--- title: "App Store Submission" description: "App Review guidelines, privacy requirements, and submission checklist." type: skill canonical_url: https://claudary.paisolsolutions.com/skills/app-store source: "Claudary" difficulty: intermediate author: "Claude Code Knowledge Pack" date: 2026-07-10T11:07:50.864Z license: CC-BY-4.0 attribution: "App Store Submission — Claudary (https://claudary.paisolsolutions.com/skills/app-store)" --- # App Store Submission App Review guidelines, privacy requirements, and submission checklist. ## Overview # App Store Submission App Review guidelines, privacy requirements, and submission checklist. ## Pre-Submission Checklist ### App Completion - [ ] All features working - [ ] No crashes or major bugs - [ ] Performance optimized - [ ] Memory leaks resolved ### Content Requirements - [ ] App icon (1024x1024) - [ ] Screenshots for all device sizes - [ ] App preview videos (optional) - [ ] Description and keywords - [ ] Privacy policy URL - [ ] Support URL ### Technical Requirements - [ ] Minimum iOS version set correctly - [ ] Privacy manifest (`PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy`) - [ ] All permissions have usage descriptions - [ ] Export compliance answered - [ ] Content rights declared ## Screenshots ### Required Sizes ``` iPhone 6.9" (iPhone 16 Pro Max): 1320 x 2868 iPhone 6.7" (iPhone 15 Plus): 1290 x 2796 iPhone 6.5" (iPhone 11 Pro Max): 1284 x 2778 iPhone 5.5" (iPhone 8 Plus): 1242 x 2208 iPad Pro 13" (6th gen): 2064 x 2752 iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd gen): 2048 x 2732 ``` ### Automating Screenshots With fastlane: ```ruby # Fastfile lane :screenshots do capture_screenshots( scheme: "MyAppUITests", devices: [ "iPhone 16 Pro Max", "iPhone 8 Plus", "iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (6th generation)" ], languages: ["en-US", "es-ES"], output_directory: "./screenshots" ) end ``` Snapfile: ```ruby devices([ "iPhone 16 Pro Max", "iPhone 8 Plus", "iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (6th generation)" ]) languages(["en-US"]) scheme("MyAppUITests") output_directory("./screenshots") clear_previous_screenshots(true) ``` UI Test for screenshots: ```swift import XCTest class ScreenshotTests: XCTestCase { override func setUpWithError() throws { continueAfterFailure = false let app = XCUIApplication() setupSnapshot(app) app.launch() } func testScreenshots() { snapshot("01-HomeScreen") // Navigate to feature app.buttons["Feature"].tap() snapshot("02-FeatureScreen") // Show detail app.cells.firstMatch.tap() snapshot("03-DetailScreen") } } ``` ## Privacy Policy ### Required Elements 1. What data is collected 2. How it's used 3. Who it's shared with 4. How long it's retained 5. User rights (access, deletion) 6. Contact information ### Template Structure ```markdown # Privacy Policy for [App Name] Last updated: [Date] ## Information We Collect - Account information (email, name) - Usage data (features used, session duration) ## How We Use Information - Provide app functionality - Improve user experience - Send notifications (with permission) ## Data Sharing We do not sell your data. We share with: - Analytics providers (anonymized) - Cloud storage providers ## Data Retention We retain data while your account is active. Request deletion at [email]. ## Your Rights - Access your data - Request deletion - Export your data ## Contact [email] ``` ## App Review Guidelines ### Common Rejections **1. Incomplete Information** - Missing demo account credentials - Unclear functionality **2. Bugs and Crashes** - App crashes on launch - Features don't work **3. Placeholder Content** - Lorem ipsum text - Incomplete UI **4. Privacy Issues** - Missing usage descriptions - Accessing data without permission **5. Misleading Metadata** - Screenshots don't match app - Description claims unavailable features ### Demo Account In App Store Connect notes: ``` Demo Account: Username: demo@example.com Password: Demo123! Notes: - Subscription features are enabled - Push notifications require real device ``` ### Review Notes ``` Notes for Review: 1. This app requires camera access for QR scanning (Settings tab > Scan QR). 