How to publish an app on the Apple App Store

You’ve got an app to publish, and Apple has a few things to check before people can install it. We’ll walk through them in order for your first iPhone or iPad release. If you already have a developer membership and app record, keep them and pick up at the first step you haven’t finished.

You’ll need the app’s owner, a working app, and help from whoever manages the backend and build configuration. Start enrollment and business verification while you’re still preparing the app; those checks can take time.

1. Set up the publisher account

Choose the account type and enroll in the Apple Developer Program. Complete verification and required agreements, then check public contact information and EU trader status.

Before moving on, confirm that membership is active and the right team can open App Store Connect.

2. Prepare the listing and privacy details

Gather screenshots, listing text, and rating answers. Complete privacy disclosures and check login and account deletion.

If your app includes them, review the requirements for payments, children’s audiences, and user content or AI. The listing and declarations need to match what your app actually does.

3. Create the app record and upload a build

Match the app record, bundle ID, and signing setup. Check the SDK requirements, then build and upload.

Wait for processing to finish and resolve processing errors or Missing Compliance. Continue once the build you intend to submit is available to select.

4. Test the app someone else will install

Use TestFlight to distribute beta builds. Test a fresh install, login, deletion, purchases if present, and the reviewer account. The app needs to work for someone outside your development environment.

External TestFlight review is separate from App Store review.

5. Submit for review

Follow the submission steps: select the build, complete the review information, choose a release option, add the app to a submission, then send that submission.

Check that the app has left Ready for Review and entered the review process.

6. Release and check the public listing

Respond to review feedback if needed. After approval, complete any manual release action and check public availability.

Try the listing in your intended countries. A public user on a supported device should be able to install and use the version you meant to release. Keep a record of that version and watch how the first users get on.

Returning for an update?

Recheck changed data practices, features, ratings, and policy requirements. You don’t need to recreate the account or app record. If you get stuck partway through, search this handbook for the exact console status and return to the step that needs attention.