First-launch tracking
Records one signal when the app is opened for the first time on a device, then stores a local marker so later launches do not send another signal.
InitSignal
InitSignal is a lightweight first-launch tracking service for developers of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Mac Catalyst apps. It shows new users and paid-app revenue in a live dashboard and can send launch notifications to Slack, Telegram, or webhooks.
Live first-launch signals for Apple-platform apps
InitSignal is a lightweight first-launch tracking and notification service for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Mac Catalyst apps. Its SDK sends a signal when the app is opened for the first time on a device, allowing developers to see new users in a live dashboard instead of waiting for delayed App Store Connect reports.
The service also presents paid-app revenue using storefront pricing and estimated proceeds, and can forward new-user notifications to Slack, Telegram, or a webhook. It is intentionally limited to the first-launch event: it does not identify individual people or track sessions, screens, funnels, retention, or ongoing behavior.
Core capabilities
Live user and revenue view
Shows new users as they arrive and summarizes gross revenue and estimated proceeds for paid apps using storefront pricing.
Event context
Adds context to each signal, including app and build version, device, operating system, install source, and storefront country when available.
Notifications and integrations
Sends new-user alerts to Slack channels, Telegram private chats or groups, and connected webhook destinations.
Lightweight asynchronous SDK
Uses an SDK of around 100 KB with zero dependencies and sends the signal asynchronously without holding up app startup.
Practical use cases
Release monitoring for indie developers
Watch new launches arrive shortly after releasing an app or update, with version, build, device, and storefront context available for each signal.
Paid-app sales visibility
Use storefront country, install source, and estimated proceeds to understand where paid-app purchases are appearing without waiting for aggregated reports.
Team launch updates
Route first-launch events into a shared Slack channel or Telegram group so collaborators can see adoption activity without opening the dashboard.
Custom event workflows
Send first-launch events to a custom backend or automation through a webhook when a team needs to connect the signal to its own workflow.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides a live view of new app users rather than relying only on delayed App Store Connect reports.
- Captures useful launch context such as version, device, OS, install source, and storefront.
- Supports Slack, Telegram, and webhook notifications for sharing events with individuals or teams.
- The SDK is around 100 KB, has zero dependencies, and sends asynchronously without blocking app startup.
- Includes paid-app gross revenue and estimated proceeds based on storefront pricing.
Cons
- It is limited to first-launch signals and does not provide general analytics such as sessions, funnels, retention, or behavior history.
- Android is not currently supported.
- A first-launch signal depends on device connectivity and notification-provider delivery, so exact arrival time can vary.
FAQ
Does InitSignal replace analytics?
InitSignal is a first-launch signal tool for apps, not a replacement for analytics. It does not measure sessions, screens, funnels, retention, or ongoing user behavior.
Which platforms does InitSignal support?
The SDK supports iOS and iPadOS 16 or later, macOS 13 or later, and Mac Catalyst 16 or later. Android is not currently supported.
How does the first-launch workflow work?
Add the lightweight SDK to the app and initialize it with an InitSignal key. When the app is opened for the first time on a device, the SDK sends the first-launch signal asynchronously; the dashboard and connected destinations usually show it within a few seconds.
What information does each signal contain?
A signal can include the app and build version, bundle or package identifier, platform and OS version, device family and model, app locale, SDK version, install source, event time, and App Store storefront country when available. Paid-app notifications can also include customer price and estimated proceeds.
What trial and pricing options are available?
Every account starts with a 14-day free trial without a credit card. Available plans include monthly, yearly, and Lifetime Membership options; the source lists $9 monthly, $90 yearly, and a $99 lifetime founder offer for the first 50 purchases, after which the lifetime price increases to $149.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer tool; mobile app analytics
- Supported platforms
- iOS and iPadOS 16+, macOS 13+, and Mac Catalyst 16+
- Primary event
- One first-launch signal per device marker
- Notifications
- Slack, Telegram, and webhooks
- Trial
- 14 days, no credit card required
- Pricing options
- Monthly, yearly, and Lifetime Membership; source lists $9 monthly, $90 yearly, and a $99 first-50 lifetime offer
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