How do you publish an app on the Apple App Store?

Join the Apple Developer Program, create the app record in App Store Connect, upload a build, fill in the listing and privacy details, submit for review, and release once approved. Prepare for at least one round of review feedback.

By Nazar Kashuba · Reviewed

The process is well documented but has details that catch first-timers. In order:

  1. Enrol in the Apple Developer Program. It is an annual membership; Apple states the current price on its enrolment page. Individuals and organisations enrol differently, and organisations need extra verification.
  2. Create the app’s identity. An app identifier and the app record in App Store Connect, with the name, language and a bundle identifier that you cannot freely change later.
  3. Build and upload. Archive the app and upload it. TestFlight lets testers try it before review.
  4. Complete the listing. Description, keywords, screenshots for the required device sizes, category, age rating, support address and a privacy policy address.
  5. Declare privacy practices. The App Privacy section must describe the data your app and any third-party tools collect.
  6. Provide review information. If the app needs an account, give the reviewer a working demo login and notes.
  7. Submit and respond. Review usually returns questions or a rejection the first time for something small; fix and resubmit.
  8. Release. Manually, automatically, or on a date you choose.

What causes avoidable delay

  • Missing or broken demo accounts.
  • A listing that does not match what the app does.
  • Not meeting the guidelines on account deletion, privacy disclosures or in-app purchases.
  • Crashes on the reviewer’s device.

Read the App Review Guidelines early, and treat them as a checklist for design, not just for submission.

Sources

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