name: ios-app-store-publishing
description: Publish iOS apps to the App Store successfully. Use when preparing app submission, optimizing App Store listing (ASO), handling review guidelines, managing certificates/provisioning, creating screenshots, writing descriptions, or resolving rejection issues. Covers the complete publishing workflow from Xcode to App Store Connect.

iOS App Store Publishing

Complete guide to successfully publish your iOS app to the App Store.

Pre-Submission Checklist

App Requirements

• [ ] App icon (1024x1024, no alpha)
• [ ] Launch screen configured
• [ ] All required device sizes supported
• [ ] Privacy policy URL
• [ ] Support URL
• [ ] App category selected

Technical Requirements

• [ ] No private APIs used
• [ ] No crash on launch
• [ ] No placeholder content
• [ ] Minimum iOS version set
• [ ] Required capabilities declared in Info.plist
• [ ] All entitlements properly configured

Content Requirements

• [ ] No copyrighted content without permission
• [ ] Age rating completed accurately
• [ ] No misleading app metadata
• [ ] Screenshots reflect actual app

App Store Connect Setup

App Information

App Name: [Unique, max 30 characters]
Subtitle: [Max 30 characters, keyword-rich]
Bundle ID: com.yourcompany.appname
SKU: [Unique identifier, any format]
Primary Language: [Your main market]

Version Information

Version: 1.0.0 (semantic versioning)
Build: Auto-incremented integer
What's New: [Release notes for updates]

App Store Optimization (ASO)

Title & Subtitle

• Use primary keyword in title
• Subtitle for secondary keywords
• Avoid keyword stuffing

Keywords Field (100 chars)

Format: keyword1,keyword2,keyword3 (no spaces after commas)

Tips:
- Use singular forms (app searches both)
- Avoid duplicating title/subtitle words
- Include common misspellings
- Research competitor keywords

Description

First Paragraph (Above the fold):
- Hook with main value proposition
- Include primary keywords naturally

Features Section:
• Feature 1 - Benefit explanation
• Feature 2 - Benefit explanation
• Feature 3 - Benefit explanation

Social Proof:
"Quote from user/press" - Source

Call to Action:
Download now and experience [benefit]!

Screenshots

Best Practices:
1. First 3 screenshots most important
2. Show key features, not onboarding
3. Add captions/callouts
4. Use device frames (optional)
5. Localize for major markets

App Preview Videos

• 15-30 seconds optimal
• No hands/devices in frame
• Start with impact moment
• Include captions (often muted)

Common Rejection Reasons

Guideline 2.1 - App Completeness

Issue: Crashes, placeholder content, incomplete features
Fix: Thorough testing, remove "Coming Soon" features

Guideline 2.3 - Accurate Metadata

Issue: Screenshots don't match app, misleading description
Fix: Update screenshots, honest descriptions

Guideline 4.2 - Minimum Functionality

Issue: App is too simple, web wrapper, template
Fix: Add unique features, native functionality

Guideline 5.1.1 - Data Collection

Issue: Missing privacy disclosures
Fix: Complete App Privacy section accurately

Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase

Issue: Linking to external payment
Fix: Use StoreKit for digital goods

Privacy Requirements

App Privacy Labels

Must disclose in App Store Connect:
- Data collected (contact, location, etc.)
- How data is used (analytics, advertising, etc.)
- Whether data is linked to user
- Whether data is used for tracking

Required Privacy Descriptions (Info.plist)

<key>NSCameraUsageDescription</key>
<string>Take photos for your profile</string>

<key>NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription</key>
<string>Select photos from your library</string>

<key>NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription</key>
<string>Find nearby locations</string>

<key>NSUserTrackingUsageDescription</key>
<string>To provide personalized ads</string>

Xcode Archive & Upload

Build Settings

PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER = com.company.app
MARKETING_VERSION = 1.0.0
CURRENT_PROJECT_VERSION = 1
CODE_SIGN_STYLE = Automatic
DEVELOPMENT_TEAM = [Your Team ID]

Archive Process

1. Select "Any iOS Device" as destination
2. Product → Archive
3. Window → Organizer
4. Distribute App → App Store Connect
5. Upload

Common Upload Errors

Review Process

Timeline

• Standard: 24-48 hours (usually)
• Expedited: Request via Contact Us (emergencies only)

Responding to Rejections

1. Read rejection message carefully
2. Check specific guideline cited
3. Reply in Resolution Center
4. Be professional, provide context
5. Attach screenshots if helpful

Appeal Process

1. App Review Board appeal (last resort)
2. Provide detailed justification
3. Include competitor examples if relevant

Post-Launch

Monitor

• Crash reports (Xcode Organizer)
• User reviews (respond promptly)
• Ratings trends
• Download metrics

Iterate

• Regular updates (every 4-6 weeks ideal)
• Respond to feedback
• A/B test screenshots (Search Ads)
• Localize for new markets

Resources

See references/review-guidelines.md for complete guidelines.
See references/aso-checklist.md for optimization checklist.

External Links

• App Store Review Guidelines
• App Store Connect Help
• Human Interface Guidelines