> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nativeline.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Publishing FAQs

> Questions about TestFlight and App Store

# Publishing FAQs

Questions about getting your app to users via TestFlight and the App Store.

***

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need an Apple Developer account?">
    **For testing on your own device:** No, but apps expire after 7 days.

    **For TestFlight or App Store:** Yes, you need an Apple Developer Program membership (\$99/year).

    There's no way around this for distribution. It's an Apple requirement for all iOS apps.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How much does the Apple Developer account cost?">
    \$99 per year for individuals.

    Organizations also pay \$99/year but need a D-U-N-S number (free to obtain but takes 1-2 weeks).

    The fee covers:

    * TestFlight distribution
    * App Store publishing
    * Access to developer tools and betas
    * 2 technical support incidents
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What's the difference between TestFlight and App Store?">
    | Aspect     | TestFlight      | App Store      |
    | ---------- | --------------- | -------------- |
    | Purpose    | Beta testing    | Public release |
    | Audience   | Invited testers | Everyone       |
    | Limit      | 10,000 testers  | Unlimited      |
    | Review     | Quick/None      | Full review    |
    | Expiration | 90 days         | Never          |

    Start with TestFlight to test with real users before public launch.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I upload to TestFlight?">
    1. Connect your Apple Developer account in Nativeline Settings
    2. Create your app in App Store Connect
    3. Click "Upload to TestFlight" in Nativeline
    4. Wait for processing (10-30 minutes)
    5. Invite testers in App Store Connect

    See our [TestFlight Guide](/publishing/testflight/overview) for full details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does App Store review take?">
    Typical times:

    * **TestFlight:** 10-30 minutes (internal), 24-48 hours (first external)
    * **App Store:** 24-48 hours

    Can be longer for:

    * First submissions
    * Complex apps
    * Apps with in-app purchases
    * During busy periods (holidays, WWDC)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can my app get rejected?">
    Yes. Apple reviews all apps against their guidelines. Common rejection reasons:

    * App crashes or bugs
    * Incomplete functionality
    * Inaccurate description
    * Privacy policy issues
    * Using wrong payment system for digital goods

    See our [Review Guidelines](/publishing/app-store/review-guidelines) to avoid rejection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if my app is rejected?">
    1. Read Apple's feedback carefully
    2. Fix each issue mentioned
    3. Upload a new build (if code changes needed)
    4. Reply to Apple explaining your fixes
    5. Resubmit for review

    Rejections are common and fixable. Most apps get approved on second or third try.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How many testers can I have on TestFlight?">
    * **Internal testers:** Up to 100 (team members)
    * **External testers:** Up to 10,000 (anyone with email)

    Internal testers don't require Apple review. External testers need a quick beta review for the first build.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I invite testers to TestFlight?">
    1. Go to App Store Connect → Your App → TestFlight
    2. Click "+" to add testers
    3. Enter email addresses
    4. Testers receive invitation email
    5. They install TestFlight app, then your app

    Or use a public link that anyone can use to join.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why do TestFlight builds expire?">
    Apple limits TestFlight builds to 90 days to ensure:

    * Testers use recent versions
    * You're actively developing
    * Security issues don't persist

    Upload new builds regularly to keep testers engaged.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What screenshots do I need for the App Store?">
    At minimum:

    * iPhone 6.5" (1284 x 2778)
    * iPhone 5.5" (1242 x 2208)

    If supporting iPad:

    * iPad Pro 12.9" (2048 x 2732)

    You need 3-10 screenshots per device size.

    See [Screenshots Guide](/publishing/app-store/screenshots) for tips.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need a privacy policy?">
    Yes. Apple requires every app to have a privacy policy URL.

    Your privacy policy must:

    * Be accessible on the web
    * Explain what data you collect
    * Explain how data is used
    * Be in the app's primary language

    Free generators exist online if you need help creating one.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I charge for my app?">
    Yes! Options:

    * **Paid upfront** — User pays to download
    * **Freemium** — Free download, in-app purchases for premium
    * **Subscription** — Recurring payments
    * **Free with ads** — Monetize with advertising

    Note: Apple takes 15-30% of App Store transactions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What's the App Store's commission?">
    * **30%** standard commission
    * **15%** for subscriptions after first year
    * **15%** for Small Business Program (under \$1M revenue)

    This applies to app purchases and in-app purchases.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I update my app after it's live?">
    1. Make changes in Nativeline
    2. Increment version/build number
    3. Upload to App Store Connect
    4. Submit for review
    5. Once approved, release the update

    Updates also go through review but typically faster than initial submissions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I publish in specific countries only?">
    Yes. In App Store Connect, you can:

    * Select specific countries/regions
    * Exclude certain countries
    * Set different pricing by region

    Consider language support when choosing regions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I find a critical bug after publishing?">
    1. Fix the bug in Nativeline
    2. Increment build number
    3. Upload and submit for review
    4. Request expedited review (for critical issues)
    5. Release update immediately when approved

    For genuine emergencies, Apple may expedite review within 24 hours.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Related FAQs

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="TestFlight Guide" icon="paper-plane" href="/publishing/testflight/overview">
    Full TestFlight docs
  </Card>

  <Card title="App Store Guide" icon="app-store" href="/publishing/app-store/overview">
    Full App Store docs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/faqs/troubleshooting">
    Fixing issues
  </Card>

  <Card title="General FAQs" icon="circle-question" href="/faqs/general">
    Basic questions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>