How to put an App on the Apple Store
With the release of the iOS 12, developers have also been given the opportunity to create iOS apps for the latest Apple devices in a far more innovative, quick and responsive manner. If you intend to make the most out of the recent iOS update, here is how you can submit your app to the Apple app store.
Submit Your App To The Apple App Store
After you have developed your iOS app, now is the time to publish it on the app store to gain global recognition. In this brief yet detailed guide, we elaborate on how developers can now prepare for the submission and launch of their apps on the Apple App Store smoothly.
Develop apps using iOS 12.2 SDK
From March 27, 2019, Apple introduced the iOS 12.2 SDK that was available after updating to Xcode 10.2. This update has set a limitation to app publication as apps built using the iOS 12.1 SDK or its later versions can only be submitted to the apple app store.
Optimize for the latest features
The latest iOS 12 update has also brought some new features. Developers can now integrate Siri as a shortcut in the apps they create. This notion is expected to bring ease to the usability and user experience of apps for the users. If you want to incorporate augmented reality functionalities to your app then ARKit 2 is a befitting choice for it.
Make Sure To Test Your App Before Submission
Now that you believe you are ready to submit your app, you should make sure that you have properly tested it out. Your app will not proceed from the review phase if it still contains erroneous functionalities.
Perform A Beta Testing
For iOS apps, developers have the option of best testing using TestFlight. The app might be functioning perfectly for you but ultimately, it is meant for your users. Before submitting it for a review, you can always get user feedback through beta testing. Once you have published your app on the Apple App Store Connect, TestFlight can be used to test out the app on the Apple device of your choice. Other testers can even collaborate with you in the app testing phase.
Keep The App Page Updated
The main page your potential users would see is the product page. This page should be updated at all times or else, users would not prefer to use your app. The product page includes the app’s name, description, and its logo, explanation of features and preview images of the app’s interface. All of these elements need to be updated in case of any addition of new features, bug fixes or updates to the app.
Upload App To Apple App Store Connect
Now that you would have already updated your app to the latest iOS 12 update, your app is ready for submission and final publication. However, the steps needed to follow the submission process are the following.
Be A Member Of Apple’s Developer Program
Before you proceed to submit your app to the Apple App Store, you have to be a part of Apple’s Developer Program. This can be done so by simply registering on the platform. This program is not only used for solely publishing apps but it also provides developers with tools that can be utilized for app testing. However, this platform is not free and developers have to renew the membership for $99/year. In the case of having a team of developers, one can opt for the team members for $299/year.
Have An iTunes Connect Account For App Management
An iTunes Connect account is a befitting option for managing your apps. The management of such apps will not be only limited to iPhone instead you can also manage your iPad, Mac as well as we Apple Watch and Apple TV apps. The content you upload on iTunes Store can also be managed and updated using your Connect account.
Uploading App After Adding A Product Page
After you have fully updated and configured the product page of your app, now is the time to upload your app. You have to add all the relevant details to your iTunes Connect account and from there you can upload your app using an application publisher such as Xcode. Now you will be shown the current status of your app, which will be “Prepare for submission” initially. If your app does not have any issues then it will be sent directly to Apple’s app servers and from there, it will be approved for its final publication.
Final Release Of Your App On The Apple App Store
Finally, the step you had been waiting for. After a thorough review of your app, it is now ready for a stable release on the Apple App Store. This can be done so in two different approaches. Either you can choose to do the app release manually or it can be launched automatically, once completely approved by Apple.