After several challenges, you have created an amazing app for your business; well done! But do you know that is not where the journey ends? It is time to get your beautiful creation in the users’ faces. Let’s talk more about this below!
Things To Consider Before You Upload Your iOS App:
More important than developing an app for your business is that it is accessible to real users and solves real problems.
There are two major app stores where your users can gain access to download your App for use.
They are The Apple Store and the Google Play store, one serving IOS and the other Android. These two platforms have different requirements for publishing an app.
However, our main focus here is the Apple store.
Many developers consider the process of uploading an app to the Apple store very stressful. But is it stressful when all Apple is trying to do is protect its users from harmful content and create a great experience for them?
Apple ensures every App is thoroughly reviewed by its editorial Team to ensure users derive maximum satisfaction from every download.
When it comes to publishing your App on the Apple store, there are several things you need to take into consideration to ensure you cut down or eliminate the chances of your App being rejected. Some of them include;
– Take your time to go through Apple’s guidelines carefully before starting your upload process.
– Ensure your App is built with the latest version of Xcode and iOS SDK.
– Review the content on your App to ensure that it communicates information respectfully to different users.
– Test your App for bugs and potential threats.
– Design eye-catching icons in various sizes and ensure your App launches seamlessly.
– Ensure that you are not playing any tricks by stealing other people’s work or putting out false review data.
– Ensure whatever App you are publishing is the final version and is fully functional.
– Ensure your iOS app complies with all legal requirements in the location where your App is targeted.
– Ensuring that you perform all these before publishing does not guarantee approval of your App, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.
– Do you need a team of iOS developers who are not just experienced in building iOS apps but also take into consideration Apple Store guidelines during every phase of development to aid in quick time to market? Get started here!
It can be easy to put aside uploading your App to the app store because it seems to be the most trivial aspect to many business owners. Meanwhile, getting approval for your App to be listed among other apps as suitable for use is what validates the whole development process.
To ensure that your App is safe for use, provides quality services, and creates a great experience for users, Apple has put in place standards that must be met before approval.
We have outlined below a guide to help you through the process of the uploading process.
Approximate Time to Publish an App 3 days
How to Upload an App to Apple Store
1. Gather Essentials:
Think of this as your App’s pre-flight checklist. Assemble your App’s information and the necessary documents they include.
Apart from this, the writer will be preparing content as well Clearly outline your data practices and user agreements. Be transparent about the data you collect and how you use it. This is mandatory for all apps.
App Name: Choose a suitable name for your App and ensure that it’s the same name that you submit as it appears on the App Store.
App Description: Craft enticing text that grabs attention and accurately reflects your App’s purpose, carefully showing its features and functionality.
Keywords: Use keywords that capture your App’s essence and attract potential users. It should not be more than 100 words.
Screenshots: Have a screenshot for every device screen your App is supported by. High-quality visuals that showcase your App’s beauty and functionality. Don’t forget that new apps need to support all iPhone screens.
Support URL: This should contain any extra knowledge or information about your App.
Marketing URL: This URL leads to marketing materials for your App. It is usually visible on the app store.
App Icon: Provide an Icon that will be used on the Apple store after it is uploaded. Make sure it’s in a JPG or PNG format with high-quality visuals.
App Pricing and Availability: decide whether it’s free or requires payment to access. Determine a paid pricing model and choose the regions where your App will be available.
Contact Information: Provide all necessary contact details like username and password to your app account with full access to your App for a proper review process.
Rating and Category: Select a category for your App, either primary or secondary, and generate a rating.
Copyright: Provide the name of the person that owns exclusive rights to your entity and the year it was obtained.
2. Apple Developer Account:
Let’s call this the VIP pass. It is your gateway to App Store Connect, the platform where you’ll manage your App’s listing and submission. All you have to do is go to the App Developer’s website and sign up.
3. Bundle Identifier:
This unique ID distinguishes your App from the millions in the store. This means no two apps can have the same bundle ID. Choose wisely, for you can’t change it later.
Your bundle ID helps you assign capabilities and create a provisioning profile. It also allows you to connect your App to your developer account. To create a bundle Identifier, follow these steps;
– Go to developer.apple.com
– Click on ‘Account’ and log into your account
– Click on Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles Certificates
– Click on identifiers in the left menu
– To create a new ID, Click the add button next to the Identifiers header
– Register an App ID
– Continue the process and add an app description.
– Enter your bundle ID and app name. Ensure they are in the correct format (app name: com.appname.ios )
– Inside the Capabilities section, scroll down, select ‘Push Notifications’, and register it.
– Go back to appstoreconnect.apple.com
– Then go back to my apps and click the new ios app
– Enter a name you want to show up in the app store listing
– Choose the bundle ID that you made for this App and make the SKU (stock-keeping unit) the same as it.
4. Generate Distribution Certificates and Provisioning Profiles:
These crucial certificates ensure your App is available to users for download on the app store and runs securely on Apple devices. Generating them might sound technical, but we have provided a simple procedure to follow below.
