Fixing Error ITMS-9000 on Apple App Store

‍What Causes Error ITMS-9000?

Error ITMS-9000 occurs when the app’s binary is improperly configured or fails to meet certain technical criteria set by Apple. This includes issues with the app’s entitlements, missing or mismatched provisioning profiles, or outdated build settings in Xcode. Familiarizing yourself with Apple’s requirements for app binaries can help prevent this error during submission.

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Common Scenarios for Error ITMS-9000 - Invalid Binary

Developers frequently encounter this error in the following situations:

1. Mismatched or Missing Provisioning Profiles: Submissions can fail if the binary isn’t properly signed with a valid provisioning profile.
2. Incorrect App Entitlements: If entitlements do not match what is configured in App Store Connect, the submission may be rejected.
3. Outdated or Improper Xcode Build Settings: Incompatible build settings or outdated SDKs in Xcode can trigger this error.
4. Incomplete Metadata or Missing Assets: App metadata or required assets that are incomplete or missing often result in an Invalid Binary error.

👉Read more: SKError Code Unknown SKError Cases

Step-by-Step Solutions for Error ITMS-9000

‍Solution 1: Verify Provisioning Profiles and Code Signing

• Purpose: Ensures that the app binary is properly signed and meets Apple’s distribution requirements.
• Steps:

1. In Xcode, go to Signing & Capabilities and ensure the correct provisioning profile is selected.
2. Confirm that both the development and distribution profiles are active and valid.
3. Rebuild the app with the correct provisioning profile and retry submission.

• Result: Valid provisioning profiles eliminate most code-signing issues, allowing the binary to be properly validated.

Solution 2: Confirm App Entitlements in Xcode

• Purpose: Ensures that the entitlements match the configurations in App Store Connect.
• Steps:

1. In Xcode, navigate to the Signing & Capabilities tab for the project.
2. Confirm that all required entitlements (e.g., push notifications, iCloud) are correctly configured.
3. Ensure these match the capabilities listed in App Store Connect.

• Result: Matching entitlements prevent configuration mismatches and submission rejections.

Solution 3: Update Build Settings and SDK Version in Xcode

• Purpose: Updates the project to meet Apple’s latest build requirements.
• Steps:

1. Open the Build Settings tab in Xcode.
2. Ensure that the Base SDK is set to the latest iOS version.
3. Confirm that the Deployment Target is compatible with Apple’s requirements for your app.
4. Rebuild the binary and resubmit.

• Result: Updated build settings ensure compatibility with App Store requirements and minimize submission errors.

Solution 4: Check Metadata and Assets in App Store Connect

• Purpose: Ensures that all necessary app information and assets are complete and accurately filled out.
• Steps:

1. In App Store Connect, check the app’s metadata (description, screenshots, icons).
2. Verify that all required assets are uploaded in the correct resolutions.
3. Double-check localization settings if the app is available in multiple languages.

• Result: Complete and accurate metadata helps prevent binary rejection due to missing information.

Solution 5: Use Application Loader for Direct Binary Uploads

• Purpose: Sometimes bypassing Xcode submission and using Application Loader can help when facing submission errors.
• Steps:

1. Export the app archive from Xcode and save it to your machine.
2. Use Application Loader to upload the binary directly to App Store Connect.
3. Follow any additional instructions provided by Application Loader if errors occur.

• Result: Uploading via Application Loader can sometimes resolve Xcode submission issues.

👉Read more: The App Store Rejected My App, Now What

Conclusion

Error ITMS-9000 - Invalid Binary, often arises from issues with provisioning profiles, entitlements, build settings, or incomplete metadata. By verifying profiles, checking entitlements, updating build settings, reviewing metadata, and considering Application Loader for uploads, developers can resolve this error and submit successfully.

Nami’s low-code solutions can streamline app configuration and deployment, handling these technicalities so you can focus on the core aspects of your app. Learn more at NamiML.