App Store review / Messages and errors
App Store Connect message · first-hand fix · checked Oct 24, 2026
App Store Connect offer codes: the limits we hit
The message: Offer codes: numberOfCodes and start date limits
Short answerOffer codes give free or discounted access to a subscription or in-app purchase. Two limits caught us in the API: a one-time-use batch rejected 100,000 codes (25,000 worked), and a win-back offer's start date had to be at least 2 days out. A custom code (one shared word like PROEYES) is a separate type with its own redemption limit.
Why it happens
Use one-time codes for individual gifts and press, custom codes for a campaign link or a word people type, and win-back offers for lapsed subscribers.
When we hit it
On October 20, 2026 we created PROEYES (a custom code giving 3 months free to Minder's Pro owners), a Minder win-back offer (start date set 2 days out, October 22), and BLOWHARD for Clear the Strait (the API refused numberOfCodes 100000; 25000 was accepted).
Fix, step by step
- Create the offer on the subscription or in-app purchase first.
- One-time codes: request batches (25,000 worked for us).
- Custom codes: pick the word and a redemption limit.
- Win-back offers: set the start date 2 or more days ahead.
Related
- guideline/3-1-2
- "Review the updated Paid Applications Schedule"
- guideline/2-3-2
- Every guideline and message we hit
Sources
- App Store Connect Help: developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/ (read Oct 24, 2026)
- App Store Connect API: developer.apple.com/documentation/appstoreconnectapi
- Our notes from the October 2026 submission rounds: tensorust.com/reports/app-store-review-times/2026-10/
Up next
Often comes with this oneguideline/3-1-2The next rule our apps ran into, with the cases and the fix.Read it next →Did this answer your question?