How to Collect User Feedback in iOS Apps (2025 Guide)

Why User Feedback Matters for iOS Apps

Building a successful iOS app isn't just about writing great code—it's about understanding what your users actually need. According to a 2024 study by App Annie, apps that actively collect and implement user feedback see 3.2x higher retention rates compared to those that don't.

Whether you're building an indie app or working on a product for millions of users, feedback is your roadmap. It tells you which features to prioritize, which bugs are critical, and how users actually interact with your app.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about collecting user feedback in iOS apps—from choosing the right methods to implementing feedback systems that users actually want to use.

Types of User Feedback You Should Collect

1. Feature Requests

Feature requests are goldmines for product development. They tell you exactly what users want next. The best feature request systems allow users to:

• Submit new ideas with descriptions
• Vote on existing requests (democratizing your roadmap)
• Comment and discuss with other users
• See status updates (planned, in progress, completed)

2. Bug Reports

Users are your best QA team. Make it easy for them to report bugs with:

• Screenshot or screen recording capture
• Device info (iOS version, model, app version)
• Steps to reproduce
• Severity classification

3. General Feedback & Ratings

Sometimes users just want to share thoughts. Enable:

• In-app rating prompts (at the right moment)
• Open-ended feedback forms
• NPS (Net Promoter Score) surveys
• Quick emoji reactions

Best Methods to Collect Feedback in iOS Apps

Method 1: In-App Feedback Forms

The most direct approach. Add a feedback tab or button in your settings screen.

Pros: Full control over UI/UX, no third-party dependencies, user stays in-app

Cons: Requires backend infrastructure, more development time

Method 2: Feature Voting Systems

Let users submit and vote on feature requests. This democratizes your product roadmap and shows users you're listening.

Tools like VoteFlow provide ready-to-use SwiftUI components that integrate in minutes. Users can:

• Browse all feature requests sorted by votes
• Upvote features they want
• Add comments and discussions
• See which features are planned or in progress

Method 3: Email Integration

Simple but effective—add a "Contact Support" button that opens Mail.app with pre-filled device info.

import MessageUI

let email = "feedback@yourapp.com"
let subject = "Feedback - MyApp v\(appVersion)"
let body = """
iOS Version: \(UIDevice.current.systemVersion)
Device: \(UIDevice.current.model)
App Version: \(appVersion)

---
Your feedback here:
"""

if MFMailComposeViewController.canSendMail() {
    let mail = MFMailComposeViewController()
    mail.setToRecipients([email])
    mail.setSubject(subject)
    mail.setMessageBody(body, isHTML: false)
    present(mail, animated: true)
}

Method 4: App Store Reviews (with Smart Prompts)

Use StoreKit to prompt for reviews at the right moment:

import StoreKit

// Prompt after positive actions
if userCompletedTask && !hasPromptedRecently {
    if let scene = UIApplication.shared.connectedScenes.first as? UIWindowScene {
        SKStoreReviewController.requestReview(in: scene)
    }
}

Pro tip: Only prompt after positive experiences (task completion, milestone reached), never on first launch.

Method 5: Analytics + Session Recordings

Sometimes feedback is implicit. Use tools like:

• Firebase Analytics for event tracking
• Mixpanel for user behavior analysis
• Hotjar/UXCam for session replays

Implementation Guide: Adding Feature Voting to Your iOS App

Let's walk through adding a complete feature voting system using VoteFlow—the fastest way to get user feedback flowing.

Step 1: Install VoteFlow SDK

Add the package in Xcode: File → Add Package Dependencies

https://github.com/BNE003/VoteFlow

Step 2: Get Your App ID

Create a free account at the FeatureFlow dashboard and create your app. You'll get an App ID like my-app-123.

Step 3: Add to Your App

Drop the pre-built view into your settings or main navigation:

import SwiftUI
import VoteFlow

struct SettingsView: View {
    var body: some View {
        NavigationStack {
            List {
                Section("App") {
                    // Your settings...
                }

                Section("Feedback") {
                    NavigationLink {
                        FeatureFlowView(appId: "your-app-id")
                    } label: {
                        Label("Feature Requests", systemImage: "lightbulb")
                    }
                }
            }
            .navigationTitle("Settings")
        }
    }
}

That's it! Users can now submit features, vote, and comment—all with zero backend work on your end.

