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How To Submit An App To The App Store

Launching an app to the App Store is a long process. App developers must follow guidelines and ensure no mistakes are made while uploading the app to the App Store. Most businesses and stakeholders think developing a high-quality app is crucial; it should not have any mistakes.

But they often don’t pay much attention to the process of uploading an app to the App Store or Play Store. Publishing an app requires as much dedication and focus as developing it. One mistake can affect app ranking and user experience. Most importantly, the Apple App Store will not be able to understand and recognize your app because of the mistake you made while uploading.

Following the Apple app review guidelines is one of the crucial steps. It is like a roadmap to do a thing rightly. However, reading guidelines is not everything; you have to prepare a lot many things as well. This blog will help you at each step and guide you from the post-development to uploading an app on the App Store.

What You Need to Prepare Before Publishing an App?

There are a few things you need to get ready before start uploading an app. It makes the process easy.

1. Complete App Development
2. Read App Store Guidelines
3. Decide on App Icons and Screenshots
4. Check App Permissions and Settings
5. Understand the Legal Stuff
6. Test the App Thoroughly
7. Create a Proper Developer Account
8. Be Ready with a Marketing Plan
9. Consider App Store Optimization
10. Prepare for Review

Understand these points from top to bottom in detail in the space below.

1. 1. Complete App Development:

      The very first thing is to make sure your app is complete. It is working well as desired and has no bugs. It will help your app users have a seamless experience when they begin using the app. Well, seamless experience is also crucial in a website. WordPress is an effective platform for easy and intuitive website building. Hiring a WordPress developer helps in building effective sites.

1. 1. Read App Store Guidelines:

      Thoroughly understand app guidelines because at every step it will be required. You can hire an iOS developer who can read the entire guidelines and upload the app for you if you don’t have time. Rules and guidelines for apps are crucial for easy and standardized app upload. You have to follow specific requirements on things like app content, functionality, and design.

1. 1. Decide on App Icons and Screenshots:

      Prepare good-looking icons that represent your app well. Also, take screenshots of your app that show what it does. These visuals help users decide whether they should the app or not. Show the crucial parts of your app that address the pain points of users.

1. 1. Check App Permissions and Settings:

      Well, checking app permissions and settings is a common thing, but often a developer or a person who is uploading an app makes a mistake by ignoring the basics. So, figure out what permissions your app needs to work. It can be access to the camera or location services. So, set up them properly for your app to function impeccably.

1. 1. Understand the Legal Stuff:

      When you upload an app that many people are going to use, it comes with a responsibility for you. Make sure how you are going to protect user data from breaches and hackers. What measures you can consider to secure your users’ information? Clear define privacy policy explaining how you collect and use data from users. And you know that Apple takes privacy seriously.

1. 1. Test the App Thoroughly:

      App developers have to test the app thoroughly to remove all the flaws and make it smooth. So, no matter whether your app is based on iOS or Android, removing bugs is crucial. It’s good that before submitting an app you test it thoroughly and avoid negative reviews from users. Otherwise, bad reviews in the initial stage can spoil the image of your app. Similarly, when you hire an Android developer make sure they offer you error-free software solutions.

1. 1. Create a Proper Developer Account:

      Only developers can upload apps on the App Store. So, you have to create a developer account with Apple and pay and pay the annual fee. This way you are allowed to upload your app on App Store. Many eCommerce businesses hire Shopify experts to develop and publish an eCommerce app.

1. 1. Be Ready with a Marketing Plan:

      Think about how will you start marketing your app. Create marketing strategies according to the audience on different platforms like YouTube, Social Media, and a website. Even often reaching out to bloggers and app review sites helps in marketing and improving the visibility of your app.

1. 1. Consider App Store Optimization:

      No one wants their apps to stay in the App Store without being used or without being downloaded by target users. Everyone wants more people to download the app and use it. ASO technique optimizes your app store listing with keywords and compelling descriptions. It helps your app appear at the top when people search for an app on the App Store. Besides that, nowadays backend development is done keeping ASO in mind. Hiring the best NodeJS developers can help you in effective backend development for your app.

1. 1. Prepare for Review:

      Once everything is ready, submit your app for review by Apple. They will check to make sure it meets their guidelines before approving it to the App Store. The approval process may extend up to 48 hours. 50% of the time they are done reviewing an app in 24 hours.

      By preparing these things beforehand, you can increase your chances of a successful app launch and make a good impression on users.

Steps to Submit an App to App Store

Submitting an app to the App Store requires a few steps. If you follow them carefully, publishing an app can become an easy task for you.

1. Prepare Your App
2. Understand App Store Guidelines
3. Create an Apple App Developer Account
4. Prepare Your App Store Listing
5. Create a New App on the App Store
6. Set the roles and permissions
7. Compile and Submit Your App
8. App Review Process
9. Launch and Monitor

Let’s understand all the steps in detail below.