2. Push notifications are used for: - Order status updates - New message alerts 3. Background location is used for: - Delivery tracking only when order is active 4. Demo account has pre-populated data for testing. 5. In-app purchases can be tested with sandbox account. ``` ## Export Compliance ### Quick Check Answer YES to export compliance if your app: - Only uses HTTPS for network requests - Only uses Apple's standard encryption APIs - Only uses encryption for authentication/DRM Most apps using HTTPS only can answer YES and select that encryption is exempt. ### Full Compliance If using custom encryption, you need: - Encryption Registration Number (ERN) from BIS - Or exemption documentation ## App Privacy Labels In App Store Connect, declare: ### Data Types - Contact Info (name, email, phone) - Health & Fitness - Financial Info - Location - Browsing History - Search History - Identifiers (user ID, device ID) - Usage Data - Diagnostics ### Data Use For each data type: - **Linked to User**: Can identify the user - **Used for Tracking**: Cross-app/web advertising ### Example Declaration ``` Contact Info - Email Address: - Used for: App Functionality (account creation) - Linked to User: Yes - Used for Tracking: No Usage Data: - Used for: Analytics - Linked to User: No - Used for Tracking: No ``` ## In-App Purchases ### Configuration 1. App Store Connect > Features > In-App Purchases 2. Create products with: - Reference name - Product ID (com.app.product) - Price - Localized display name/description ### Review Screenshots Provide screenshots showing: - Purchase screen - Content being purchased - Restore purchases option ### Subscription Guidelines - Clear pricing shown before purchase - Easy cancellation instructions - Terms of service link - Restore purchases available ## TestFlight ### Internal Testing - Up to 100 internal testers - No review required - Immediate availability ### External Testing - Up to 10,000 testers - Beta App Review required - Public link option ### Test Notes ``` What to Test: - New feature: Cloud sync - Bug fix: Login issues on iOS 18 - Performance improvements Known Issues: - Widget may not update immediately - Dark mode icon pending ``` ## Submission Process ### 1. Archive ```bash xcodebuild archive \\ -project MyApp.xcodeproj \\ -scheme MyApp \\ -archivePath build/MyApp.xcarchive ``` ### 2. Export ```bash xcodebuild -exportArchive \\ -archivePath build/MyApp.xcarchive \\ -exportOptionsPlist ExportOptions.plist \\ -exportPath build/ ``` ### 3. Upload ```bash xcrun altool --upload-app \\ --type ios \\ --file build/MyApp.ipa \\ --apiKey YOUR_KEY_ID \\ --apiIssuer YOUR_ISSUER_ID ``` ### 4. Submit 1. App Store Connect > Select build 2. Complete all metadata 3. Submit for Review ## Post-Submission ### Review Timeline - Average: 24-48 hours - First submission: May take longer - Complex apps: May need more review ### Responding to Rejection 1. Read rejection carefully 2. Address ALL issues 3. Reply in Resolution Center 4. Resubmit ### Expedited Review Request for: - Critical bug fixes - Time-sensitive events - Security issues Submit request at: https://developer.apple.com/contact/app-store/?topic=expedite ## Phased Release After approval, choose: - **Immediate**: Available to everyone - **Phased**: 7 days gradual rollout - Day 1: 1% - Day 2: 2% - Day 3: 5% - Day 4: 10% - Day 5: 20% - Day 6: 50% - Day 7: 100% Can pause or accelerate at any time. ## Version Updates ### What's New ``` Version 2.1 New: • Cloud sync across devices • Dark mode support • Widget for home screen Improved: • Faster app launch • Better search results Fixed: • Login issues on iOS 18 • Notification sound not playing ``` ### Maintaining Multiple Versions - Keep previous version available during review - Test backward compatibility - Consider forced updates for critical fixes --- Source: [Claudary](https://claudary.paisolsolutions.com/skills/app-store) · https://claudary.paisolsolutions.com