First-launch event capture
The SDK records a new user's first app launch automatically. Later launches do not send additional signals from the same device after the marker is stored, although some reinstalls may produce another signal.
InitSignal
Freemium
InitSignal is a lightweight SDK and live dashboard for seeing first launches of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Mac Catalyst apps, along with paid-app revenue when available. It sends new-user alerts through Slack, Telegram, ActivitySmith, or webhooks.
What is InitSignal?
InitSignal is a first-launch monitoring tool for developers of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Mac Catalyst apps. A lightweight SDK records when a user opens an app for the first time, then sends that event to a live dashboard where new users and paid-app revenue can be viewed within seconds in typical conditions.
The product focuses on the earliest verifiable app-use signal rather than full analytics. It does not track sessions, screens, funnels, retention, identity, or ongoing behavior. The first-launch event can include app and build details, platform and OS, device, install source, event time, and App Store storefront country when available; paid production apps can also provide customer price and estimated proceeds.
Developers can receive the same activity through Slack, Telegram, ActivitySmith, or a public HTTPS webhook. The SDK sends asynchronously and stores a device marker after the first signal, so it does not wait on the network during startup or continue collecting behavior afterward.
What can InitSignal do?
Live new-user dashboard
View first launches as they arrive instead of waiting for App Store Connect reporting. Events usually appear within a few seconds, subject to device connectivity and delivery conditions.
Paid-app revenue context
For paid production apps, events can show the customer price and estimated proceeds. Free apps and non-production launches do not provide the same revenue object.
Event context for release monitoring
Signals can include the app name, bundle identifier, version, build, platform, OS version, device, install source, environment, event time, locale, and storefront country when available.
Notifications and webhooks
Send first-launch activity to Slack, Telegram, ActivitySmith, or a public HTTPS endpoint. Webhooks deliver JSON POST requests for use in backends, automations, databases, or internal tools.
Minimal asynchronous SDK
The SDK is described as around 100 KB with zero dependencies. It sends the first-launch signal asynchronously and does not perform ongoing session or behavior tracking.
Use Cases
“Monitor a new app release”
Watch first launches after publishing a new version and see the app version, build, device, storefront, and install source associated with incoming activity.
“Follow paid-app sales as they happen”
Developers of paid production apps can use the dashboard or notifications to see customer price and estimated proceeds alongside each first launch.
“Share launch activity with a team”
Route events to a selected Slack channel or another supported notification destination so product, marketing, or development teams can follow new-user activity without opening the dashboard.
“Connect events to internal systems”
Send JSON first-launch payloads to a public HTTPS webhook and use the event in a backend, automation workflow, database, or internal reporting tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 support is still in development; users can join the Android waitlist.
Does InitSignal replace an analytics platform?
No. InitSignal focuses on the first launch and does not measure sessions, screens, funnels, retention, identity, or ongoing behavior. It is intended to work alongside analytics tools.
When is a user recorded?
InitSignal records the first launch—the first time someone opens the app—not the download. The signal usually appears in the dashboard and connected destinations within a few seconds, although connectivity and notification providers can affect delivery.
How do webhooks work?
In the dashboard, select Connect Webhook, provide a name and public HTTPS URL, and InitSignal sends a JSON POST for each first-launch event. The endpoint must accept JSON and return a successful HTTP response within 10 seconds.
What are the trial and plan options?
Every account starts with a 14-day free trial without a payment method. The site lists monthly access at $9 per month, yearly access at $90 per year, and Lifetime Membership at $99 for the first 50 purchases, after which it is listed at $149. The plans include the current features.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer tool / app launch monitoring
- Supported platforms
- iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Mac Catalyst
- SDK footprint
- Around 100 KB with zero dependencies
- Primary signal
- A user's first app launch
- Notifications
- Slack, Telegram, ActivitySmith, and webhooks
- Trial
- 14 days; no card required
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