Introduction

A "Rate this app" button can mean two different things on iOS. You might want to show Apple's in-app review prompt, or you might want to open the App Store review page directly. The right choice depends on the user experience you want: the in-app prompt is smoother, but Apple controls whether it actually appears, while a direct App Store link gives you a predictable destination.

Prefer the In-App Review Prompt First

The modern API for requesting a rating is SKStoreReviewController. It keeps the user inside the app and follows Apple's review-prompt rules.

1import StoreKit
2import UIKit
3
4final class SettingsViewController: UIViewController {
5    @IBAction func rateButtonTapped(_ sender: UIButton) {
6        if let scene = view.window?.windowScene {
7            SKStoreReviewController.requestReview(in: scene)
8        }
9    }
10}

This is the preferred first option because it is lightweight and native. The important limitation is that calling the API does not guarantee the prompt will appear. Apple decides when to show it, and the system limits how often prompts can be displayed.

That means a rate button wired only to requestReview is valid, but you should not build logic that assumes the prompt always appears.

Opening the App Store Review Page Directly

If you want a guaranteed navigation path, open the App Store page for your app. That requires your App Store app id.

1import UIKit
2
3func openAppStoreReviewPage(appID: String) {
4    let urlString = "itms-apps://itunes.apple.com/app/id\(appID)?action=write-review"
5
6    guard let url = URL(string: urlString), UIApplication.shared.canOpenURL(url) else {
7        return
8    }
9
10    UIApplication.shared.open(url)
11}

Then call it from the button action:

@IBAction func rateButtonTapped(_ sender: UIButton) {
    openAppStoreReviewPage(appID: "1234567890")
}

This sends the user out to the App Store. It is more direct, but it is also a bigger context switch than the in-app review request.

When to Trigger the Button or Prompt

The technical wiring is easy. The product decision is harder.

A rating request works best after the user has experienced value, such as:

• finishing a meaningful task
• returning to the app several times
• completing a success flow
• explicitly opening a settings or feedback screen

A rate prompt shown too early usually performs badly and can annoy users. A dedicated button in settings is often safer than forcing a prompt from a random screen.

A Practical Combined Approach

Many apps use both approaches. The button can try the in-app prompt first and fall back to a direct App Store link from a help or settings page if needed.

The important thing is to keep the implementation simple and honest:

• do not spam review requests
• do not show fake rate dialogs
• do not gate app functionality behind ratings

Apple is strict about manipulative review flows, and users dislike them anyway.

Common Pitfalls

• Expecting SKStoreReviewController to show a prompt every time you call it.
• Forgetting to use the correct App Store app id in a direct review link.
• Triggering the rating flow too early, before the user has experienced value.
• Building logic that treats the in-app review request as a guaranteed user action.
• Sending users to the App Store when an in-app prompt would have been the smoother experience.

Summary

• A rate button can either request an in-app review or open the App Store review page.
• 'SKStoreReviewController.requestReview is the preferred first option for a native experience.'
• A direct App Store link is useful when you want an explicit destination.
• The best time to ask for a rating is after the user has had a positive, successful interaction.
• Treat the review request as an optional prompt, not a guaranteed event.