Best Practices for User Feedback Collection

1. Make It Easy to Access

Don't bury feedback options 5 levels deep in settings. Add prominent CTAs:

• Tab bar item (for apps with <5 tabs)
• Settings section with clear label
• Floating action button on main screen
• Contextual prompts ("Enjoying this feature? Request more!")

2. Show You're Listening

The fastest way to kill user engagement? Never respond to feedback. Instead:

• Update feature request status (planned → in progress → completed)
• Send push notifications when requested features ship
• Add a changelog section in-app
• Thank users who submit valuable feedback

3. Don't Over-Prompt

Respect your users' time. Rules of thumb:

• Never prompt on first launch
• Wait at least 3-5 app sessions before asking for ratings
• Limit prompts to once per version
• Only prompt after positive actions

4. Close the Loop

When you ship a requested feature, let the user know! Use:

• Push notifications: "Your requested feature 'Dark Mode' is now live!"
• In-app announcements or modals
• Release notes that mention user requests

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: Collecting Feedback You Can't Act On

Don't ask "What feature would you pay $1000 for?" if you're a solo dev with limited time. Be realistic about what you can deliver.

❌ Mistake 2: No Prioritization System

You'll get hundreds of requests. Use voting systems to surface the most wanted features. Don't just build the latest request—build what most users want.

❌ Mistake 3: Feedback Goes to a Black Hole

If feedback emails go to an inbox you never check, or a database you never query, you're wasting users' time. Set up proper workflows (e.g., feedback → Linear/GitHub Issues → roadmap).

❌ Mistake 4: Only Collecting Negative Feedback

Bugs and complaints are important, but don't forget to ask what users love. Understanding your strengths is as valuable as fixing weaknesses.

Real-World Example: How Indie Apps Use Feedback

Let's look at how successful indie iOS apps handle feedback:

Case Study: Things 3

Cultured Code's Things 3 uses email for direct feedback but also has a public forum where users discuss features. They famously take years to ship requested features—but when they do, they're polished. Key takeaway: Quality over speed, but always communicate status.

Case Study: Apollo for Reddit

Christian Selig built Apollo with a dedicated subreddit for feedback. He actively responded to users, implemented top-voted features, and announced updates in the community. Result? One of the most beloved iOS apps. Key takeaway: Meet users where they are (Reddit, Discord, etc.).

Tools & Resources

Feature Voting & Feedback Platforms

• VoteFlow - Native iOS SDK for feature requests with voting (quickest to integrate)
• Canny - Web-based feature request board (requires webview in iOS)
• UserVoice - Enterprise feedback platform

Bug Reporting Tools

• Instabug - Shake-to-report bugs with screenshots
• Sentry - Automatic crash reporting with context
• TestFlight - Built-in feedback for beta testers

Analytics & Session Recording

• Firebase Analytics - Free, comprehensive event tracking
• Mixpanel - Advanced cohort analysis
• UXCam - Session replays to see user struggles

Next Steps: Building a Feedback-Driven App

Now that you understand the landscape, here's your action plan:

Week 1: Set Up Basic Feedback Collection

• Add a "Feedback" section in your settings
• Integrate VoteFlow or set up email feedback
• Add basic analytics (Firebase)

Week 2: Optimize Feedback Flow

• Add contextual prompts in key areas
• Set up App Store review prompts (with smart timing)
• Create a feedback workflow (Notion/Linear/GitHub)

Week 3: Close the Loop

• Implement one top-voted feature
• Send update to users who requested it
• Add in-app changelog

Ongoing: Build in Public

• Share roadmap updates on Twitter/LinkedIn
• Write blog posts about features users inspired
• Celebrate user contributions in release notes

Conclusion

Collecting user feedback isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential for building apps people love. The best apps don't just listen to users; they build systems that make feedback effortless to give and act upon.

Start small: Add a single feedback mechanism today. Whether it's an email button, a feature voting system, or a simple in-app form—the important thing is to start listening. Your users have the answers to your product questions. You just need to ask.

Want to add feature voting to your iOS app in under 5 minutes? Try VoteFlow —the fastest way to let your users guide your roadmap.