> ## 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.

# App Store Overview

> Launch your app to the world

# 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.

## The App Store Journey

```
Prepare Assets → Create Listing → Submit for Review → Approval → Launch!
```

***

## What You'll Need

Before submitting, gather these:

### Required

| Asset              | Details                                  |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
| App icon           | 1024x1024 PNG                            |
| Screenshots        | Multiple sizes (see Screenshots section) |
| App description    | Clear explanation of what your app does  |
| Keywords           | Up to 100 characters                     |
| Category           | Primary and optional secondary           |
| Privacy policy URL | Hosted on the web                        |
| Support URL        | Where users get help                     |

### Recommended

| Asset             | Details                            |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| App preview video | Up to 30 seconds                   |
| Promotional text  | 170 characters, can change anytime |
| Subtitle          | 30 characters under your app name  |

***

## Timeline

What to expect:

| Phase                 | Typical Duration       |
| --------------------- | ---------------------- |
| Creating listing      | 1-3 hours              |
| Uploading screenshots | 30 minutes             |
| Submission to review  | 5 minutes              |
| App Store review      | 24-48 hours            |
| After approval        | Immediate or scheduled |

<Note>
  Review times vary. First submissions, complex apps, and apps with in-app purchases may take longer.
</Note>

***

## App Review Process

Apple reviews every app before it goes live:

### 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

### Possible Outcomes

| Result                | What Happens                  |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| **Approved**          | You can release to App Store  |
| **Rejected**          | Must fix issues and resubmit  |
| **Metadata Rejected** | Only listing issues, easy fix |
| **In Review**         | Still being evaluated         |

***

## Common Rejection Reasons

Avoid these pitfalls:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Crashes and bugs" icon="bug">
    Your app must be stable. Test thoroughly before submitting, especially the main user flows.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Incomplete functionality" icon="puzzle-piece">
    All features should work. No "coming soon" buttons or placeholder screens.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Inaccurate metadata" icon="file-alt">
    Description, screenshots, and category must accurately represent your app.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Privacy issues" icon="shield">
    Must include privacy policy and request permissions only when needed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Broken links" icon="link-slash">
    All links (privacy policy, support URL, etc.) must work.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Pricing Options

### Free

* No barrier to download
* Revenue from ads, in-app purchases, or as a free service
* Most common model

### Paid

* One-time purchase price
* No recurring revenue from existing users
* Higher barrier to download

### Freemium

* Free download
* In-app purchases for premium features
* Subscriptions for ongoing access
* Most popular revenue model for successful apps

<Warning>
  For digital content and app features, you must use Apple's In-App Purchase system. Apple takes 15-30% of transactions.
</Warning>

***

## Geographic Availability

Choose where your app is available:

* Select specific countries/regions
* Or make available worldwide
* Consider language support when choosing

***

## Publishing Sections

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="App Store Connect" icon="grid" href="/publishing/app-store/app-store-connect">
    Set up your app listing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Screenshots & Preview" icon="image" href="/publishing/app-store/screenshots">
    Required visual assets
  </Card>

  <Card title="Review Guidelines" icon="book" href="/publishing/app-store/review-guidelines">
    What Apple looks for
  </Card>

  <Card title="Submitting for Review" icon="paper-plane" href="/publishing/app-store/submission">
    The submission process
  </Card>

  <Card title="After Approval" icon="rocket" href="/publishing/app-store/after-approval">
    Launch and beyond
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Before You Start

### 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

### Account Readiness

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

***

## First-Time Tips

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Allow extra time" icon="clock">
    First submissions often take longer and may need revisions. Plan for 1-2 weeks from submission to launch.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Read rejection feedback carefully" icon="magnifying-glass">
    Apple provides specific reasons. Address each point precisely in your resubmission.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Don't argue, fix" icon="wrench">
    If rejected, fix the issue rather than debating with review. Appeals rarely succeed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Start with TestFlight" icon="paper-plane">
    Beta testing catches most issues before App Store review. Use that feedback.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>