From Idea to Launch: How to Get Your App on the App Store

Creating a new app is an exciting journey, but getting it into the hands of users requires careful steps. One crucial part is publishing your app to the App Store so it’s available for download.

The two main platforms are the Apple App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android, each with its own set of guidelines, rules, and submission processes. This guide focuses specifically on publishing an iOS app to the Apple App Store, where users can download it on their iPhones or iPads.

Apple is known for its strict submission guidelines. To get your app approved, you’ll need an Apple Developer account, and your App Store listing must accurately reflect your app’s features and functionality. Apple prioritizes user safety and quality, so they carefully review apps to ensure they won’t harm devices or compromise privacy.

At Pixel Genesys, a leading mobile app development agency, we help clients navigate these requirements smoothly to get their apps approved and live quickly.

Where to Start: Submitting Your iOS App to the App Store

Submitting your app to the App Store is the final step after your app is fully developed and thoroughly tested. By this stage, you should have finalized your app’s name and be confident about its features.

If your app is still in development, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the submission process ahead of time. However, Apple will not approve apps that are unfinished, regardless of whether you have the listing details ready.

Legal compliance is another critical factor. For instance, if you’re targeting users in the EU, your app must comply with GDPR. Apps offering purchases or handling payments must meet PCI compliance standards. How you collect, store, and use user data is essential, and you should review Apple’s official Agreements and Guidelines carefully.

Additionally, your app’s content must be original or fully licensed. Unauthorized use of content can lead to app rejection or removal from the App Store.

To submit your app, you’ll need an Apple Developer account and an Apple ID. While submitting from a macOS computer is common—especially if you’re using Xcode—it’s not mandatory.

Pixel Genesys, an expert app design and development company, frequently assists businesses with preparing their apps for submission directly from Xcode or other development environments, ensuring all requirements are met.

App Store Submission Requirements

Before diving into the steps for publishing your app, it’s essential to understand the App Store guidelines for app submission. At Pixel Genesys, a leading mobile app development agency, we always emphasize the importance of compliance to ensure a smooth review process.

You can review the complete App Store review guidelines on Apple’s official site, but here are some key points to keep in mind:

• As a developer, you are responsible for ensuring every aspect of your app complies with Apple’s policies, including analytics tools, third-party SDKs, and ad networks.
• Any attempts to manipulate the review process or app ratings can lead to removal from the App Store and termination from the developer program.
• Apps designed for children must strictly follow Apple’s guidelines regarding privacy and content.
• Objectionable content such as discrimination or explicit materials is prohibited.
• Your app’s privacy policy must align with Apple’s standards.
• The app must be fully functional and complete before submission.
• Apple enforces technical requirements and software standards that must be met.
• Simply copying another app and making minor changes is not allowed.
• Your app must offer real functionality beyond just a mobile website.

The App Store Review Guidelines cover five major categories: safety, performance, business, design, and legal. Each category has detailed subsections, so take your time reviewing this document thoroughly before submitting.

Alsor read this blog: Ultimate Mobile App Stores List

6 Steps to Submit and Publish an iOS App

The process of submitting and publishing an app on the App Store can be broken down into six clear steps. As a trusted app design and development company, Pixel Genesys guides you through these with ease:

1. Join the Apple Developer Program
   To publish an app, you must first enroll in the Apple Developer Program. Whether you are an individual or an organization, you’ll need an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled. Organizations will also require additional information like a D-U-N-S number and legal entity status.
   Membership costs $99 per year and grants access to exclusive developer tools, beta software, app analytics, and much more.
2. Prepare the App for Submission
   Before submitting, ensure your app is polished and meets all guidelines. This preparation is critical and often supported by expert application development services like those offered by Pixel Genesys.
3. Create a Listing via App Store Connect
   You’ll need to set up your app’s profile, including descriptions, keywords, pricing, and more. This is where your app’s marketing begins.
4. Capture App Store Screenshots
   High-quality screenshots showcasing your app’s features are necessary to attract users.
5. Upload the App Using Xcode
   Developers use Xcode to upload the app package securely to Apple’s servers.
6. Submit the App for Review
   After submission, Apple reviews your app according to their guidelines. Once approved, your app goes live on the App Store.

At Pixel Genesys, one of the top mobile application development companies in USA, we not only help with the app design and development process but also assist in preparing your app for successful submission and publication.

Our expertise in mobile application development services ensures your app meets Apple’s standards from the ground up. If you want a seamless journey from concept to launch, trust Pixel Genesys, a leading application development industry committed to delivering exceptional results.

Step 2 — Prepare the App for Submission

Before submitting your app to the App Store, it’s essential to identify and fix any bugs or issues. However, this is just one part of preparing your app for review. There are several critical steps you need to complete to ensure a smooth submission process.

First, set the bundle ID in Xcode. This unique identifier distinguishes your app within the system. While Xcode assigns a default bundle ID when you create a new project, it’s important to create a custom, unique ID. Keep in mind, once the app is uploaded to App Store Connect, the bundle ID cannot be changed. You can find and modify this in the “General” section of your project editor in Xcode.