1. 1. Prepare Your App:

      Check your app is ready, fully developed, and tested. Assess your app to find any bugs, errors, and issues. If there are some problems remove them before starting uploading the app. Prepare all the necessary things like a marketing plan, icons, and app screenshots. I have already discussed this part thoroughly in the above section “What you need to prepare before publishing an app”.

1. 1. Understand App Store Guidelines:

      This is vital that you understand all the app store guidelines before taking any step further to submit an app. Taking out time to go through review guidelines helps to get the app approved quickly. These guidelines cover everything from app functionality to design and content. So, always check that your app complies with these guidelines effectively otherwise you might have to rework it or face rejection from the App Store.

1. 1. Create an Apple App Developer Account:

      

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      Make a valid Apple app developer account. You can check the Apple developer program for more details. You need a computer that runs Mac OS X. Now install Xcode and Keychain Access. Create a unique string that identifies your app name. It is also called a Bundle Identifier.

      You can read about keychain access in detail to better understand and upload an app impeccably. There is an annual fee involved, but it gives you access to tools and resources to manage your apps on the app store.

1. 1. Prepare Your App Store Listing:

      This is where you create your app’s presence on the App Store. Have a look at the table below. It demonstrates key components you will need for your App Store listing when uploading an app.

      Component	Description
      App Name	It is your app’s name as it will appear on the App Store
      Bundle Identifier	Unique identifier for your app, typically in reverse DNS format
      App Icon	Visual representation of your app that users will see on your devices and in the app store
      Screenshots	Images that showcase different features and screens of your app
      App Description	Text that explains what your app does, its features, and why users should go for it
      Keywords	Relevant keywords that users might use to find an app like yours
      Categories	You have to select appropriate categories that best fit your app’s purpose
      Age Rating	Ensure your app’s content aligns with the appropriate age group and rating guidelines
      Privacy Policy URL	A link to your app’s privacy policy. It is important for apps that collect data.
      Support URL	A link to a website where users can find support for your app.
      App Preview Video (Optional)	It is a short promotional video that shows the important features and your app’s functionality.
      Release Notes (Optional)	It shows information about changes and updates in the current version.

1. 1. Create a New App on the App Store:

      Open the iOS App Store Connect. Here open My Apps and click on the Plus button. Now you will notice three platform options. Choose iOS to proceed further.

      • • Create a New App:
          
          Once you have selected the platform fill in the below steps:
          1. 1. App Name:Write the app’s name that you want users to see in the App Store.

           

          1. 1. Primary Language:Name the main language to gain the app’s information.

           

          1. 1. Bundle ID:It is a unique value for each app on the platform App Store. It must precisely match the bundle identifier in your Xcode project.

           

          1. 1. SKU:SKU means stock-keeping units. This is an optional field and users can’t see it. You can write something here very useful for your company.

           

          1. 1. User Access:Specify what type of access you want to give users. Do you want the app to be accessible to everyone in the App Store or only to a limited group of people?

           

          After creating a new app, and clicking on the “Create” button you are redirected to the product page.

      

      • App Information Section:
        Here you have to provide localizable information about your app. It helps to target different regions. If you don’t fill in this information, then the platform will automatically choose the language you provided earlier.If your app falls into more than one category, choose the secondary category otherwise choose the primary category.
      • Pricing and availability:
        If your app is paid, the pricing and availability section will help you select a price for your app. And, if you are planning for soft launching, it lets you manage the app’s availability for different countries. If you find the process confusing, you can get it done by hiring PHP developers or other technology developers from a trustworthy firm.
      • App Review Information:
        Provide test credentials for the app reviewer and complete the contact information. It’s crucial for Apple to review your app’s information.
      • App Privacy:
        In this section, you have to provide the privacy policy URL.
        

1. 1. Set the roles and permissions:

      After completing registration set your roles and permissions. You need to set profiles, identifiers, certificates, and more. Permissions are necessary otherwise developers will not be able to make any changes. Developers can specify certificates and different permissions after signing in. Here are some important components to focus on:

      1. Distribution certificate
      2. Apple ID
      3. Provisioning profile

1. 1. Compile and Submit Your App:

      Once you have compiled your app, open it in Xcode. Now search for the signing and capabilities section on this platform. Select the right account and move further to the general section. Now change the build to upload. Set your app version to the latest one.

      

      After you have done filling in all the information go to product> Archive and let it Bundle your app. It will open an Archive window, where you can manage all the archives that Xcode generates. Now click on “Distribute app” and upload.

      
      Remove errors if any appear during this process.

1. 1. App Review Process:

      You have to check and test the app finally before submitting it eventually. Once you have uploaded it to the App Store Connect, open the test flight section and add QA engineers to your app team. Test the app and remove bugs as it is vital.

1. 1. Fill in the Version Information:

      Now go to App Store Connect and select the iOS app you want to upload. But here you have to add some essential information like screenshots, app previews, promotional text, descriptions, keywords, marketing URLs, Icons, and many other things. Well, they are options, but if you include them, they help in your ASO.

