SKAN 4.0 Implementation: A Step-by-Step Developer Guide

SKAdNetwork 4.0 introduces significant improvements over previous versions, including multiple conversion windows, hierarchical conversion values, and source app identification. This guide walks you through implementing SKAN 4.0 in your iOS app.

                📋 Prerequisites
                Xcode 14.1 or later
iOS 16.1+ deployment target
Apple Developer account
Understanding of basic iOS development

            

What's New in SKAN 4.0

Multiple Conversion Windows

SKAN 4.0 introduces three conversion windows instead of one:

Window 1: 0-2 days post-install
Window 2: 3-7 days post-install
Window 3: 8-35 days post-install

Hierarchical Conversion Values

The new hierarchical system provides different levels of data granularity based on crowd anonymity thresholds:

Fine-grained: Full 6-bit conversion value (0-63)
Coarse-grained: 3 possible values (low, medium, high)

Source App ID

When privacy thresholds are met, you can now receive the source app that displayed the ad, enabling better publisher-level optimization.

Step 1: Update Your Info.plist

Add the SKAdNetwork identifiers for your ad networks:

<key>SKAdNetworkItems</key>
<array>
    <dict>
        <key>SKAdNetworkIdentifier</key>
        <string>cstr6suwn9.skadnetwork</string>
    </dict>
    <!-- Add more network identifiers -->
</array>
            

Step 2: Register for Attribution

Call the registration method when your app launches:

import StoreKit

func registerForAttribution() {
    if #available(iOS 16.1, *) {
        SKAdNetwork.updatePostbackConversionValue(0)
    } else if #available(iOS 15.4, *) {
        SKAdNetwork.updatePostbackConversionValue(0) { error in
            if let error = error {
                print("Error: \(error)")
            }
        }
    }
}
            

Step 3: Update Conversion Values

For SKAN 4.0, use the new method with coarse value support:

import StoreKit

@available(iOS 16.1, *)
func updateConversionValue(
    fineValue: Int,
    coarseValue: SKAdNetwork.CoarseConversionValue,
    lockWindow: Bool
) {
    SKAdNetwork.updatePostbackConversionValue(
        fineValue,
        coarseValue: coarseValue,
        lockWindow: lockWindow
    ) { error in
        if let error = error {
            print("SKAN update error: \(error)")
        }
    }
}
            

Step 4: Design Your Conversion Value Schema

With 64 possible fine-grained values (0-63), you need a strategic approach to value assignment. Common patterns include:

Revenue-Based Schema

Values 0-31: Revenue ranges
Values 32-63: Revenue + engagement combinations

Event-Based Schema

Bit 0: Registration complete
Bit 1: Tutorial complete
Bit 2: First purchase
Bit 3: Day 1 retention
Bits 4-5: Purchase count ranges

💡 Pro Tip

Always design your schema to be backward-compatible. Start with your most important metrics and add complexity as you gain confidence in the system.

Step 5: Handle Coarse Values

When privacy thresholds aren't met, you'll receive coarse values instead of fine values. Plan your schema accordingly:

enum ConversionTier {
    case low    // Non-monetizing user
    case medium // Small purchaser
    case high   // Whale user
}

func getCoarseValue(revenue: Double) -> SKAdNetwork.CoarseConversionValue {
    if #available(iOS 16.1, *) {
        switch revenue {
        case 0:
            return .low
        case 0.01...9.99:
            return .medium
        default:
            return .high
        }
    }
    return .low
}
            

Step 6: Lock Conversion Windows

You can lock a conversion window early if the user has completed all relevant events:

// Lock window when user makes significant purchase
func onSignificantPurchase() {
    if #available(iOS 16.1, *) {
        updateConversionValue(
            fineValue: 63,  // Max value
            coarseValue: .high,
            lockWindow: true  // Lock this window
        )
    }
}
            

Step 7: Server-Side Postback Handling

Configure your server to receive and process SKAN postbacks. The new postback format includes:

version: SKAN version (4.0)
conversion-value: Fine value if available
coarse-conversion-value: Coarse value
postback-sequence-index: Which window (0, 1, or 2)
source-app-id: Publisher app if threshold met

Testing Your Implementation

Using Xcode

Enable StoreKit Testing in your scheme
Use the SKAdNetwork testing profile
Monitor console for SKAN-related logs

Using TestFlight

Deploy to TestFlight and use real ad networks' test modes to validate end-to-end attribution.

"SKAN 4.0 testing requires patience. The conversion windows and postback delays mean you'll need several days to fully validate your implementation."

Common Pitfalls

Forgetting backward compatibility: Support SKAN 3.0 for older iOS versions
Not handling errors: Always implement error handling for SKAN calls
Over-complex schemas: Start simple and iterate
Ignoring coarse values: Design for the case when you only get low/medium/high

SKAN 4.0 represents a significant improvement in privacy-preserving attribution. While it requires upfront investment in implementation, the enhanced measurement capabilities make it worthwhile for serious iOS marketers.