Identifier for Vendors (IDFV)

Details

The Identifier for Vendors (IDFV) is a string identifier assigned by Apple to all apps from the same vendor on a device. It remains consistent across apps from the same developer, allowing for cross-app tracking and analytics. This identifier is particularly useful for app developers who want to analyze user behavior across their suite of apps without relying on third-party tracking methods.

Unlike the Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA), the IDFV is not shared across different vendors, making it a more privacy-conscious choice for developers who need to track user interactions within their own ecosystem of apps. The IDFV resets when all apps from a particular vendor are uninstalled from a device and then reinstalled.

Examples & formulas

For instance, if a vendor has multiple apps on a user's device, the IDFV can be used to track user engagement across these apps, providing insights into cross-app usage patterns.

Common mistakes

• Assuming IDFV is the same as IDFA; IDFV is vendor-specific and resets differently.
• Not accounting for IDFV reset when all apps from a vendor are uninstalled.

See also

• Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA)
• App Tracking Transparency (ATT)
• Device ID
• Attribution
• Mobile Analytics