App Store Connect
App Store Connect is Apple's hub for shipping apps. You manage versions, listings, TestFlight, reviews, purchases, and more. Helm is a native Mac and iPhone companion that keeps those same workflows close while you build in Xcode.
What App Store Connect is
App Store Connect (often shortened to ASC) is where you create apps, upload builds, edit product pages, invite beta testers, answer reviews, and submit for App Review. It is the source of truth for everything that appears on the App Store.
Teams share roles, agreements, tax forms, and banking through the same portal. Most release friction lives here: missing metadata, wrong build selection, or a compliance question that blocks submit.
Why it matters when you ship
Every update you ship still passes through App Store Connect, even if you never open the website. Version status, What's New, screenshots, and review notes all live there.
When ASC feels slow or scattered, release days stretch. A clearer companion workflow helps you catch gaps before App Review does.
How Helm helps
Helm connects with your App Store Connect API key and mirrors the work you do most: releases, store listing, TestFlight, reviews, IAPs, and more.
You stay in a native Mac app (and a companion iOS app) instead of hunting through ASC tabs. Pro unlocks unlimited submissions, AI localization, and the helm-asc CLI for agents and scripts.
ASC vs Helm at a glance
App Store Connect remains Apple's system of record. Helm does not replace agreements, legal, or analytics Apple has not exposed. It focuses on the daily craft of preparing and submitting updates.
Think of Helm as the release desk next to Xcode, with ASC still underneath.
FAQ
Do I still need an App Store Connect account?
Yes. Helm uses your App Store Connect API key. Your apps, roles, and agreements stay in Apple's systems.
Is Helm a web wrapper for App Store Connect?
No. Helm is a native macOS and iOS app built around release workflows, with optional Pro tools like AI translate and helm-asc.
Can my whole team use Helm?
Yes. You can share a secure .helm setup file and limit which apps each person can see.
