To publish an app on Apple’s App Store, create its record in App Store Connect, prepare the product page and review information, upload and select a build, set pricing and availability, then submit the version for App Review. After approval, choose whether to release it manually, automatically, or in phases. Apple’s publishing overview and submission guide describe the workflow.
Before you start: account access and app details
The Account Holder must sign the latest agreement before adding an app to the account. If the app will be paid or offer in-app purchases, Apple’s workflow also requires the Paid Apps Agreement and banking and tax details. The steps and metadata can vary by platform, so check the requirements for your app type.
Decide on the app’s name, primary language, platform, Bundle ID, and internal SKU before creating its record. The Bundle ID must match the Xcode project and cannot be changed after you upload a build.
1. Create an app record in App Store Connect
In App Store Connect, create a record for the app before uploading a build. Enter the intended platform, app name, primary language, Bundle ID, and SKU. Apple’s publishing overview explains the process.
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2. Prepare and test the app build
Build the app for its intended Apple platform, then upload the build to App Store Connect. You can distribute beta builds through TestFlight to internal or external testers and use their feedback to find issues before submission.
Review Apple’s App Review Guidelines. Give reviewers any required account credentials, settings, or special instructions so they can access the app’s features and evaluate it.
3. Complete the product page and declarations
App information and age rating
Prepare the app name, subtitle, description, screenshots, and other product-page details in App Store Connect. Apple’s current reference limits the name to 2–30 characters and the subtitle to no more than 30 characters. Complete the age-rating questionnaire and provide accurate privacy details.
Privacy policy and data disclosures
Apple requires a privacy policy URL for iOS and macOS apps. For tvOS, provide privacy policy text in the Apple TV field. Privacy disclosures must cover relevant practices by third-party partners whose code is integrated into the app, not just your own data handling. Update the declarations when your practices change.
Apple’s App privacy details documentation explains what to disclose. Privacy and other platform-specific requirements can differ, so confirm the current rules for your app.
Screenshots and other assets
Apple requires at least one screenshot and permits up to ten per device size. The current screenshot reference requires an iPhone screenshot for a device with Dynamic Island and, if the app supports iPadOS, an iPad 13-inch screenshot. Dimensions and accepted device specifications can change; check Apple’s screenshot specifications before exporting assets. Screenshots should represent the app accurately.
4. Set the build, price, and storefront availability
Choose the build intended for the version, set its price and tax category, and select the storefront regions where it should be available. All localizations are selected by default; you can narrow availability to selected regions.
Choose a release method as part of your launch plan:
| Release option | What it means | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | You decide when to release the approved app. | You need to coordinate the launch with other events or announcements. |
| Automatic | The app is released automatically after approval. | You want the app to become available without a separate release action. |
| Phased | Availability expands gradually after release. | You want to roll out availability in stages. |
These are the release options Apple lists in its publishing overview. Pick storefronts and pricing based on your commercial model, localization, and regional readiness.
5. Submit the version for App Review
Complete the required metadata and select the build before submission. In App Store Connect, an authorized Account Holder, Admin, or App Manager can submit the app.
- Choose Add for Review to add the item to an existing draft submission or create a new submission.
- Open the draft and choose Submit for Review to send it to Apple.
Ready for Review means the item has been added to a draft; it does not mean the submission has been sent. The status changes to In Review when Apple begins reviewing it. See Apple’s submission instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Monitor review and release the app
Track the submission in App Store Connect. If Apple reports an issue, read and respond to the App Review communication, then update the app or submission as needed.
Best Value
Apple says 90% of submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours on average, but that is not a guaranteed turnaround for an individual app. Incomplete submissions can take longer or fail. After approval, Apple says an app can take up to 24 hours to appear on the App Store. The release method you selected determines whether you control the release timing or it proceeds automatically.
Check requirements that may change
Apple’s submission guidance announces SDK requirements that begin in April 2027. Because this is a future-dated requirement, verify the live submission page for the upload date you have planned. The exact metadata and technical requirements also depend on whether the app is for iOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, watchOS, or another supported platform.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
