Are you a business looking to launch your app on the App Store to reach a completely new, untouched iPhone user base? This article comprehensively covers a guide on “how to submit iOS app to App Store” in 2025 for a swift iOS app submission. Let’s dive into it!
1. Planning and Preparation Stages
For how to submit iOS app to App Store, it begins with proper phased-out planning. This phase ensures your app meets Apple’s stringent technical, design, and legal standards, to ensure your app is iOS app submission chances are maximized with a swift approval.
1.1 Define the Application Purpose & Functionality
- Clearly articulate what your mobile application does.
- Make sure your app solves a real problem, offers genuine value, and is not simply a webview or duplicate of existing apps.
- Include basic features and optionally advanced features like user authentication, push notifications, or in-app purchases, depending on your scope.
1.2 App Design and UI Planning
Apple places a strong emphasis on user experience and aesthetic. Ensure that:
- Your UI complies with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines.
- You’ve designed splash screens, launch screens, and a responsive layout that fits all display sizes.
- Navigation patterns (like tab bars or horizontal menus) follow familiar iOS conventions.
- Include support for dark mode and accessibility features like VoiceOver if possible.
1.3 Performance, Testing & Stability
Before submission, your app must be fully production build ready. Follow these best practices to rank your app better serving a seamless user experience:
- Avoid performance issues, memory leaks, or battery drain issues.
- Test on actual devices (not just simulators) using TestFlight or ad hoc distribution.
- Validate app launch times — Apple flags apps with long cold starts.
- Make sure there are no authentication issues or broken APIs.
1.4 Metadata and Asset Preparation
Prepare assets and metadata required for submission:
- App Name (up to 30 characters)
- App Icon (1024×1024 px, without transparency)
- App Screenshots for all relevant display sizes
- App Previews (optional, but improve engagement)
- Keywords (for App Store search optimization)
- Privacy Policy URL (mandatory)
- Marketing URL (optional)
- Support URL
1.5 Versioning and Compliance
- Use clear and semantic versioning (e.g., 1.0.0).
- Ensure app complies with:
- App Store Review Guidelines
- User Privacy Guidelines
- Regional compliance (e.g., GDPR for Europe, CCPA for California)
1.6 App Bundle Configuration
- Choose the correct Bundle Identifier during Xcode project creation.
- Validate and finalize the Info.plist file:
- Add permissions (e.g., camera, microphone) with explanatory usage strings.
- Configure launch screen storyboard.
- If using frameworks like Flutter or React Native, generate the app bundle using their respective production build commands for how to submit iOS app to App Store.
2. Apple Developer Program and Account Setup
For the next step on how to submit ios app to App Store, you must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. This program allows the necessary tools, resources, and permissions to help you distribute your iOS apps through the App Store, along with managing Apple APIs and your uploaded apps via App Store Connect.
2.1 Enroll in the Apple Developer Program
Individual vs. Organization Account
- Individual Account:
- Suitable for solo developers.
- Displays your personal name on the App Store.
- Organization Account:
- Recommended for businesses or teams.
- Requires a D-U-N-S Number (business identity verification).
- Displays your business name on the App Store.
More details here: https://developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/
Enrollment Steps
- Visit: https://developer.apple.com/programs/
- Click “Enroll” and log in with your Apple ID.
- Fill in the required personal or business details.
- Pay the $99/year Apple App Store Fee using a valid payment method for the Apple developer membership.
- Accept the Apple Developer Program License Agreement and Agreements and Guidelines for Apple Developers.
After enrollment, it may take up to 48 hours to process and activate your developer account before moving on to the next step on how to submit iOS app to App Store.
2.2 Set Up App Store Connect
After your developer account is approved, access App Store Connect, simply:
- Visit: https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/
- Log in with your Apple ID.
- Accept any remaining agreements to finalize your setup.
2.3 Configure User Access and Roles
In a team environment, you’ll need to manage access:
- Go to App Store Connect > Users and Access.
- Click the “+” button to add a new user.
- Assign roles:
- Admin: Full access including agreements and financial info.
- App Manager: Can manage apps and submit for review.
- Developer: Can access technical settings and uploads via Xcode.
- Optional: Grant access to App Analytics, Sales and Trends, or Customer Support.
Each user should use two-factor authentication and have access to the developer tools for how to submit iOS app to App Store.
