App IDs

App IDs

App IDs are an integral part of the iOS Development and Provisioning Process that allows an application to communicate with the Apple Push Notification service and/or an external hardware accessory. In addition, an App ID can also be used to share keychain data (such as passwords) between a suite of applications and share document and configuration data between your applications using iCloud. 

An App ID is the combination of a unique ten character string called the "Bundle Seed ID" and a traditional CF Bundle ID (or Bundle Identifier). The Bundle Seed ID portion of your App ID can be utilized to share keychain access between multiple applications you build with a single App ID. In addition, it can be incorporated into any external hardware accessories you wish to pair your iOS application with. Registration of your App ID is required to utilize the Apple Push Notification service (APNs) and to register an application to incorporate In App Purchases. 

The Bundle Identifier portion of an App ID can be substituted with a wild-card character (asterisk '*') so that a single App ID may be used to build and install multiple applications. If the wild-card character is not used, the Bundle Identifier portion of your App ID must be input as your CF Bundle ID in Xcode to allow the application to install on your device. The Bundle Seed ID portion of your App ID does not need to be input into Xcode. Wild-card App IDs cannot be used with the Apple Push Notification service or for In App Purchase. 

For more information on utilizing the Apple Push Notification service, view the Apple Push Notification service Programming Guide, theApp ID How-To as well as the Apple Push Notification topic in the Apple Developer Forums. 

For more information on incorporating In App Purchases into your applications, view the Store Kit Programming Guide, the App ID How-Tos, and the iTunes Connect User Guide for setup instructions. 

For more information on Keychain Access sharing, view the Keychain Services Reference. 

For more information on developing external accessories to communicate with your iOS application, view MFi Program. 

For more information on utilizing iCloud in your applications, view What's New in iOS 5.