Publishing your iOS app on the Apple App Store is one of the biggest and most exciting milestones in your app development journey. With Apple’s ecosystem growing stronger every year and boasting one of the world’s most high-value user bases, launching your app on the App Store can unlock massive opportunities.
However—Apple is known for having a strict, detailed, and sometimes confusing review and submission process. If you’re a developer, entrepreneur, or business owner wondering how to publish an app on the Apple App Store in 2025, this ultimate guide will walk you through every step clearly and simply.
Let’s dive in.
Why Publishing on the Apple App Store Matters in 2025
Publishing your app on the Apple App Store gives you access to:
- Over 1.36 billion active iPhone users worldwide
- More than 2.3 million active apps
- The world’s highest‑spending mobile user base
- A premium audience with high engagement
According to Data.ai, iOS users spend 2.5x more money on apps and in-app purchases compared to Android users. That’s why businesses, startups, and developers prioritize iOS launches.
If you want to scale your idea, build brand credibility, and generate real revenue — the App Store is the place to be.
How to Publish an App on Apple App Store (Step-by-Step)
Below is the most complete, updated process for 2025.
Step 1: Join the Apple Developer Program
To publish an app, you must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.
Requirements
- An Apple ID
- A Mac device (recommended but not mandatory for publishing)
- A real business or personal identity
- A credit/debit card for payment
Cost
- $99/year for individuals and companies
Join here: https://developer.apple.com/programs/
Types of Accounts
- Individual Account (your name appears as the developer)
- Company/Organization Account (your company’s legal name appears)
Important: Organizations must have a D-U-N-S number.
Check or request one here: https://developer.apple.com/enroll/duns-lookup/
Step 2: Prepare Your App for Submission
Before you upload your app, Apple requires it to meet strict quality standards.
Pre‑Submission Checklist
- Test your app on real devices (iPhone, iPad)
- Remove debug logs and test content
- Optimize performance and battery usage
- Ensure your app complies with Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/
- Update to the latest iOS SDK
- Ensure your app supports modern screen sizes
Build a Release Version Using Xcode
- Open your project in Xcode
- Update version and build numbers
- Select Any iOS Device (arm64)
- Archive your app via Product > Archive
- Validate and upload to App Store Connect
Step 3: Set Up App Store Connect
App Store Connect is where you manage your app’s metadata, pricing, screenshots, and releases.
Login: https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/
Create a New App Record
- Go to My Apps
- Click the + button
- Select New App
- Choose platform: iOS or iPadOS
- Enter:
- Name
- Primary language
- Bundle ID (must match Xcode)
- SKU
- Category (e.g., Business, Education)
Your shell app listing is now created.
Step 4: Upload Your App Build via Xcode or Transporter
Your app must be uploaded before you can submit it.
Option 1: Upload via Xcode
- After archiving, click Distribute App
- Select App Store Connect
- Upload
Option 2: Use Transporter (for Windows or multiple uploads)
Download Transporter from the Mac App Store.
Follow Apple’s guide: https://help.apple.com/itc/transporter/
After upload, it may take 5–30 minutes for the build to appear in App Store Connect.
Step 5: Complete App Store Listing Details
This is one of the most important parts of publishing your app.
Required Fields
- App Name
- Subtitle (30 characters)
- Description
- Keywords (SEO!)
- Support URL
- Marketing URL
- Privacy Policy URL
- Screenshots for each device
- App icon (1024×1024)
Screenshot Sizes Required
- 6.7-inch (iPhone 15 Pro Max)
- 6.1-inch (iPhone 15)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (optional)
Apple requires all screenshots to be uploaded in PNG or JPEG.
Writing an SEO‑Friendly App Description
Use keywords like:
- How to publish an app on Apple App Store
- iOS app publishing guide
- Submit app to App Store
- App Store submission process
Example of a Good Short Description
“A fast, powerful productivity app that helps you stay organized and in control using smart reminders and team collaboration features.”
Step 6: Set App Pricing & Availability
Go to Pricing and Availability section.
Options You Must Set
- Territories (where your app will be available)
- Price (Free or Paid)
- Pre-orders (optional)
- Volume discount eligibility
Most developers start with Free + In-App Purchases.
Step 7: Fill in App Privacy Questions
From 2021, Apple mandates a detailed privacy disclosure.
You Must Specify:
- What data your app collects
- How the data is used
- Whether data is shared with third parties
- Whether tracking is used
This is shown as a Privacy Nutrition Label on your listing.
More details: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/app-privacy-details/
Upload Your Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Policy URL must be public.
Step 8: Add In-App Purchases (If Applicable)
If your app uses:
- Subscriptions
- One-time purchases
- Consumables
- Non-consumables
You must create them under Features > In-App Purchases.
Each IAP must be reviewed individually.
Step 9: Submit Your App for Review
Once everything is complete:
- Go to App Store Connect > My Apps
- Select your app
- Select the build you uploaded
- Answer App Review questions
- Is your app using third-party login?
- Does your app contain paid content?
- Does your app require login?
- Click Submit for Review
Apple Review Timeline
- Typical apps: 24–48 hours
- Complex apps: 3–5 days
- New developers: up to 7–10 days
Apple may reject your app based on:
- UI issues
- Inaccurate screenshots
- Bugs or crashes
- Misleading descriptions
- Violating App Store policies
If rejected, you will receive a detailed message explaining what to fix.
Most Common Reasons Apps Get Rejected
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Crash during startup or navigation
- Broken links or login issues
- Incomplete metadata
- Screenshots not matching app content
- Duplicate or cloned app submissions
- Inadequate privacy disclosure
- Using copyrighted content
Follow Apple’s guidelines to stay safe.
How Much Does it Cost to Publish an App?
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apple Developer Program | $99 per year |
| App development | Depends on features |
| App marketing | Optional |
| App Store Commission | 15–30% on IAP revenue |
Tips to Rank Higher on the App Store (ASO)
App Store Optimization is critical for success.
1. Use Relevant Keywords
Include these in your title and description:
- Publish app on Apple App Store
- iOS publishing guide
- App Store submission
- iOS developer launch tutorial
2. Use High-Quality Screenshots
Show real features — not stock imagery.
3. Encourage Ratings & Reviews
Use a gentle in-app prompt.
4. Improve Your App Performance
Apple prioritizes:
- Low crash rates
- High retention
- Fast load time
5. Regular Updates
Apps updated frequently rank better.
How to Publish App Updates in the App Store
Updating is easier than first-time publishing.
Steps
- Increase version number in Xcode
- Archive
- Upload via Xcode
- Add “What’s New” text
- Submit for review
Updates are approved faster, often within 3–24 hours.
FAQ: How to Publish Your App on Apple App Store?
1. Can I publish an app for free?
No, Apple requires a $99/year developer subscription.
2. What devices must I support?
All modern iPhones — ideally iPad too for more reach.
3. What file format is required?
Your app must be uploaded as an IPA file.
4. Can I publish without a Mac?
Yes, using cloud app-building services — but Mac is recommended.
5. How long does review take?
Most apps: 24–48 hours.
Conclusion: Ready to Publish Your App on the Apple App Store?
Publishing an app on the Apple App Store may seem complex — but once you understand the process, it becomes predictable and manageable. From building your release version to preparing screenshots, writing your description, and ensuring App Store compliance, each step contributes to a smooth launch.
If you follow this guide, you’ll be able to publish your iOS app confidently and avoid the most common mistakes new developers make.
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