BYD TechThe short answer
To publish an app on the Apple App Store, join the Apple Developer Program, ideally as an organization, create the app record in App Store Connect, upload a build from Xcode or your build service, test it with TestFlight, fill in the product page, privacy details and review notes, then submit it for App Review. Apple says it typically reviews half of submissions in under 24 hours and 90 percent in under 48. Once approved, you release it immediately, on a date, or gradually.
Key points
- Enroll as an organization if a company owns the app.
- TestFlight lets real users test before review.
- Privacy details and a privacy policy link are required.
- Give reviewers a working demo account if the app needs sign-in.
- Apple reviews most submissions within a day or two.
The steps
- Enroll in the Apple Developer Program. Companies enroll as an organization, which needs a D-U-N-S number.
- Create the app record in App Store Connect: name, bundle ID, primary language.
- Build a release version and upload it from Xcode, or from a build service such as Expo EAS.
- Invite testers through TestFlight and fix what they find.
- Complete the product page: description, keywords, screenshots for the required device sizes, support URL.
- Fill in the App Privacy details and link your privacy policy.
- Add review notes and a demo account if the app needs sign-in.
- Submit for review, and choose how to release once approved.
App Review
Apple’s App Review page says reviews run around the clock, typically completing at least 50 percent of submissions in under 24 hours and 90 percent in under 48. Incomplete submissions take longer or are rejected. Apple asks for final content with no placeholders, working links, a support contact and privacy policy, and purpose strings explaining why the app needs each permission.
Common reasons for rejection, and how to avoid them, are in App Store rejection reasons.
Who should own the account
The developer account owns the app’s listing, reviews and download history. Enroll in your company’s name and add developers as team members, instead of letting an agency or freelancer publish under their account. Moving an app between accounts later is possible but slow. Apps in regulated areas, such as finance or health, must be submitted by the company that provides the service.
After launch
- Watch crash reports and reviews in App Store Connect.
- Use phased release for updates, so problems reach fewer users.
- Keep up with Apple’s yearly SDK requirements, or updates will be refused.
- Improve the listing over time. See App store optimization.
For Android, see How to publish an app on Google Play. In our mobile app development work, apps ship under your own developer accounts, and store listings and resubmissions after a rejection are part of it.
Sources
Checked when this guide was written.