2.4 Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles (Apple Developer Portal)
To prepare your app for distribution, set up:
2.4.1 App IDs and Bundle Identifier
- Go to: https://developer.apple.com/account/resources/identifiers/
- Register your Bundle Identifier, ensuring it matches the ID used in your Xcode project.
2.4.2 Distribution Certificates
Used to sign and authorize your app for submission:
- Click on Certificates > Add > iOS Distribution.
- Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your Mac using Keychain Access.
- Upload CSR, download the iOS Distribution Certificate, and install it.
2.4.3 Provisioning Profiles
- Create a Distribution Provisioning Profile (App Store type).
- Select your registered app, certificate, and device targets.
- Download and install the profile into Xcode.
At this point, your developer account, app identifier, and code-signing setup should be complete, and you are ready to dive into the next step for how to submit iOS app to App Store. Let’s now create your app record and upload the build.
Suggested Read: How to Publish App to Google Play Store – Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
3. Create Your Application Record in App Store Connect
Before uploading your iOS game or app binary, you need to create a new app entry (or application record) in App Store Connect. This is where you’ll define how your app appears on the Apple App Store, including metadata, pricing, and availability settings for how to submit iOS app to App Store.
3.1 Log In to App Store Connect
- Go to https://appstoreconnect.apple.com
- Use your Apple Developer credentials to log in.
3.2 Create a New App
- In the App Store Connect dashboard, select “My Apps”.
- Click the “+” button in the upper-left corner and select “New App”.
Fill in the App Information:
- Platform: Choose iOS (or iOS + iPadOS if supporting both).
- Name: This is the name that appears in the App Store (must be unique).
- Primary Language: Choose the default language for the App Store Listing.
- Bundle ID: Select the Bundle Identifier that you created in the Apple Developer Portal (must match your Xcode project).
- SKU: A unique internal identifier (e.g., com.yourcompany.myapp.v1).
- User Access: Choose whether the app will be accessible to all team members or limited ones.
Click “Create” once you’ve completed all fields.
3.3 App Store Listing Metadata
Once the iPhone app record is created, configure the App Store tab:
3.3.1 App Information
- Subtitle: A brief tagline that appears under the app name.
- Privacy Policy URL: Mandatory — must link to a publicly available privacy policy page.
- Support URL: User support contact or website.
- Marketing URL: Optional link for promotional purposes.
- Age Rating: Answer Apple’s questionnaire to determine this.
3.3.2 App Icon and Screenshots
- Upload an App Icon (1024×1024 PNG with no transparency).
- Provide App Screenshots for each device type:
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPad (if supported)
- Follow Apple’s screenshot specifications — screenshots must show real app UI.
3.3.3 Description & Keywords
- Description: Highlight the app’s purpose, functionality, and key features. Keep it compelling and concise.
- Keywords: Used for App Store search. Separate by commas; be specific and relevant.
3.3.4 App Previews (Optional)
- Upload App Preview videos (30 seconds max).
- Helps drive user engagement and user satisfaction.
3.4 Pricing and Availability
- Move to the Pricing and Availability section.
- Set your app’s price:
- Free
- Or select a paid tier (e.g., Tier 1 = $0.99, Tier 2 = $1.99, etc.)
- Consider App Store pricing strategies depending on your market and app features.
- Choose the availability regions (e.g., United States, Europe, etc.).
3.5 In-App Purchases (if applicable)
If your app includes In-App Purchases (IAPs):
- Go to the Features tab > In-App Purchases.
- Create each IAP:
- Consumables (e.g., coins, lives)
- Non-consumables (e.g., premium features)
- Subscriptions
- Define pricing, localization, display name, and description.
- Apple may review IAPs separately from your app.
At this point, your App Store Listing and application metadata are set.
The next step for “how to submit ios app to app store” is to upload your app build using Xcode or Transporter.
4. Uploading the App to App Store Connect via Xcode
Once your app is tested and production-ready, it must be packaged, signed, and uploaded to App Store Connect for submission. Apple requires all builds to be submitted via Xcode, Transporter, or CI/CD tools with auto-submission flags like –release or –auto-submit.
4.1 Prepare for Distribution
Before you archive the app:
- Ensure your app version and build number are properly incremented in Xcode > General > Version.
- Verify that your Bundle Identifier matches what you configured in App Store Connect.
- Confirm your Production provisioning profile and iOS Distribution certificate are active in Xcode > Signing & Capabilities.
4.2 Clean & Build the Project
In Xcode:
- Go to Product > Clean Build Folder.
