How to Publish an App on the Apple App Store

Creating a new app is exciting. But getting that app into the hands of real users isn’t always easy.

First, you need to publish your app to the App Store so it’s available for download.

The two major app stores are the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store—one for iOS and one for Android. But each platform has its own unique guidelines, rules, and submission requirements. 

This guide is going to focus specifically on publishing an iOS app to the Apple App Store. Once the app is published here, it can be downloaded on an iPhone or iPad.

It’s worth noting that Apple is very particular with its submission guidelines. You’ll need an Apple Developer account, and the App Store listing must match the app’s functionality. There are lots of other small details that Apple takes into consideration before they’ll approve apps.

That’s because Apple wants to protect its users. Apple wants its user base to feel comfortable knowing that any app downloaded from the Apple App Store is safe and won’t break their devices.

Read on to learn how to publish an app on the App Store with ease.

Key Takeaways

• Developer Account: You must join the Apple Developer Program ($99/year) to submit apps.
• Strict Guidelines: Apps must meet Apple’s five core pillars: Safety, Performance, Business, Design, and Legal.
• Technical Tools: Xcode is the primary tool used to archive and upload your app to App Store Connect.
• Metadata Matters: You need high-quality screenshots for multiple device sizes and a clear privacy policy URL.
• Review Timeline: Most apps are reviewed within 24–48 hours after submission.

Where to Start: Submitting an iOS App to the App Store

Submitting your iOS app to the App Store is the final stage of development. By now, the app should already be built, tested thoroughly, and you should have an app name that you’re confident in using. 

If your app is still in development, there’s nothing wrong with looking ahead toward the App Store submission. Just know that it’s too early to take any of these steps. Apple won’t approve any unfinished apps to the store, even if you have all of the other app information required for the listing. 

Consider these legal prerequisites before launching:

• GDPR Compliance: Required for apps launched in EU markets.
• PCI Compliance: Necessary if you are collecting payments directly.
• Data Handling: Ensure you follow official Apple Guidelines regarding user data sharing.
• Content Rights: You must own or have licenses for all content within the app.

App submissions must only have content that was either created by you or that you have the proper authority to use. If you’re using content from another source without the proper legal licenses or permissions, it can be grounds for either rejecting your app from the App Store or getting it removed from the App Store.

You’ll need to have an Apple Developer account and Apple ID as well. Submitting your app from a computer running on macOS is not a requirement, but it’s definitely common considering the software and tools you’ll be using.

For example, if you’re using Xcode to create iOS apps for iPhone and iPad, you can take steps to prepare your app for publishing directly in the IDE.

App Store Submission Requirements

Before we get into the steps required for publishing, you need to understand the App Store guidelines for app submission.

You can review all of the App Store review guidelines here. These are some important points to keep in mind:

• Developers are responsible for making sure everything in the app complies with Apple’s guidelines, including analytics services, third-party SDKs, ad networks, and more.
• Attempting to cheat the review system or manipulate ratings is grounds to remove your app and kick you out of the developer program.
• You must comply with Apple’s guidelines regarding apps for kids.
• Apps may not include objectionable content (discrimination, explicit materials, etc.).
• The app’s privacy policy must comply with all Apple guidelines. 
• Apps must be complete and fully functional before you submit them for review.
• Apple has certain technical requirements and software standards that must be followed.
• You may not just copy another app and make subtle changes to pass it off as your own.
• Apps must have minimum functionality that goes beyond a mobile website.

Category	Focus Area
Safety	Content moderation, data security, and user protection.
Performance	App speed, bug-free functionality, and hardware compatibility.
Business	Subscription models, in-app purchases, and advertising.
Design	User interface quality and adherence to Apple’s aesthetic standards.
Legal	Privacy policies, intellectual property, and regional laws.

So give yourself ample time to review this document in detail before you go through the steps for submission.

6 Steps to Submit and Publish an iOS App

The App Store publishing process can be summarized in just six steps. 