A. Certificate:
– Visit the Apple developer website and log in with your account
– Locate “Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles” in the left sidebar and click.
– Select “Distribution” under “Certificates.”
– Select “Apple Distribution” if you’re distributing through the App Store or “In-House and Ad Hoc” for internal testing or beta distribution.
– Generate a certificate signing request (CSR) from your development environment (Xcode, Keychain Access).
– Click “Continue” and choose your CSR file. Click “Continue” again, review the details, and click “Generate” to download the certificate.
B. Provisioning Profile:
– Just like the certificate creation process, go to the Apple developer site.
– Click on “Profiles”.
– Choose the appropriate profile type: it can be either App Store (For distribution through the App Store) or Ad Hoc (For internal testing or beta distribution to specific devices).
– Choose the App ID associated with your App from the dropdown menu.
– Choose the distribution certificate you just created.
– Enter a profile name (this name is not visible to users)
– For Ad Hoc profiles, you can optionally add specific devices allowed to install the App.
– Click “Generate” and download the provisioning profile. This file needs to be included in your app bundle for signing.
– Apple provides detailed documentation on the process here.
5. Get An App Store Connect Account:
This allows you to manage your apps on the app store, get performance insights and in-app purchases, and handle all submission and upload processes. It also helps you get users to test your App before publishing. You can choose to create your app store connect organization and sign in using your ID or get invited by an existing user.
Your app type and chosen distribution method determine the details required. Always refer to Apple’s official documentation for the latest information and specific requirements.
6. Pricing and In-App Purchases:
Time to monetize your masterpiece! Choose your App’s price, or offer it for free with optional in-app purchases. You can choose to sell new features, subscriptions, your services, or whatever you want in your App by selecting in-app purchases.
Remember, if you are publishing a paid app, you need to provide details about your terms of payment and tax information applicable to your App’s location.
7. App Store Review Guidelines:
Apple takes user experience seriously, and so should you. These guidelines are your App’s moral compass, ensuring it’s safe, reliable, and doesn’t violate any platform rules. Be sure to understand and adhere to them to avoid app rejection thoroughly.
8. Uploading Your App:
Finally, the moment arrives! Upload your App and all its supporting documents to App Store Connect following the process below;
– Archive and Validate your App: Use Xcode to archive your App for App Store submission and validate its compliance with Apple’s guidelines.
– Upload your App Build: Head to App Store Connect and upload the archived version of your App. This could take some time, depending on your app size and internet connection.
– Version History and Release Notes: Briefly explain the changes and updates in this new version.
Now, you are free to hit submit and patiently wait for the App Store review process. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates while you wait.
The App Review Process
Apple meticulously reviews all submitted apps for performance, security, and compliance with their App Store Review Guidelines. It takes a while to get a response most of the time.
If your App encounters issues during review, you’ll receive detailed feedback from Apple. Carefully address these concerns and resubmit your App for review.
Once your App has been approved, you can go live and ensure your target audience is informed of your new creation.
Some More Tips For You
Start Early: Allow ample time for preparation, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
Test Rigorously: Ensure your App functions flawlessly across devices and iOS versions.
Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to consult Apple’s developer documentation and online forums for assistance.
Our Team of iOS developers is available to give you all the support you need through the maintenance process of your App.
Stay Updated: Keep tabs on Apple’s ever-evolving App Store guidelines and policies. Apple regularly updates its guidelines and requirements. Follow the App Store Connect news and developer resources to stay on top of the latest changes.
Analyze and Adapt: Monitor your App’s performance and user feedback to make continuous improvements.
Keep Your App Optimized: Research relevant keywords and optimize your app store listing to stand out in search results.
Engage with Users, respond to reviews promptly, address any issues, and keep your users informed about updates.
Don’t forget that submitting your App to the App Store is just the beginning. The real journey lies in engaging your users, providing value, and continuously innovating.
Launch Your App To The World! Upload It To The App Store Now.
FAQs
How do I Create and Sign my App for Release?
Generate your app distribution certificate and provisioning profile using Xcode or keychain access, and match the certificate type to your distribution target.
Secondly, sign your app bundle by embedding the appropriate signing certificate to ensure your App’s authenticity and compatibility with the target devices.
What Information do I Need to Provide When Uploading my app to the Apple store?
What you need include App details that cover your app name, descriptions, category, keywords, screenshots, app icons, and release notes.
Secondly, set the App’s price and choose its availability in certain locations, and also determine in-app purchases if applicable.
Provide all copyright and legal information, which includes ownership rights, any third-party licenses or resources used.
Can I Update My App After It’s Published?
Yes! You can. Follow the submission process and submit an updated version of your App anytime.
How Long Does the App Store Review Process Take?
It takes up to 4 – 10 days. Another thing is that the complexity of your App affects how long it takes.
What are the First Things I Need to Put in Place Before I Start the Uploading Process of My App?
You need an ‘Apple Developer Program Membership’, either individual or company, depending on your specific needs.
Ensure that your App complies with all Apple’s App Store review guidelines about functionalities and specifications.
Create an App Store Connect account to manage all your app information and submission process.
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