iOS App Store Connect Submission Guide

Account Prerequisites

• Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year)
• App ID registered in Apple Developer portal
• Provisioning profiles configured for distribution
• Certificates: Apple Distribution certificate active and valid

App Store Connect Setup

Create the App Record

1. Log in to App Store Connect
2. Navigate to My Apps → "+" → New App
3. Fill in required fields:
   • Platform: iOS
   • App name (30 characters max, must be unique on the store)
   • Primary language
   • Bundle ID (must match Xcode project)
   • SKU (internal identifier, not public)

App Information Tab

• Category: Select primary and optional secondary category
• Content Rights: Declare if app contains third-party content
• Age Rating: Complete questionnaire (violence, language, mature themes)

Pricing and Availability

• Set price tier or configure in-app purchases
• Select availability by country/region
• Pre-order configuration (optional, up to 180 days before release)

Screenshot Specifications

Required Device Sizes

Screenshot Rules

• Minimum 1 screenshot per required size, maximum 10
• Format: PNG or JPEG, RGB color space, no alpha
• Must represent the actual app experience
• Text overlays allowed but must not mislead
• Status bar content should be clean (full signal, full battery, 9:41 AM)
• Screenshots for one size can be auto-scaled to other sizes in some cases

Screenshot Best Practices

1. First screenshot is critical — it appears in search results
2. Show the core value proposition immediately
3. Use device frames for professional appearance
4. Include concise callout text (2-4 words per screen)
5. Tell a story across screenshots: problem → solution → features → social proof
6. Localize text overlays for each target market

App Preview Video Specifications

Video Best Practices

• Show real app footage, not marketing animations
• Demonstrate the core experience in the first 5 seconds
• Add captions (many users browse without sound)
• Record on device or simulator at native resolution

App Icon Requirements

Build Upload Process

Via Xcode

1. Select Generic iOS Device as build target
2. Product → Archive
3. Window → Organizer → select archive → Distribute App
4. Select App Store Connect → Upload
5. Follow prompts for signing and export compliance

Via Transporter

1. Export archive as .ipa from Xcode Organizer
2. Open Transporter app (free from Mac App Store)
3. Drag .ipa file into Transporter
4. Click Deliver

Build Processing

• Builds take 15-30 minutes to process after upload
• Status progresses: Processing → Ready for Sale / Ready for Review
• Check email for processing failure notifications
• Invalid Binary status requires fix and re-upload

Export Compliance

Answer these questions during submission:

1. Does your app use encryption?

   • HTTPS only → Yes, but exempt (select appropriate exemption)
   • Custom encryption → May require ERN (Encryption Registration Number)
   • No encryption at all → No

2. Common exemptions:

   • Standard HTTPS/TLS for API calls
   • Standard encryption from iOS SDK
   • Authentication-only encryption

App Review Process

Timeline

• Standard review: 24-48 hours (90% of apps)
• Expedited review: Request via App Store Connect for critical bug fixes
• Extended review: Up to 7 days for complex apps or first submissions

Review Information to Provide

• Demo account: Username and password for any authenticated features
• Review notes: Explain non-obvious functionality, special hardware needs, or features that require specific conditions to test
• Contact info: Phone number and email for reviewer questions
• Attachment: Screenshots or video of features that are hard to access

Common Rejection Reasons and Fixes

Guideline 1.2: User-Generated Content

Rejection: App allows user-generated content without moderation.

Fix: Implement content reporting, blocking, and filtering. Add terms of service. Provide mechanism to report offensive content.

Guideline 2.1: App Completeness

Rejection: App crashes, has broken features, or includes placeholder content.

Fix: Test every feature thoroughly. Remove all placeholder text, images, and lorem ipsum. Ensure all buttons and links function.

Guideline 2.3: Accurate Metadata

Rejection: Screenshots or description don't match the app.

Fix: Retake screenshots from the current build. Update description to reflect actual features. Remove mentions of features not yet implemented.

Guideline 3.1.1: In-App Purchase

Rejection: App uses external payment for digital content.

Fix: Use Apple's In-App Purchase for all digital goods and subscriptions. Physical goods and services can use external payment.

Guideline 4.0: Design

Rejection: App is a thin wrapper around a website, or copies another app.

Fix: Provide native functionality beyond what the website offers. Ensure the app has unique value and doesn't simply duplicate App Store apps.

Guideline 4.3: Spam

Rejection: App is too similar to existing apps (including your own).

Fix: Ensure your app has unique functionality and value. Do not submit multiple versions of the same app targeting different keywords.

Guideline 5.1.1: Data Collection and Storage

Rejection: App collects data without proper disclosure or consent.

Fix: Update privacy policy. Implement consent flows. Declare all data collection in App Privacy section. Minimize data collection.

Guideline 5.1.2: Data Use and Sharing

Rejection: App shares data with third parties without user consent.

Fix: Disclose all third-party SDKs that collect data. Implement opt-in consent for data sharing. Update privacy policy.

Post-Approval Actions

Release Options

• Manually release: You control when the app goes live (recommended)
• Automatic release: Goes live immediately after approval
• Scheduled release: Set a specific date and time

Phased Release (Staged Rollout)

• Available for updates (not initial release)
• Releases to increasing percentages: 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 100%
• Over 7 days by default
• Can pause, resume, or release to all users at any point

After Release

1. Verify the listing is live and correct
2. Download the app from the store to test
3. Confirm in-app purchases work in production
4. Check that analytics and crash reporting receive data
5. Submit promotional artwork for editorial consideration