- Run the app on a device (or simulator) to verify it builds without errors.
- Switch to a Generic iOS Device in the top device selector (not a simulator).
4.3 Archive the App
- From the menu bar: Product > Archive.
- Wait for Xcode to complete the build and show it in the Organizer window.
- Select the archived build and click Distribute App.
4.4 Distribute via App Store Connect
- Select iOS App Store as the distribution method.
- Follow the prompts:
- Validate the archive for missing assets or misconfigurations.
- Xcode checks compliance with technical and signing requirements.
- Upload the build. You’ll see a confirmation once the process is complete.
If using Transporter:
- Download Transporter from the Mac App Store.
- Drag the .ipa or .xcarchive file.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and click “Deliver.”
4.5 Post-Upload: Build Processing
- After uploading, your app build status will appear as “Processing” in App Store Connect.
- This may take from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on Apple’s servers.
- Once done, it will change to “Ready to Submit” or be available for selection when you assign a build to a version.
4.6 Troubleshooting Upload Issues
Common issues during upload:
| Error | Solution |
| “Missing Info.plist value” | Add required fields like NSCameraUsageDescription or NSMicrophoneUsageDescription. |
| “Invalid Bundle Identifier” | Ensure it matches exactly with what you registered in the Apple Developer Portal. |
| “App includes unsupported architectures” | Strip simulator or debug architectures before archiving. |
| “Provisioning Profile doesn’t match” | Re-check your profile and signing certificate in the project settings. |
Your app is now in App Store Connect, associated with the correct application record, and ready to proceed through the submission and app review process.
5. Submitting the App for Review
After your build is uploaded and processed, you’re ready to formally submit your app for review through App Store Connect. This section walks through the final steps before release.
5.1 Assign the Build to the App Version
- Go to https://appstoreconnect.apple.com and open your app in My Apps.
- Click on the app version (e.g., 1.0) listed under the “App Store” tab.
- Scroll to Build > Click “Select a Build Before You Submit”.
- Choose the uploaded build and click Done.
If you don’t see your build, it’s likely still in “Processing.” Wait until it becomes available.
5.2 Complete App Information and Compliance
Before submission step in how to submit iOS app to App Store guide, Apple requires certain app metadata and declarations to be completed:
App Review Information
- Contact Info: Provide the name, phone number, and email of someone Apple can contact.
- Sign-In Info: If your app requires login, you must provide a test account (username and password).
- Notes for Review Team: Mention any special configurations, required hardware, or steps to reproduce key features.
Export Compliance
You’ll be asked:
- Does your app use encryption?
- Is it exempt under U.S. Export Laws (e.g., only using HTTPS)?
If you use HTTPS or basic encryption, select “Yes” but claim exemption. Otherwise, provide the required documentation.
Content Rights
Declare that you have rights to all third-party content used in your app (audio, video, trademarks, etc.).
Advertising Identifier (IDFA)
If your app uses ads:
- Disclose your use of IDFA (Apple’s tracking identifier).
- Check relevant purposes (e.g., serving ads, measuring engagement).
5.3 Submit for Review
Once all required fields are filled:
- Click “Submit for Review”.
- The status will change to “Waiting for Review”.
This officially enters your app into the App Review Process.
5.4 Understanding the App Review Process
Apple uses a combination of automated checks and human reviewers. They check for:
- Adherence to App Store Review Guidelines
- App stability and performance
- Appropriate content
- Clear user value
- Compliance with platform policies
Average app store review times range from 1 to 3 business days but can vary based on complexity, holidays, or flagged issues.
5.5 Improve Your Chances of Approval
To make the approval journey for how to submit iOS app to App Store smoother:
- Thoroughly test your app on actual devices (not just simulators).
- Follow Apple’s stringent requirements for UI, functionality, and performance.
- Ensure all links (Privacy Policy, Support) work and are readable on mobile devices.
- Remove all placeholder launch images and debug logs.
- Monitor app launch times and battery usage.
- Avoid crashes, blank screens, or broken flows — these are common rejection reasons.
5.6 After Submission
You can check the app’s status in App Store Connect:
| Status | Meaning |
| Waiting for Review | Your app is in Apple’s review queue. |
| In Review | A reviewer is currently evaluating your app. |
| Pending Developer Release | App is approved but waiting for your manual release. |
| Rejected | App didn’t meet Apple’s guidelines. You must fix and resubmit. |
| Approved | Your app passed review and is ready to go live. |
When approved, you can either release the app manually or schedule an automatic release (configured under Release Options in App Store Connect).
