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Publishing Your App

You’ve built something great. Now let’s get it to your users. This section covers everything from testing with friends to launching on the App Store.

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The Publishing Journey

Build Your App → Test with TestFlight → Submit to App Store → Launch!
     ↓                    ↓                      ↓               ↓
  Nativeline         Beta testers          Apple Review      Users

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What You’ll Need

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Apple Developer Account

Required for any distribution beyond your own device.
FeatureWithout AccountWith Account ($99/yr)
Test on your device✓✓
TestFlight✗✓
App Store✗✓
Push notifications✗✓

Apple Developer Account

Learn how to enroll

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Publishing Options

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TestFlight (Beta Testing)

Share your app with up to 10,000 testers before launching publicly. Use TestFlight to:
  • Get feedback from real users
  • Test on various devices
  • Find bugs before public launch
  • Build excitement for your app

TestFlight Guide

Start beta testing

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App Store (Public Launch)

Make your app available to everyone with an iPhone. App Store provides:
  • Global distribution
  • Payment processing
  • Automatic updates
  • Visibility and discovery

App Store Guide

Launch publicly

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The Process at a Glance

1

Prepare your app

Finish building, test thoroughly, gather assets
2

Set up Apple Developer account

Enroll in the Apple Developer Program ($99/year)
3

Configure certificates

Set up code signing (mostly automated by Nativeline)
4

Beta test with TestFlight

Upload build, invite testers, gather feedback
5

Submit to App Store

Create listing, upload screenshots, submit for review
6

Launch and iterate

Respond to reviews, push updates, grow your user base

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Before You Start

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App Completeness Checklist

Before publishing, make sure:
  • Core features work reliably
  • No major bugs or crashes
  • App works offline (if applicable)
  • Loading states for slow operations
  • Error messages are user-friendly
  • Tested on multiple device sizes

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Required Assets

You’ll need these for the App Store:
AssetSpecifications
App icon1024x1024 PNG (no alpha)
ScreenshotsVarious sizes per device
App descriptionClear, compelling text
KeywordsUp to 100 characters
Privacy policy URLRequired for all apps

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Timeline Expectations

Publishing involves waiting for Apple:
StepTypical Wait Time
Developer account approval24-48 hours
TestFlight processing10-30 minutes
App Store review24-48 hours (can vary)
Review times can vary. During busy periods or for complex apps, expect longer waits.

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Common Concerns

Yes. TestFlight requires an Apple Developer account, which costs $99/year. There’s no way around this for distribution.
Most apps are reviewed within 24-48 hours. First-time submissions and apps with in-app purchases may take longer.
Yes. Apple reviews apps against their guidelines. Common rejection reasons are covered in our Review Guidelines section.
TestFlight is the way. You can add up to 100 internal testers immediately. External testers (up to 10,000) require a quick beta review.

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Publishing Sections

Apple Developer Account

Enrollment and setup

Certificates & Profiles

Code signing explained

TestFlight

Beta testing guide

App Store

Public launch guide