iOS App Submission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide with Example

Publishing an iOS app to the App Store is the final step after weeks or months of development. This process involves several key steps — from preparing your app and ensuring it meets Apple’s guidelines, to submitting it through App Store Connect and finally releasing it to the public.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the entire iOS app submission process, step by step, in simple language, with a realistic example to make it easier for beginners and intermediate developers alike.

🔧 Prerequisites Before Submission

Before submitting your app, ensure you have:

Apple Developer Account

Cost: $99/year
Sign up at developer.apple.com

App Developed in Xcode

Ideally using Swift or Objective-C.
Tested on both simulator and real devices.

Valid Bundle Identifier

A unique identifier like com.yourcompany.yourapp.

App Icons and Screenshots

Different sizes for different devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.)

Privacy Policy URL

Required for apps that access user data.

Provisioning Profiles and Certificates

Necessary for code signing and deploying to the App Store.

📦 Step-by-Step App Submission Process

Let’s walk through each step in the iOS app submission pipeline.

Step 1: Prepare Your App in Xcode

Open your project in Xcode.
Update the version and build number (e.g., Version: 1.0, Build: 1).
Ensure deployment target is correctly set (e.g., iOS 14.0+).
Use a Release build configuration.

Example:
Suppose you’re submitting an app called “Tasky” (a simple to-do list app).
Update your version number to 1.0.0 and build to 1 in the project settings.

Step 2: Archive the App

Go to Product > Archive in Xcode.
Ensure your target device is Any iOS Device (arm64) (not simulator).
Once built, Xcode will open the Organizer window.

This will create an .xcarchive of your app, which you will upload to App Store Connect.

Step 3: Upload the App to App Store Connect

In the Organizer, click on your archive and choose Distribute App.
Select App Store Connect > Upload.
Select the correct provisioning profile.
Validate the app (Xcode does this automatically).
Upload the app.

Xcode will notify you when the upload is successful.

Step 4: Create an App Record on App Store Connect

Go to App Store Connect.
Click My Apps > + (Add New App).
Fill out:

Platform: iOS
Name: Tasky
Primary Language: English
Bundle ID: com.yourcompany.tasky
SKU: tasky001 (any identifier)
User Access: Choose who can access this app

Click Create to proceed.

Step 5: Fill App Information

Fill out the required fields under App Information, including:

Category (e.g., Productivity)
Content Rights
Age Rating
Privacy Policy URL
Support URL
Marketing URL (optional)

Step 6: Add App Store Screenshots & Metadata

Click on your app's version (e.g., 1.0).

Fill in:
Description
Keywords
Support URL
Marketing URL (optional)

Upload screenshots for:
iPhone 6.7" (e.g., iPhone 14 Pro Max)
iPhone 6.1"
iPad (if supported)

Tip: Use the iOS simulator or tools like Xcode Preview to generate screenshots.

Step 7: Set Pricing & Availability

Choose your pricing model (Free or Paid).
Select available regions.
You can schedule a release date or manually release later.

Step 8: Submit for Review

Select the build you uploaded from Xcode.
Click Submit for Review.
Answer the required compliance questions, such as:
Does your app use encryption?
Does it collect user data?
Does it require a login?

Once submitted, the app enters the Waiting for Review state.

🔍 Example Summary – Submitting “Tasky”

Let’s put this into perspective with the “Tasky” app.

Step	Task
Xcode Setup	Version 1.0, Bundle ID: com.tasky.app
Archive	Product > Archive, then upload
App Record	Created on App Store Connect
Screenshots	Uploaded for iPhone 14 Pro Max
Description	“Tasky helps you stay organized with to-do lists.”
Privacy Policy	https://tasky.com/privacy
Pricing	Free
Submitted	For Review

✅ After Submission – What Happens Next?

1. App Review Status

Waiting for Review: You’re in the queue.
In Review: Apple is currently reviewing your app.
Rejected: Review team found issues.
Approved: Your app is ready for release.

You’ll get email notifications at each stage.

2. Common Reasons for Rejection

Crashes on launch.
UI issues (cut-off text, unresponsive elements).
Missing or invalid privacy policy.
Misleading app content or metadata.
Incomplete submission info (e.g., login not provided).

3. Releasing the App

Once approved, you can:

Release Immediately: Your app becomes live within 24 hours.
Manual Release: You choose when to publish.
Schedule Release: Set a future release date/time.

📈 Post-Publication Tips

Monitor App Analytics in App Store Connect.
Reply to Reviews professionally.
Submit Updates regularly to fix bugs and add features.
Promote your app on social media and email campaigns.
Optimize ASO (App Store Optimization) — keywords, title, etc.

🧪 Bonus: TestFlight for Beta Testing

Before final submission, you can test your app with real users using TestFlight:

Upload the app using Xcode (same as above).
Add internal testers (your team).
Submit for Beta App Review.
Send invite links to external testers.

This helps catch bugs early and get real feedback.

📋 Summary Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of everything you’ll need:

✅ Apple Developer Account
✅ Valid App Archive in Xcode
✅ App Screenshots & Metadata
✅ App Store Connect Setup
✅ Privacy Policy URL
✅ Icons, Launch Images
✅ Build Uploaded from Xcode
✅ All Compliance Forms Completed
✅ Submitted for Review

💬 Final Thoughts

Submitting an app to the iOS App Store may feel overwhelming the first time, but with careful preparation and attention to Apple’s guidelines, it becomes routine. Whether you’re launching your first app or your tenth, following this structured process helps avoid common pitfalls and improves your chances of approval.