It’s easy to submit your app to the App Store, right? Not exactly. Yes, it is easy if you follow the rules, but you have to make sure you don’t neglect any details to avoid being rejected. Here is a checklist for submitting your iPhone app to the App Store.
1. Create your account
If you don’t have a Developer Program account already ($99/year), you’ll need to sign up for one to submit your app. Having a Developer account will give you access to the iOS Dev Center, various app testing tools, and distribution services. Make sure your account has all required information and a D-U-N-S number.
The best way to go is to create a Developer account as soon as you start developing your first app. Then you will have access to all the tools as soon as you need them.
2. App info
When you upload your app, the App Store will ask you to fill in some required app information. This includes app name, its default language, SKU number, and bundle ID. App name and SKU number must be unique, whereas the bundle ID has to match the one in your app’s Info.plist file.
3. Price and availability
This is the step where you add your app’s price and set its release date. The price can be anything you want, but most app prices range from free to $4.99. As for the release date, current date is selected by default, but you can change it to any date in the future. Remember that if you set your release date to current date, the app won’t show under New Releases.
4. Category and copyright
Selecting the correct category and subcategories for your app is vitally important. First you will be asked to select the primary category for your app. Select the one where your app fits best, and then proceed to selecting the subcategories. Be very careful with your choices because you won’t be able to change the categories once the app is submitted for review.
When you are done selecting categories, you will be asked to enter copyright information.
5. Meta description and keywords
At this stage you will be asked to enter your app’s metadata: app description and app keywords. Currently the maximum app description length is 4000 characters. Keep all important information in the first 2-3 line of app’s description for ASO purposes.
You can edit the app description at any time, but you can’t edit your keywords once you submit them. That’s why you should do all your ASO research before you submit your keywords.
At this point, you will also need to enter a URL to a support site. One URL is required, but you can add more if you want to.
6. Images
This is where you add your app icon (1024×1024) and app screenshots. Make sure they are top quality and meet all App Store requirements.
7. Information about you
To submit your app for review you’ll need to enter your name, email address and a working phone number. This information is for Apple’s use only and it won’t be made public.
8. Submit your app
Now you are ready to submit your app for review. Before you hit the button, read Apple’s guidelines to make sure you’ve done everything correctly.