1. Sign up for the Apple developer program
2. Prepare the app for submission
3. Create a listing via App Store Connect
4. Capture App Store screenshots
5. Upload the app using Xcode
6. Submit the app to be reviewed by Apple

We’ll cover each step in greater detail below:

Step 1 — Join the Apple Developer Program

You must be a member of the Apple Developer Program to submit an app to the App Store. So if you haven’t done so already, sign up for an Apple developer account. 

If you’re enrolling as an individual or sole proprietor, you can sign in using your Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication. Apple will ask you for some personal information, like your legal name and address.

To enroll in the developer program as an organization, you’ll also need an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled. In addition to the Apple ID, enrollment requires:

• D-U-N-S Number
• Legal Entity Status
• Legal Binding Authority
• Website

Just click “Start Your Enrollment” on this page to get started.

The membership pricing starts at $99 per year, and it gives you access to other exclusive Apple developer tools and services. 

You can use the account to manage your apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The membership also comes with beta software, app analytics, testing tools, and everything you need to manage your App Store listing. 

Apple developers also have access to TestFlight—a way to collect feedback from up to 10,000+ testers before submitting the app to the App Store. You can invite them with an email address or public link.

Step 2 — Prepare the App for Submission

Identifying bugs and problems with your app before submitting it to the app store is just one aspect of app development. There are other things you must do to get it ready for review.

First, you need to set the bundle ID in Xcode. This is used to uniquely identify your app in the system. Xcode will give you a default identifier when you create a project from a template, but it’s important to create one that’s unique. Just be aware that you cannot change the bundle ID after it’s been uploaded to App Store Connect. 

You can adjust these settings in the “General” menu of your project editor in Xcode.

Next, you need to configure your app version number and build string. The version number will appear in the App Store, and it’s expected to be in a format of [Major].[Minor].[Patch], such as 9.12.1.

Apple requires you to set an app category with your submission. This is designed to help users discover your app in the App Store. Options include:

• Books
• Business
• Developer Tools
• Music
• Medical
• Navigation
• Education
• News
• Finance
• Photo & Video
• Productivity
• Food & Drink
• Reference
• Games
• Graphics & Design
• S

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What are the key steps to publish an app on the Apple App Store?

  The key steps include joining the Apple Developer Program, preparing your app for submission, creating a listing via App Store Connect, capturing App Store screenshots, uploading the app using Xcode, and submitting the app for review. Platforms like Buildfire make this straightforward by providing tools to manage these steps efficiently.

  How can I ensure my app meets Apple’s submission guidelines?

  Review Apple’s guidelines thoroughly, focusing on safety, performance, business, design, and legal aspects. Tools like Buildfire allow businesses to ensure compliance with these guidelines through their comprehensive app development features.

  What is the cost of joining the Apple Developer Program?

  The Apple Developer Program costs $99 per year. This membership provides access to exclusive developer tools and services necessary for app submission.

  How can I test my app before submitting it to the App Store?

  Apple developers can use TestFlight to collect feedback from testers before submission. Buildfire, for instance, offers integrated testing tools to streamline this process.

  What legal prerequisites should I consider before launching my app?

  Ensure GDPR compliance for EU markets, PCI compliance if collecting payments, and proper content rights. Following Apple’s data handling guidelines is also crucial.

  FAQ

  • What is the primary purpose of a launch screen?
    The primary purpose of a launch screen is to enhance the user experience by providing visuals while the app is loading.
  • How can I release my app after approval?
    You can manually release it via App Store Connect, set it to be published on a specific date, or choose to release it immediately after approval.
  • What should I consider when preparing app screenshots?
    Consider Apple’s screenshot specifications for different devices, ranging from iPhones to iPads.
  • What is the role of Xcode in app publishing?
    Xcode is used to upload your app, ensuring it is free of bugs and functions as intended before submission.
  • How long does the app review process take?
    According to Apple, 50% of apps are reviewed within 24 hours, and 90% within 48 hours.