LocalASOASO glossary
iTunes Lookup API
The iTunes Lookup API is the ID-based half of Apple's public iTunes web service. Given an app's numeric ID it returns that app's public data. The other half, the iTunes Search API, searches by term.
Updated
Request
Lookup requests use https://itunes.apple.com/lookup?id=.... Search requests use https://itunes.apple.com/search?term=...&country=.... For software, the entities are software, iPadSoftware and desktopSoftware.
Why Apple suggests it
Apple states ID-based lookups are faster and contain fewer false-positive results than searches. If you know the app, ask for the app instead of searching for its name and picking a result.
Same limits apply
Apple states the service is limited to approximately 20 calls per minute, subject to change, and recommends minimizing results with the limit parameter and having large websites set up caching for search and lookup requests.
Lookup or search
| Goal | Use |
|---|---|
| Read one known app, such as a competitor | Lookup |
| See which apps rank for a term | Search |
| Compare ranks across storefronts | Search with the country parameter |
| Refresh a stored app listing | Lookup |
Example
A hypothetical script that tracks three rivals for a habit app looks up each by ID once a day to read the current name and subtitle, and uses search only for the keywords whose keyword ranking it wants to see.
What it cannot do
Lookup returns data that is public on the product page. It does not return search volume, your App Analytics or your hidden keyword field.
Next step
For competitor work see competitor tracking, and for adding an app by link or ID in LocalASO see the add app docs.
Sources
- Apple: performance-partners.apple.com/search-api (checked November 1, 2026)
Do this for every country, in minutes