Introduction
App Store Connect CLI is an open-source Go tool that provides complete command-line access to Apple's App Store Connect API. It covers the full lifecycle of iOS and macOS app management including TestFlight, builds, submissions, analytics, and subscription management.
What App Store Connect CLI Does
- Lists and manages apps, builds, and TestFlight groups
- Submits apps for review and tracks submission status
- Manages signing certificates and provisioning profiles
- Retrieves analytics data and sales reports
- Handles in-app purchase and subscription configuration
Architecture Overview
The CLI is built in Go as a single static binary. It authenticates via App Store Connect API keys (JWT-based) and communicates directly with Apple's REST API. All output is JSON by default, making it easy to pipe into jq or integrate into CI/CD pipelines. Commands are organized by resource type (apps, builds, profiles, analytics) with consistent flag conventions.
Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install via go install or download pre-built binaries for macOS and Linux
- Generate API keys in App Store Connect and configure via environment variables
- Supports multiple team profiles for organizations with several developer accounts
- JSON output mode enables scripting and pipeline integration
- No interactive prompts; all operations are fully scriptable
Key Features
- Covers 200+ App Store Connect API endpoints in a single tool
- JSON-first output for scripting and CI/CD integration
- No interactive prompts; designed for automation pipelines
- TestFlight beta management including group and tester operations
- Analytics and financial report downloads via CLI
Comparison with Similar Tools
- Fastlane — Ruby-based iOS automation suite; this CLI is a single Go binary focused on the API
- Xcode CLI tools — Apple's bundled tools; this CLI covers App Store Connect management beyond builds
- Transporter — Apple's upload tool; this CLI provides full API access not just binary uploads
- app-store-server-library — server-side SDK; this CLI is a ready-to-use command-line tool
FAQ
Q: Does it work on Linux? A: Yes, it runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows since it communicates via API, not Xcode.
Q: How do I authenticate? A: Generate an API key in App Store Connect and set the key ID, issuer ID, and private key path as environment variables.
Q: Can I use this in GitHub Actions? A: Yes, it is designed for CI/CD use with JSON output and no interactive prompts.
Q: Does it support App Store Connect API v2? A: Yes, it targets the latest version of the App Store Connect API.