How to Publish Your App on iOS (App Store)
A step-by-step guide covering Apple Developer accounts, App Store Connect setup, build submission, compliance requirements and what to expect during review.
Create Apple Developer Account
Before you can publish on the App Store, you need an active Apple Developer Program membership. This costs $99/year and gives you access to App Store Connect, TestFlight, and all publishing tools.
- 1Go to developer.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID
- 2Enrol in the Apple Developer Program — choose Individual or Organisation
- 3Complete identity verification (government ID required for organisations)
- 4Pay the $99/year membership fee — processing takes 24–48 hours
- 5Once approved, you gain access to App Store Connect
Set Up App Store Connect
App Store Connect is Apple's portal for managing your apps, users, sales and analytics. Once your developer account is active, create your app record here before uploading any builds.
- 1Log in at appstoreconnect.apple.com with your Apple Developer account
- 2Click 'My Apps' → '+' → 'New App'
- 3Select platform (iOS), enter app name, primary language and bundle ID
- 4Choose a SKU (your internal identifier — not visible to users)
- 5Set up your app's primary category and secondary category
- 6Add at least one test user in Users and Access for TestFlight testing
Configure App in Xcode
Your app must be built and signed with the correct provisioning profiles and certificates before it can be uploaded. MobiDrag handles this automatically — but here's what happens under the hood.
Distribution Certificate
Required to sign your app for App Store submission. Created in Certificates, IDs & Profiles.
App Store Provisioning Profile
Links your app ID, certificate, and entitlements. Must be downloaded and set in Xcode.
Version & Build Number
Version (e.g. 1.0.0) is user-facing. Build number increments with each upload — must be unique.
Minimum iOS Version
Set the lowest iOS version your app supports. Apple recommends supporting at least the last two major releases.
Once configured, use Product → Archive in Xcode to create a distributable build, then upload via the Organiser window or xcrun altool.
Prepare App Metadata
Your App Store listing is often the first thing users see. Compelling metadata directly impacts conversion rates and discoverability through App Store Search Optimisation (ASO).
App Name
Up to 30 characters. Include a relevant keyword naturally.
Subtitle
Up to 30 characters. Appears below the name. Use it to highlight your core value proposition.
Description
Up to 4,000 characters. First three lines are shown before 'More'. Lead with your strongest benefit.
Keywords
Up to 100 characters total (comma-separated). Don't repeat your app name. Think about synonyms.
Screenshots
Required for each device type (iPhone 6.5", iPhone 5.5", iPad 12.9"). Use high-quality, annotated screens.
App Preview Video
Optional 15–30 second video. Autoplay in the App Store. Significantly improves conversion.
Support URL & Privacy Policy URL
Both required. Privacy policy URL must link to a real, accessible page.
Submit Build for Review
Once your metadata is complete and your build has been uploaded, you can submit your app for Apple's review process.
- 1In App Store Connect, go to your app → select the version → scroll to 'Build'
- 2Select the uploaded build you want to submit
- 3Complete the App Review Information section (demo account, notes for reviewers)
- 4Answer all Export Compliance questions honestly
- 5Set pricing (Free or Paid) and availability by country/region
- 6Click 'Submit for Review' — status changes to 'Waiting for Review'
Compliance & Privacy
Apple reviews apps rigorously for privacy, safety and quality. These are the most common rejection reasons — address them before submission.
App Tracking Transparency (ATT)
If your app tracks users across other apps or websites, you must request permission using ATT before accessing the IDFA. Not doing so is an immediate rejection.
Privacy Nutrition Labels
You must declare all data your app collects in App Store Connect. Be specific — list every data type, its purpose, and whether it's linked to the user.
Login Requirements
If your app requires account creation, you must offer Sign in with Apple. Apps that force account creation without a guest mode may also be rejected.
Network Requests
All network traffic must use HTTPS (ATS). If you need HTTP exceptions, they must be declared in Info.plist and justified in your review notes.
For a comprehensive guide to all App Store compliance requirements, see our App Store Requirements & Compliance article.
After Approval
Congratulations — your app is live! But publishing is just the beginning. Here's what to do in the days and weeks after launch.
Monitor Crash Reports
Check Xcode Organiser and App Store Connect Analytics for crashes immediately after launch. Fix critical bugs fast with an update.
Respond to Reviews
Engage with user reviews on the App Store. Responding shows you care and can convert negative experiences into positive ones.
Plan Your First Update
Apple rewards active apps. Regular updates improve your App Store ranking and show users the app is maintained.
Promote Your App
Use App Store custom product pages, Apple Search Ads, and social media to drive downloads in the critical first weeks.