What is SDK?

An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a package of prebuilt code that you integrate into your mobile app to enable features like analytics, attribution, event tracking, or user engagement.

In the context of measurement and SKAdNetwork, the SDK plays a key role in collecting user behavior, managing conversion values, and coordinating postback logic.

To illustrate, an app might use an SDK to detect when a user starts a free trial. That event can then be mapped to a specific SKAN conversion value and prepared for reporting.

How does it work?

Once installed, the SDK listens for in-app events (like signups or purchases), and based on your configuration:

• It assigns or updates the appropriate SKAdNetwork conversion value
  
  

• It may trigger a lock window if the behavior is complete
  
  

• It can send events to your analytics tools or data warehouse
  
  

• It ensures that data sent to Apple (via SKAN) aligns with your mapping logic

Many SDKs also provide debugging, validation tools, or fallback strategies when postbacks fail or values are missing.

Why it matters

The SDK is the technical bridge between your app and your measurement stack. Without it, you won’t be able to:

• Capture in-app events for SKAN
  
  

• Update conversion values reliably
  
  

• Coordinate postback timing and logic

Even small SDK misconfigurations can result in inaccurate or missing data, which means wasted spend and blind spots in campaign performance.