Helm vs Forge
Forge and Helm both bring App Store Connect to a native macOS app. Forge emphasizes SwiftUI craft, Keychain, and an AI agent. Helm spans Mac and iPhone, with broader shipping workflows and a Pro CLI.
| Feature | Helm | Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Native Mac and iOS | Native macOS (SwiftUI) |
| Credentials | API key setup in the Mac app; shared with helm-asc | Keychain-backed credential handling |
| AI assistance | Translate and listing helpers in-product | AI agent oriented workflows |
| iOS companion | Yes. Reviews, TestFlight, listing tasks on iPhone | Mac-focused |
| Nominations and events | Nominations and in-app events in the shipping workspace | ASC management; check current coverage for editorial flows |
| TestFlight invites | Groups, feedback, and Passport stamps from meetups | TestFlight management in the Mac app |
| CLI | helm-asc with Pro for scripts and agents | Mac app primary; agent features in-app |
| Best fit | Ship on Mac and stay productive on iPhone | Mac-only power users who want SwiftUI ASC with an AI agent |
Native Mac, different surface area
Forge is a native macOS App Store Connect client built in SwiftUI. If you live on a Mac and want Keychain-backed credentials plus an AI agent in the loop, Forge is aimed at that desk setup.
Helm is also native on Mac, and it ships an iOS companion so reviews, TestFlight, and listing work travel with you.
Broader shipping workflows in Helm
Beyond versions and metadata, Helm covers nominations, in-app events, and Passport for collecting tester contacts in person.
The goal is one shipping companion for the week-to-week loop: prepare, localize, submit, invite, reply.
AI agent vs Pro CLI
Forge leans into an in-app AI agent. Helm puts more of its automation story in helm-asc for Pro: structured commands for you and for agents in the terminal.
Neither model is wrong. Choose agent-in-UI if that is how you work, or CLI-plus-native-UI if you want scripts beside a polished shipping app.
When Forge is enough
If you never need App Store Connect on iPhone, and your Mac workflow already covers what you ship, Forge may be all you need.
If you want Mac and iPhone, nominations beside releases, and a Pro CLI, Helm is built for that stack.
FAQ
Does Forge run on iPhone?
Forge is a macOS app. Helm includes a native iOS companion for day-to-day ASC tasks away from the desk.
Does Helm have an AI agent like Forge?
Helm offers in-app AI for translation and listing help, plus helm-asc for Pro so agents and scripts can call ASC tasks from the terminal. It is a different shape than an in-app agent UI.
Which should agencies pick?
Agencies that juggle clients on the go often want Helm’s iOS app and shipping extras. Mac-only studios that prefer an AI agent inside the desktop app may prefer Forge. Try both against a real release week.
