2.0 or later to comply with Apple’s Core Technology Commission (CTC) for the Japanese market.
  3. Configure External In-App Purchase Reporting (Aptoide Billing apps only): Provide your Apple External Purchase API credentials in Aptoide Connect so we can automate the required purchase reporting for you.

1. Enable Japan Distribution​

Marketplace Tokens configuration section in Aptoide Connect

To distribute your app in Japan through AppArena, you first need to generate a Marketplace Token and link your app in App Store Connect:

  1. Log in to Aptoide Connect.
  2. Select your app and navigate to the Configuration tab.
  3. In the Marketplace Tokens section, click Generate.
  4. Enter your Developer ID from App Store Connect.
    • Note: Find this in App Store Connect by clicking on your name and then Edit Profile.
  5. Click Generate for AppArena.
  6. Copy the generated Marketplace Token.
  7. In App Store Connect, go to Users and Access → Integrations → Marketplace, click the "+" icon and:
    1. Paste the Marketplace Token.
    2. Select the apps you wish to publish.
    3. Enable Send notifications to marketplace.

2. Implement the Billing SDK (Aptoide Billing apps only)​

In Japan, Apple utilizes a Core Technology Commission (CTC) model, charging 5% on each in-app purchase (distinct from the CTF model used in the EU). Consequently, all purchases made through alternative marketplaces must be reported to Apple for fee application.

We have released AppCoins SDK for iOS v4.2.0 to automate this reporting process.

  • Unity Developers: Update to the latest plugin: v4.2.0 Release
  • Swift Developers: Update to the latest SDK: v4.2.0 Release
    • Required Change: After updating, add the following key to your Info.plist: MKSellsDigitalGoods = YES

3. Enable External In-App Purchase Reporting (Aptoide Billing apps only)​

External In-App Purchases Reporting credentials form

To finalize the integration, configure your reporting credentials in Aptoide Connect:

  1. Log in to Aptoide Connect.
  2. Select your app and navigate to the Configuration tab.
  3. Under External In-App Purchases Reporting, click Edit and select "Yes".
  4. Provide your Apple External Purchase API credentials:
    • Go to App Store Connect → Users and Access → Integrations → In-App Purchase.
    • Create a new key.
    • Copy the Key ID and Issuer ID.
    • Download the key file and paste its contents into the field.
  5. Click Save.

Privacy Note: Aptoide uses this key exclusively to report purchases to Apple as legally required. It is not used for any other purpose.