Understanding iOS App campaign measurement and reporting

Various reporting methodologies, such as Google Ads Modeled Conversion Reporting, Integrated Conversion Measurement (ICM) in AAP Probabilistic Reporting, and SKAdNetwork, help advertisers assess iOS campaign performance while respecting user privacy. The table below outlines the differences between each measurement solution to help you determine which option best suits your needs.

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iOS measurement options

  • Google Ads Modeled Conversions: Uses advanced Google modeling to estimate event level performance, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all users globally, including the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, and Switzerland. You'll find this data directly within the Campaigns and Ad groups tables in Google Ads.
Note: iOS measurement in Google Ads will change in the future to align closer with ICM measurement in App Attribution Partners for apps with ICM and on-device measurement event data implemented.
  • Integrated Conversion Measurement (ICM): Offers granular, real-time event level data, providing a view of Google's contribution in a cross network context. Access is available through your App Attribution Partners’ (AAP) UI. Learn more About Integrated Conversion Measurement for App Campaigns.
    • Note: This data isn't available in Google Ads reporting today.
  • Apple’s SKAdNetwork: Helps App advertisers measure their ad activity on an aggregate level across multiple networks. Data can be found in your AAP or BI reports.
    • Note: Only SKAdNetwork installs are reported in Google Ads through the dedicated SKAdNetwork report.

Key differences in iOS App campaign reporting

  Google Ads Modeled Conversions Integrated Conversion Measurement (ICM) in AAP Probabilistic Reporting SKAdNetwork
Reporting details
  • Event level data, informed by IDFA, On-device measurement (ODM), and SKAdNetwork when appropriate.
  • Subject to delays up to 5 days.
  • Includes Click-through conversions (CTCs) and Engaged-view conversions (EVCs), but not View-through conversions (VTCs).
  • Available for all users, including those in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
  • Note: iOS Measurement will change in the future for campaigns with on-device measurement event data from modeled conversions to ground truth attribution.
  • Granular, event level data informed by IDFA and On-device measurement (ODM) with event data.
  • More real time attribution (outside of some AAP level delays in some regions).
  • Includes CTCs and EVCs, but not VTCs.
  • Provides a view of Google's contribution in a cross-network context.
  • Aggregated data that is subject to conversion value limitations (only 64 possible values) and predefined activity windows.
  • Subject to variable delays. Recommended to check reports every 30 days.
  • Includes CTCs, EVCs, and VTCs.
  • Available for all users, including those in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
  • Improved observability of web-to-app conversions only on Safari browsers (SKAdNetwork version 4).
  • Small measurement gaps from other mobile browsers such as Chrome or Firefox which are still unsupported by SKAdNetwork.
Install lookback window
  • CTC default: Configurable (30 days)
  • EVC default: Configurable (2 days)
  • VTC: Not included
  • EVC or CTC default: Configurable in AAP UI except AppsFlyer (6 hours to 30 days)
  • VTC: Not included
  • CTC default: Configurable (30 days)
  • EVC default: Unconfigurable (30 days)
  • VTC: Configurable (1 day)
Redownload definition

Subject to configured options on what constitutes a redownload versus new install which may also lead to discrepancies across reports.

Utilizes a specific, non-configurable definition of a redownload.

Recommended for
  • Advertisers who haven’t implemented Integrated Conversion Measurement (ICM) or on-device measurement event data.
  • Advertisers who have implemented Integrated Conversion Measurement (ICM).
  • Daily optimizations, especially when SKAdNetwork reporting data isn't available, such as tracking what users do after they install your app.
  • Advertisers who haven’t implemented Integrated Conversion Measurement (ICM).
Note: It’s recommended that you wait the full length of the conversion window before assessing campaign performance.

Keep in mind

  • Your choice of reporting solution depends on your implementation status. You can use ICM in AAP Probabilistic Reporting if you've implemented ICM, as it provides granular, event level data and a cross network view. If you haven't implemented ICM, you should rely on either Google Ads Modeled conversion reporting available in the Google Ads UI or SKAdNetwork reports in AAP or your BI system.
  • This information is only applicable for App campaigns for installs (ACi), as App campaigns for engagement (ACe) don't use modeling capabilities.

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