Official dashboard access and feature guide
Apple Ads
Basic
Sign in to the Basic dashboard, then learn how Apple automates search-results promotion around your app, monthly budget, and maximum cost per install.
The login button opens Apple's official app-ads.apple.com domain.
01 / Definition
What is Apple Ads Basic?
Apple Ads Basic is an automated way for developers to promote apps in App Store search results. You set a few commercial goals; Apple creates the ad, matches it to interested users, and optimizes delivery for installs. It was previously called Apple Search Ads Basic.
Placement
Search results
Pricing
Cost per install
Operation
Intelligent automation
02 / Setup
Four choices. Then Apple takes over.
Choose your app
Select an eligible app connected through App Store Connect.
Choose markets
Select every eligible country or region, or only the markets you need.
Set a monthly budget
Define the most you want to spend on the app promotion each calendar month.
Set maximum CPI
Accept Apple's suggested maximum cost per install or enter your own.
03 / Product boundary
Simple by design. Limited by design.
Included
- Automatic ad creation from App Store metadata
- Automated matching and delivery
- Search-results placement
- Quick-view performance dashboard
- AdServices Attribution API
Not included
- No keyword settings or keyword data
- No audience settings
- No Today, Search tab, or product-page placements
- No Campaign Management API
- Up to 50 apps and US$10,000 per app per month
04 / Best fit
Choose Basic when simplicity is the requirement.
Basic fits a developer who wants a low-maintenance search-results promotion, measures success mainly through installs and CPI, and does not need keyword decisions, detailed reporting, other placements, or campaign APIs.
Need keyword revenue, control, or integrations? Choose Advanced.
Basic can still use AdServices attribution, but missing campaign and keyword detail can make RevenueCat dimensions appear as Unspecified. Advanced is the safer default unless Basic's restrictions are intentional.
05 / Operations
Adjust the two controls that matter.
Monthly budget
Budget increases take effect immediately. Decreases take effect at the start of the next calendar month.
Maximum CPI
Apple may update its suggested maximum CPI. You can accept the suggestion or change your own maximum at any time.
06 / Questions
Before you continue to Apple.
What is Apple Ads Basic?+
Apple Ads Basic is Apple's automated product for promoting apps in App Store search results. You choose an app, countries or regions, a monthly budget, and a maximum cost per install; Apple manages delivery.
How do I log in to Apple Ads Basic?+
Sign in with your Apple Account at app-ads.apple.com. The primary button on this page links directly to Apple's official Basic dashboard.
How does Apple Ads Basic charge?+
Basic uses cost-per-install pricing. You set a maximum CPI and pay for installs, while Apple works to maximize installs within your monthly budget.
Can I choose keywords in Apple Ads Basic?+
No. Basic does not provide keyword or audience settings. Apple automatically matches your app promotion to interested users in App Store search results.
Does Apple Ads Basic support attribution?+
Yes. Basic supports the AdServices Attribution API, but it does not provide keyword data or access to the Apple Ads Campaign Management API.
Is Apple Search Ads Basic the same product?+
Yes. Apple Search Ads Basic is the former name of Apple Ads Basic. Current Apple product pages and account screens use the Apple Ads Basic name.
Apple Ads Basic
Want Apple to handle the promotion?
Apple Ads is a service of Apple Inc. Apple, Apple Ads, Apple Search Ads, and App Store are trademarks or service marks of Apple Inc. Lily Ads is independent and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Apple Inc. Official links are provided only as a convenience.