1. 1. Launch and Monitor:

      There is one more thing you have to do before submitting your app, set the app age rating section and finish the survey. It helps Apple to set the yage rating of your app automatically.
      Now launching time has approached. After you are done submitting your app, it goes into the app review process. In the app review process, Apple evaluates the submitted app for compliance with the App Store Guidelines. It includes checks for functionality, content appropriateness, and adherence to design standards.

      You can even choose how your app should be released:

      1. Manually
      2. Automatically
      3. Automatically with date restriction

      

      You can hire Reactjs developers or any other app development technology developers to complete the app publishing process and save time.

5 Mistakes to Avoid While Uploading an App on the App Store

As I mentioned in the introduction of the blog mistakes can lead to rejection and affect user experience, so try to avoid them. Here are the common 5 mistakes that app developers should not make while publishing an app.

1. Incorrect Metadata
2. Non-compliance with Guidelines
3. Insufficient Testing
4. Ignoring Legal Requirements
5. Poor App Store Optimization

Understand these mistakes thoroughly so that you can get your app approved at once without any mistakes and rework.

1. 1. Incorrect Metadata:

      Check all the metadata like app name, description, keywords, and screenshots. They should be accurate because they are the face of your app and people recognize your app through them. Incorrect metadata can confuse your app users. Incomplete or misleading information can confuse users and affect an app’s discoverability.

1. 1. Non-compliance with Guidelines:

      Violating Apple’s guidelines can result in the rejection or removal of your app from the App Store. Make sure your app adheres to all guidelines regarding content, functionality, design, and privacy. Also inquire, when you find app developers for hire whether they can help you with the app upload process or not. Because those who have published many apps before can do it again with good experience.

1. 1. Insufficient Testing:

      Skipping through testing before submission can lead to bugs and crashes. It can frustrate your users and result in negative reviews. So, test your app on different devices and under different conditions to ensure it works well. When you hire a React Native developer make sure they know how to test an app before finally submitting to the App Store.

1. 1. Ignoring Legal Requirements:

      Failure to enable privacy measures and protect user data can lead to rejection and even hamper the trust of your users in the app. So, don’t make this mistake. Always ensure your app complies with legal requirements such as GDPR and CCPA and clearly explain how user data is collected and used.

1. 1. Poor App Store Optimization:

      Neglecting ASO can affect your app’s visibility in search results. So, optimize your app listing carefully. Use high-quality visuals, relevant keywords, compelling descriptions, and more to attract downloads. Hiring Flutter developers from a top company can save you from poor App Store Optimization because they have a team specifically for ASO.

Conclusion:

So, publishing an app to the App Store requires careful planning, adherence to guidelines, and impeccable testing. From preparation to app store listing and navigating the app review process, each step plays a crucial role. Every step helps your app be uploaded to the App Store effectively and impeccably. Remember the journey doesn’t end at launch. You have to monitor user feedback and analyze performance. So, while meeting Apple’s high standards you can offer value to users.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many apps can I submit to the Play Store/App Store?

Google Play Store allows developers to submit as many as they want, there is no limitation. However, it is possible once the developer has paid a time fee which is 25 US dollars. Similarly, an iOS app developer needs a license to publish unlimited apps.

What is the cost of submitting an app to the App Store?

You have to enroll in the app developer program either as an individual developer which costs $99 per year or as an organization which costs $299 per year.

What is the cost of submitting an app to the Play Store?

You have to pay $25 to publish your apps. It is a one-time registration fee for one developer account.

Is uploading an app to the Google Play Store free?

No. Uploading an app to the Google Play Store is not free. You have to pay a one-time registration fee of $25.

What is the typical duration for Apple to approve an app?

It can take at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours. Moreover, it often takes a few days to several weeks. You must be thinking why is approval time so uncertain? Because app approval depends on various factors.

Where can I publish my app for free?

You have to check the Play Store, App Store, and Amazon App Store for the latest policies and fee structure for accurate information. This is because the cost depends on the specific services or features you choose such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, or developer account fees.

How long does it take to upload an app to the App Store?

You have to prepare your app and provide all the information. So, if you are ready with all the prerequisites, then it takes only 3-4 hours to submit an app on the App Store.

How long does it take to publish an App to Google Play?

You have to follow the following steps. So how fast you can follow these steps and be ready with all the prerequisites, you can submit an app quickly.

• Preparation
• Google Play Console
• App Review
• Release

What percentage does Google Play take?

Apple charges 30% fees on App Store transactions. However, it is not fixed for all types of apps and services. It charges a 15% commission on in-app purchases from small developers. If you retain a subscription for 1 year, then the charges get reduced from 15%.

How much does it cost to make an app?

Developing an iOS app costs around $30,000. If you want advanced features the cost can go up to $150,000. So, the price for making an app depends on several factors.

Can I build an iOS app for free?

Yes, you can build an app for free using Apple’s Xcode IDE. It includes all necessary tools and resources to write tests and deploy iOS apps to devices and simulators. However, you have to enroll in Apple Developer Program Membership to release the app.