Upload and Launch your ios app on apple app store: a beginner's guide

Whether you have developed an iOS mobile app from scratch or use a website to mobile app conversion platforms such as WebToNative, you probably want to launch it on the Apple App Store for download. Submitting mobile apps on the App Store can be an exciting, but also a complex experience. The volume of mobile apps creates a competitive environment, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, but as long as you keep in mind the Apple App Store guidelines, you can streamline the process effortlessly.

This blog aims to make you aware of the necessary knowledge and make it possible for you to navigate the process easily from uploading to submitting your iOS app on the Apple App Store.

Step 1: Create an Apple ID (Skip if you already have your Apple account)

Visit the Apple Developer website or link https://account.apple.com/ to create your Apple account.
Fill in the information asked for, such as first name, last name, email address, birthday and country name.
Set your password and answer the basic security questions properly.

Step 2: Authorise Two-factor Authentication

Apple commands two-factor authentication for all Apple developer accounts, providing greater security to accounts.

1. On iPhone and iPad

Go to Settings ---> Your Name ---> Sign In & Security
Enable Two-Factor Authentication and the follow the instructions

2. On Mac

Go to System Preferences —> Apple ID —> Password & Security
Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Step 3: Join the Apple Developer Program

In the Apple Developer Program you have to submit your app to the Apple App Store. They have membership plans as well.

Sign In with your Apple ID at Apple Developer website.
Accept the Apple Developer Agreement
Join the Apple Developer Program
Select between Individual and Organization Account

1. Individual Account - For single user (Your name will be shown on the Apple App Store)

2. Organization Account - For businesses or companies (Your business or company name will be shown on the Apple App Store)

Fill in all the information required, agree to their terms and conditions, and pay the fee.
Wait for Apple’s approval via Email usually within 24 hours

Step 4: Make Your App Ready for Submission

Before creating your listing on Apple App Store, ensure that your iOS app is ready to adhere Apple’s guidelines.

Test your app for bugs detection or fixes extensively before launch
Make sure it complies with Appls’s App Store Review Guidelines
Make sure your IAP(Packaged App file) file is ready
Ensure App Store assets are ready:

1. App Icon 2. Long and short descriptions 3. Screenshots for all device sizes 4.Makreting website links and support 5. Keywords

Step 5: Create Your iOS App Listing in App Store Connect

Go to App Store Connect and SignIn
In My Apps section, Click “+” to add a new app
Enter the details: 1. App Name 2. Primary Language 3. Bundle ID 4. SKU
Now save the listing you have created for your app.

Step 6: Enter App Details

Go to App Information and fill in all the details App name, descriptions, copyrights and keywords
Go to Pricing and Availability section, to set your app’s price, availability by country or available pre-order for your app.

Step 7: Upload Your App Build You will need Xcode or Mac App Store (Transporter) to upload your IAP file.

1. Open Xcode and package your app. 2. Upload directly from Xcode or Transporter 3. After uploading, select the build in App Store Connect under Prepare for Submission Build

Step 8: Prepare and Review 1. Ready for Submission Add the following:

Screenshots for all device sizes
App Previews
Age, rating, category, and contract details
Promotional text

2. Submit for Review Apple’s review takes 1 to 3 days for exhaustive review of the apps but it might take longer because of the app’s complexity or flagged for additional review.

Step 9: App Approval and Launch

As you have received your app approval from Apple, your app’s status will be changed to ready for sale and it becomes available for users on Apple App Store. Promote your app on social media platforms, run marketing campaigns and your website to boost app downloads.

While there are distinct steps one must take in order to publish an iOS app on the Apple App Store, the overall process can seem overly complicated. The mounting steps can be simplified to the creation of an Apple ID, enabling the requisite security features, joining the Developer Program, preparing app assets, submission in the App Store Connect, as well as the requisite submission workflow. All these steps will ensure a seamless transition from an iOS app’s development to its launch. With the app “in the wild,” you can start actively promoting the app, and customize features based on user feedback. Users are able to download the app and feedback can be seamlessly received.