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App Store Publishing

You’ve built your app, tested with beta users, and you’re ready to share it with the world. This section covers everything about getting your app on the App Store.

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The App Store Journey

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What You’ll Need

Before submitting, gather these:

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Required

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Timeline

What to expect:
Review times vary. First submissions, complex apps, and apps with in-app purchases may take longer.

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App Review Process

Apple reviews every app before it goes live:

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What They Check

  1. Functionality — App works as described
  2. Performance — No crashes or major bugs
  3. Design — Follows Human Interface Guidelines
  4. Safety — No harmful content
  5. Privacy — Proper data handling
  6. Legal — No copyright/trademark issues

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Possible Outcomes

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Common Rejection Reasons

Avoid these pitfalls:
Your app must be stable. Test thoroughly before submitting, especially the main user flows.
All features should work. No “coming soon” buttons or placeholder screens.
Description, screenshots, and category must accurately represent your app.
Must include privacy policy and request permissions only when needed.

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Pricing Options

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Free

  • No barrier to download
  • Revenue from ads, in-app purchases, or as a free service
  • Most common model
  • One-time purchase price
  • No recurring revenue from existing users
  • Higher barrier to download

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Freemium

  • Free download
  • In-app purchases for premium features
  • Subscriptions for ongoing access
  • Most popular revenue model for successful apps
For digital content and app features, you must use Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Apple takes 15-30% of transactions.

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Geographic Availability

Choose where your app is available:
  • Select specific countries/regions
  • Or make available worldwide
  • Consider language support when choosing

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Publishing Sections

App Store Connect

Set up your app listing

Screenshots & Preview

Required visual assets

Review Guidelines

What Apple looks for

Submitting for Review

The submission process

After Approval

Launch and beyond

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Before You Start

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Quality Checklist

  • All features work correctly
  • No crashes on main user flows
  • Tested on multiple device sizes
  • All text is spelled correctly
  • Placeholder content removed
  • Privacy policy is accurate and accessible

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Account Readiness

  • Apple Developer account active
  • Payment information up to date
  • Agreements accepted in App Store Connect
  • App created in App Store Connect

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First-Time Tips

First submissions often take longer and may need revisions. Plan for 1-2 weeks from submission to launch.
Apple provides specific reasons. Address each point precisely in your resubmission.
If rejected, fix the issue rather than debating with review. Appeals rarely succeed.
Beta testing catches most issues before App Store review. Use that feedback.