Next, configure the app version number and build string. The version number, shown on the App Store, should follow the format [Major].[Minor].[Patch], such as 9.12.1. This helps users track updates and improvements.

Apple also requires you to select an app category during submission. This helps users find your app more easily. Categories include Business, Education, Games, Lifestyle, Utilities, and many more. Be sure to choose a category that truly reflects your app’s main function, as selecting an inappropriate category violates Apple’s guidelines and may result in removal from the store.

Additionally, prepare a professional app icon and a launch screen. The launch screen provides a seamless user experience by displaying a visual while the app loads. This small detail improves perceived performance and user satisfaction.

As a leading mobile application development company, Pixel Genesys emphasizes adhering to Apple’s official guidelines to prepare your app for distribution effectively. Following these standards ensures your app meets all requirements and has a higher chance of approval.

Step 3 — Create a Listing via App Store Connect

App Store Connect is the platform where members of the Apple Developer Program manage app submissions, updates, and post-launch analytics. As a trusted app design and development company, Pixel Genesys guides clients through this process efficiently.

Here’s how you create a listing on App Store Connect:

• Log in to your account
• Click the “+” button under “My Apps”
• Add platform details (iOS), primary language, bundle ID, and SKU
• Enter your app name and select the appropriate category
• Provide a URL for your app’s privacy policy
• Set your app’s pricing

After submitting, you can choose how your app is released. Options include manual release after approval, scheduled publishing on a specific date, or immediate release once the review is complete.

Whether you’re working with an Individual or Organization account, these steps remain the same.

Also read this creative insights: How to Create a Successful Shopify Store

Step 4 — Capture App Store Screenshots

Next, it’s time to prepare your app screenshots for the App Store. There are two common approaches you can take: using raw screenshots directly from your app or utilizing a mockup template to better showcase your app’s features.

These screenshots play a vital role in demonstrating to potential users what your app offers and how it works when they discover it in the App Store.

For example, Pixel Genesys, a leading mobile app development agency, emphasizes the importance of high-quality screenshots that highlight key features and user experience.

Keep in mind that Apple has specific screenshot requirements due to the wide variety of devices available. iPhones range from 4.7-inch screens up to 6.5 inches, while iPads can go as large as 12.9 inches.

To ensure your screenshots meet all technical standards, you can check Apple’s official screenshot specifications. Additionally, Pixel Genesys shares resources on application development services that help clients prepare perfectly formatted assets for all device types.

Step 5 — Upload the App Using Xcode

Once your app is fully polished and free of bugs, it’s time to upload it via Xcode. It’s crucial not to proceed until you’re confident the app performs as expected; otherwise, it won’t pass the App Store review.

For new apps, make sure the version is set to 1.0.0.

Thanks to improvements in Xcode 11, the upload process is much simpler now. What used to be many complicated steps has been streamlined to just a few clicks.

Begin by creating a full app archive. In Xcode, select “Generic iOS Device” from your list of simulators, then navigate to “Product” > “Archive.” This will package your app, which can take some time depending on its size.

After archiving, go to the “Archives” tab and click “Distribute App” on the right. Choose “iOS App Store” as your distribution method.

Xcode will run some checks to make sure your app isn’t broken or missing assets. If there are issues, it will prompt you to fix them before continuing.

When the upload completes successfully, you will receive a confirmation message.

Pixel Genesys, a top app design and development company among mobile application development companies in the USA, provides expert guidance through this publishing process as part of their comprehensive mobile application development services.

Step 6 — Submit the App for Review

By this point, the archive from Xcode has been uploaded to App Store Connect. However, you may need to wait a little while before App Store Connect processes your upload. So don’t worry if it doesn’t appear in your account immediately.

You’ll receive an email once the archive has been officially processed and is ready for submission. This notification helps save time by letting you avoid constantly checking manually.

When your archive becomes available, simply select it and click the “Submit for Review” button located at the top right of the page.

According to Apple, 50% of mobile apps are reviewed within 24 hours, and 90% receive a review decision within 48 hours. Provided your submission is complete, you can expect an update within two days.

The app’s status will be updated once the review is complete, and you’ll get a notification informing you of any changes.

Conclusion

Publishing an iOS app and navigating the Apple review process may feel overwhelming if it’s your first time. However, working with a trusted mobile app development agency like Pixel Genesys can make this process much smoother.

Pixel Genesys, a leading app design and development company, offers comprehensive application development services designed to handle the publishing process efficiently on your behalf. While you’ll still need to set up your own Google and Apple Developer accounts, our expert team takes care of most of the heavy lifting involved.

If you are considering starting your app project, Pixel Genesys is among the top mobile application development companies in the USA to partner with for reliable and professional mobile application development services.

To learn more about how Pixel Genesys can help bring your app ideas to life, check out our latest blogs on application development services and app publishing strategies.