Before publishing the app to the iOS store there are certain things that are required to add. Here is the detailed list of documents that are required while uploading the app to the app store.
- Screenshots: App store requires at most 10 screenshots for two device displays, namely 5.5” and 6.5” display. The resolution of these are 1080 x 1920 px and 1242 x 2688 px.
- Name: Name of the app as seen by users
- Promotional Text: This text will appear above your description on the App Store for customers with devices running iOS 11 or later, and macOS 10.13 or later.
- Support URL : A URL with support information for your app. This URL will be visible on the App Store.
- Marketing URL: A URL with marketing information about your app.
- Keywords: Separate keywords with a comma.
- Privacy Policy URL: A URL containing your app’s privacy policy.
- App Icon: This icon will be used on the App Store and must be in the JPG or PNG format, with a minimum resolution of at least 72 DPI, and in the RGB color space. It must not contain layers or rounded corners.
- Demo Account: The username and password for a full-access account for your app. Include details for additional accounts in the Notes field.
- Custom EULA: If you are adding in app purchases.
Publishing Steps
- Create a Bundle Identifier
The bundle identifier is the name of your app, as seen by both the App Store and iOS devices.
- In your browser, navigate to Apple’s Developer Portal
- Log in
- Click Identifiers
- Click the “+” in the top right of the screen
- Name the App ID the same as your app
- Make sure the Bundle ID follows the standard naming convention: com.yourcompanyname.yourappname
- Check any App Services the app needs, click Continue
- Verify the services are correct, then click Submit
2. Create a Certificate Signing Request
Certificate Signing Requests are used to link your computer to your Apple developer account.
- Open a program called KeyChain Access
- In the top left menu, click Certificate Assistant
- Click Request a Certificate From a Certificate Authority…
- User email: Enter your email address
- Common Name: We recommend using the name of the app
- CA email is not actually required
- Check Saved to Disk, click Continue
- Save the Certificate Signing Request for later
3. Create an App Store Production Certificate
Code Signing Certificates are used to link iOS apps to your Apple developer account.
- In your browser, navigate to Apple’s Developer Portal
- Click Certificates
- Click the “+” in the top right of the screen
- Click the App Store Production
- Currently named “App Store and Ad Hoc” under Production
- Click Continue
- Upload the Certificate Signing Request created earlier
- Download the Certificate
- Install the certificate on your computer by double-clicking
- Keep this file somewhere safe
4. Create a Production Provisioning Profile
Provisioning Profiles are packaged with iOS apps so user’s devices can install them.
- In your browser, navigate to Apple’s Developer Portal
- Log in
- Click Provisioning Profiles
- Click the “+” in the top right of the screen
- Click the App Store Distribution option, click Continue
- Select the Bundle ID created earlier, click Continue
- Select the Certificate created earlier, click Continue
- Make sure the Profile Name follows the standard naming convention: App Name App Store Distribution
- Click Generate
- Download it
- Install the provision profile on your computer by double-clicking
- Keep this file somewhere safe
5. Create App Store Listing
Reserve a slot in the App Store for your app for users to see.
- Start in your browser, navigate to iTunes Connect
- Log in
- Click My Apps
- Click the “+” in the top left of the screen
- Click “New iOS App”
- Bundle ID: choose the one created on Developer Portal
- For convenience, make the SKU match the Bundle ID created earlier
- Click Create to create the first version listing
6. Make the release build
Package the actual binary that users will be uploading to the store.
- Start Xcode
- Open the project or workspace
- Update the version and build numbers
- Open Build Settings
- Make sure All settings is selected
- Scroll to Code Signing
- Use the provisioning profile created earlier
- Use the code signing identity created earlier
- In the top menu, select Generic iOS Device as the build destination if no actual device is connected
- Menu, Project, Archive
- Click Distribute
- Sign in as your apple developer account
- Submit to app store
- Wait for the confirmation
7. Fill In Version Information
Users will decide whether or not to install your app based on your store listing.
- Enter all of the information assembled in step 1
- Select the build you wish to tie to the version (Note: This usually appears 10-15 minutes after sending from Xcode)
- Fill in pricing information
- Click Save
- Fit any errors based on the messages that appear and save changes
8. Submit Version for Review
Every app that is submitted to the store has to be reviewed by the Apple team before release.
- Select the release type
- Manual release – after the app is accepted, a Release button will appear
- Automatic release – as soon as the app is accepted, it will be released
- Wait for approval
- This process usually takes 2-3 weeks for a new submission
- If your app was not approved, review the notes in the Resolution Center and make any necessary changes to the app or version information then resubmit
9. Release
Uploading step.
- If you selected Manual release, click Release your app when ready
- Wait for the green “Ready for Sale” version status (This might take from 1 hour to 1 day after release)
When submitting a new version of your app, you will only have to repeat steps 7 through 9.