Prepare for iOS submission

How to prepare your Apple Developer account to publish your iOS app

Before submitting your app to the App Store, you must configure your Apple Developer account and set up an App Store listing. Follow this guide to ensure your account is ready for app submission.

Step 1: Create an App Store listing

Follow the steps below to create a new app in your developer account:

• Log in to your App Store Connect account.

• Click on the My Apps button and navigate to the overview of your apps.

• Click on + symbol on the top left and then click on New App from the drop down menu.

• In the New App popup, enter the relevant details below:

  • Platforms: Select the iOS checkbox under Platforms.

  • Name: Enter the name of your app under the Name field.

  • Primary Language: Select the language for your app from the drop-down menu under Primary Language.

  • Bundle ID: Select the Bundle ID from the drop-down menu. The Bundle ID of your app is generated while creating the App Identifier.

  • SKU: Enter the SKU in the text field. You can enter a unique number as an identifier for your app. The number can be arbitrary.

• Click on the Create button.

Your app is now added to your App Store Connect account, and you’ll be redirected to the App Information page.

Step 2: Prepare for submission

This screen covers important information of your app that will be displayed on your app store listing, whenever the app goes live.

App Information

Navigate to Prepare for Submission in the left menu and fill out the following:

• App previews and screenshots

  • Upload screenshots in JPG or PNG format.

  • Screenshots must be provided for the following devices:

    • iPhone 6.5″ display (Mandatory)

    • iPhone 5.5″ display (Mandatory)

    • iPad Pro (12.9″ display) (Optional)

We recommend taking screenshots from your app of screens that display important features, products, blogs or pages.

You are required to submit a minimum of 4 screenshots each for both iPhone 6.5″ display and iPhone 5.5″ display.

• Promotional text

  • Add promotional text to inform users about key app features.

  • Maximum limit: 170 characters.

  • Description

    • Enter a detailed description of your app’s functionality.

    • Maximum limit: 4,000 characters.

  • Keywords

    • Add keywords to improve searchability.

    • Separate keywords with commas, maximum 100 characters.

  • Support URL

    • Provide a link to your support page. (Required)

  • Marketing URL

    • Provide a link to marketing materials. (Optional)

  • Copyright

    • Enter the copyright details (e.g., 2024 Acme Inc.).

Step 3: Upload your app build

Once you generate an iOS build using AppMySite, you must upload it to App Store Connect using the Transporter App.

• Click on Select a build before you submit.

• Choose your uploaded build from the list.

• You can track the upload status under the Activity tab.

It may take up to 60 minutes for the build to appear after uploading. Ensure you select a build before proceeding with submission.

Step 4: Configure app review settings

Sign-in credentials

• If your app requires user sign-in, provide a test account for Apple’s review team.

Contact Information

• Provide a contact person who can assist Apple during the review process.

App notes

• Add additional notes if needed (optional).

Attachments

• Upload demo videos, app-specific documentation, or crash reports.

Accepted file formats: .pdf, .jpg, .png, .mp4, .zip, .docx, .xls.

Step 5: Set app release options

Choose how your app will be released once it passes Apple’s review:

• Manually release this version

• Automatically release this version (Recommended)

• Automatically release after review, no earlier than [date]

Step 6: Complete app information

Navigate to App Information in the left menu and submit the following:

• App name – Appears on the App Store (Max: 30 characters).

• Subtitle – Brief description below the app name (Optional).

• Bundle ID – Cannot be changed after app creation.

• Primary language – Pre-selected based on location.

• SKU – Unique internal identifier (Auto-generated).

• Category – Select the most relevant category for your app.

• Age rating – Set content restrictions based on Apple’s guidelines.

• License agreement – Use Apple’s default agreement or upload a custom one.

Step 7: Additional Information

• View on App Store: View your app on App Store if it is already live.

• Edit User Access: Limit which users see the app listing in App Store Connect.

Note that you cannot limit the access of Admin, Finance, and Reports user roles.

• Remove App: Avoid this option unless you want to remove your app listing and start all over again.

Finally, click on the Save button in the top-right of the window to save your work. Now proceed to the next section.

Step 8: Add privacy policy

Apple now requires apps to get customer permission to track user data across applications owned by different companies. You can define how you use customer data on your app within your Apple developer account.

• Click Edit in the Privacy Policy section.

• Provide your Privacy Policy URL.

• Click Get Started to complete Apple’s Data Collection questionnaire.

• Declare the type of user data collected (e.g., email, contacts, location).

• Select the purpose of data collection (e.g., App functionality).

If your app only collects email addresses for sign-in, select Yes, we collect data from this app, then choose App functionality as the purpose.

This guide assumes that apps built on our platform primarily collect data for app functionality. If your app collects additional data or uses it for other purposes, ensure proper disclosure in the Data Collection and Email Addresses sections while setting up privacy policies in your developer account.

Step 9: Define pricing and availability

Navigate to Pricing & Availability to configure your app’s pricing model and geographic distribution.

Price schedule

• Select Free (default) or set a price.

Pre-orders

• Enable users to pre-order your app before launch.

Availability

• By default, the app is available worldwide. Click Edit to restrict availability by country.

App distribution methods

• Public – Discoverable by all users.

• Private – Distributed privately via Apple Business Manager or School Manager.

Final Step: Save and submit for review

• Click Save in the top-right corner to save changes.

• Ensure all required fields are completed.

• Click Submit for Review to begin the approval process.

Apple’s review process typically takes 24-48 hours, but it may take longer if additional review is required.

Ensure your app meets Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines before submission to avoid rejection.