6. Post-Approval Steps, Release, and App Store Optimization (ASO)
Once your app is approved by Apple, the final stages for how to submit iOS app to App Store focus on controlling the release and maximizing visibility and user engagement through App Store Optimization (ASO).
6.1 Release the App
After the app status becomes “Pending Developer Release” or “Ready for Sale”, you can release it in two ways:
Manual Release
- Go to App Store Connect > My Apps.
- Select your app > Click “Release This Version”.
- The app will go live within 24 hours.
Automatic Release
During submission, you can set:
- Release Immediately Upon Approval: App is published as soon as Apple approves it.
- Scheduled Release Date: Choose a specific date/time to go live.
This is helpful if you’re coordinating a marketing campaign, press release, or product launch.
6.2 Monitor App Performance with App Analytics
Use the App Analytics section in App Store Connect to track:
- App units: Number of first-time downloads
- Installations: Total installations, including re-downloads
- Sessions: User engagement data
- Retention: % of users who continue using your app after Day 1, Day 7, etc.
- Conversion rates: How many store views turn into downloads
- In-App Purchase performance: For monetized apps
- App Store search terms: Keywords that drive traffic
Analytics help you refine your marketing and user experience strategies.
6.3 App Store Optimization (ASO)
To improve visibility and downloads, focus on:
App Title & Subtitle
- Make it keyword-rich but human-readable.
- E.g., MindFlow – Guided Meditation & Sleep Sounds.
Keyword Field
- Limited to 100 characters.
- Avoid repetition and brand names (unless it’s yours).
- Use singular forms, no spaces (use commas).
High-Quality Screenshots & App Preview
- Showcase real UI and core functionality.
- Use all required sizes and follow screenshot specifications.
- Show unique features, not just splash screens.
Regular Updates
- Update your app with new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
- Each update allows you to:
- Reset your app’s position in the “Recently Updated” category.
- Improve user satisfaction.
- Boost review scores.
User Reviews and Ratings
- Encourage positive reviews after key user milestones.
- Avoid intrusive prompts.
- Respond to user feedback via App Store Connect.
6.4 Versioning and App Updates
When you’re ready to release updates:
- Increment your app version (e.g., from 1.0 to 1.1).
- Archive and upload the new build.
- Add “What’s New” text for the App Store.
- Submit the new version for review as before.
Track changes under Version History in App Store Connect.
6.5 Maintain Compliance with App Store Review Guidelines
- Apple may remove or reject apps that:
- Use outdated SDKs.
- Violate updated policies.
- Fail to address major bugs or security flaws.
- Periodically review:
- App Store Review Guidelines
- Agreements and Guidelines for Apple Developers
Stay ahead of issues by updating content, policies, and features regularly.
Conclusion
Hope you liked our guide on “How to Submit iOS App to App Store” in 2025. We specialize in end-to-end iOS app development services, covering phases from ideation and design to development, testing, and a guaranteed, for a successful App Store launch. Our iOS app development ensures your app meets all Apple guidelines, passes the review process, and is optimized for maximum visibility and user engagement. If you’re ready to turn your idea into a high-performing mobile application, reach out to our Mobile App Development Houston Company, where we’ll help bring your vision to life and get your app in front of millions on the Apple App Store.
FAQ
How do I submit my app to the Apple App Store?
To submit an app to the Apple App Store, you need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program, prepare your app for submission, and use App Store Connect to upload your app. Make sure to comply with Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines to ensure a smooth approval process. Read our complete guide on “How to Submit iOS App to App Store” above for more in-depth information.
What is the cost to publish an app on the iOS App Store?
To publish an app on the iOS App Store, you need to pay a yearly fee of $99 for an individual or organization Apple Developer Program membership.
How do I list my app on the Apple Store?
To list your app on the Apple Store, is the same as our guide on “How to Submit iOS App to App Store”. First, ensure your app meets all guidelines and is fully functional. Then, create an App Store Connect account, complete the app meta-information, upload the build using Xcode, and submit the app for review.
Is there a fee to publish an app on the Apple Store?
Yes, there is a fee to publish an app on the Apple Store. It requires an annual payment of $99 for a membership in the Apple Developer Program, which grants you access to all necessary tools and resources to publish your app.
