name: ios-app-store-submission
description: "When the user wants to submit an iOS app to the App Store. Use when the user mentions 'App Store,' 'App Store Connect,' 'TestFlight,' 'iOS submission,' 'app review,' 'EAS build,' 'eas submit,' 'Apple review,' 'app rejection,' or 'iOS release.' This skill covers the entire process from EAS setup to App Store review approval."

iOS App Store Submission

You are an expert in iOS app submission, Apple review guidelines, and EAS (Expo Application Services). Your goal is to guide users through the entire submission process efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls and rejections.

Core Philosophy

App Store submission is not just about uploading a binary. It's about:
- Meeting Apple's technical and content requirements
- Providing accurate metadata and privacy disclosures
- Preparing for potential review questions
- Streamlining the process for future releases

Quick Reference: Submission Flow

1. EAS Setup        → eas init, eas.json, credentials
2. App Store Connect → Create app, fill metadata
3. Privacy Setup    → ATT, Privacy Manifest, data collection
4. Build            → eas build --platform ios --profile production
5. Submit           → eas submit --platform ios
6. Review           → Wait, respond to questions, fix rejections

Phase 1: EAS Setup

1.1 Prerequisites

# Install EAS CLI (if not installed)
npm install -g eas-cli

# Login to Expo account
eas login

# Check login status
eas whoami

1.2 Initialize EAS Project

cd your-app-directory
eas init

This creates/updates:
- app.json with expo.extra.eas.projectId
- Links project to your Expo account

1.3 Configure eas.json

{
  "cli": {
    "version": ">= 16.0.0",
    "appVersionSource": "remote"
  },
  "build": {
    "development": {
      "developmentClient": true,
      "distribution": "internal",
      "ios": {
        "simulator": false
      }
    },
    "preview": {
      "distribution": "internal"
    },
    "production": {
      "ios": {
        "autoIncrement": "buildNumber"
      },
      "android": {
        "autoIncrement": "versionCode"
      }
    }
  },
  "submit": {
    "production": {
      "ios": {
        "appleId": "[email protected]",
        "ascAppId": "1234567890",
        "appleTeamId": "XXXXXXXXXX"
      }
    }
  }
}

Key fields:
| Field | Where to find |
|-------|---------------|
| appleId | Your Apple ID email |
| ascAppId | App Store Connect → App → General → App Information → Apple ID |
| appleTeamId | Apple Developer → Membership → Team ID |

1.4 Configure app.json for iOS

{
  "expo": {
    "name": "Your App Name",
    "slug": "your-app-slug",
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "ios": {
      "bundleIdentifier": "com.yourcompany.yourapp",
      "buildNumber": "1",
      "supportsTablet": true,
      "infoPlist": {
        "NSUserTrackingUsageDescription": "This identifier will be used to deliver personalized ads to you.",
        "NSCameraUsageDescription": "Used to take photos for your profile",
        "NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription": "Used to select photos from your library"
      }
    }
  }
}

Required infoPlist keys by feature:

Phase 2: App Store Connect Setup

2.1 Create App in App Store Connect

1. Go to App Store Connect
2. My Apps → "+" → New App
3. Fill required fields:
4. Platform: iOS
5. Name: App display name (30 chars max)
6. Primary Language: Your main language
7. Bundle ID: Must match bundleIdentifier in app.json
8. SKU: Unique identifier (e.g., yourapp-ios-001)

2.2 App Information

2.3 Pricing and Availability

• Price: Free or paid tier
• Availability: Countries/regions
• Pre-Orders: Optional, up to 180 days before release

2.4 App Privacy (Critical!)

App Store Connect → App Privacy → Get Started

Data Types to declare:

For each data type, specify:
1. Collected? Yes/No
2. Linked to identity? Yes/No
3. Used for tracking? Yes/No
4. Purpose: App functionality, analytics, advertising, etc.

2.5 Version Information

Phase 3: Privacy Requirements

3.1 App Tracking Transparency (ATT)

Required if you use IDFA for:
- Advertising
- Analytics that links to other companies' data

Implementation (already in app.json):

{
  "ios": {
    "infoPlist": {
      "NSUserTrackingUsageDescription": "This identifier will be used to deliver personalized ads to you."
    }
  }
}

In code (if using AdMob):

import { requestTrackingPermissionsAsync } from 'expo-tracking-transparency';

async function requestTracking() {
  const { status } = await requestTrackingPermissionsAsync();
  // status: 'granted' | 'denied' | 'undetermined'
}

3.2 Privacy Manifest (iOS 17+)

Required for apps using certain APIs. Expo handles most cases automatically, but verify:

Required Reasons APIs:
- File timestamp APIs
- System boot time APIs
- Disk space APIs
- Active keyboard APIs
- User defaults APIs

Check if needed:

# After building, check the generated Privacy Manifest
# Located in: ios/YourApp/PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy

3.3 Third-Party SDK Privacy

If using SDKs like AdMob, Firebase, etc., ensure they include their own privacy manifests. Expo SDK 50+ handles this automatically for most common SDKs.

Phase 4: Screenshots & Assets

4.1 Required Screenshots

Tips:
- 2-10 screenshots per localization
- First screenshot is most important (shown in search)
- Use device frames (optional but professional)
- Show key features, not onboarding screens

4.2 App Icon

Already in app.json:

{
  "expo": {
    "icon": "./assets/icon.png"
  }
}

Requirements:
- 1024 x 1024 pixels
- PNG format
- No transparency
- No rounded corners (iOS adds them)

4.3 App Preview (Video)

Optional but effective:
- 15-30 seconds
- Shows app in action
- Device frame optional
- No prices or "free" in video

Phase 5: Build & Submit

5.1 Production Build

# Build for iOS App Store
eas build --platform ios --profile production

# Wait for build (15-30 minutes)
# EAS handles:
# - Certificate management
# - Provisioning profiles
# - Code signing

5.2 Submit to App Store

Option A: EAS Submit (Recommended)

eas submit --platform ios

# Or specify the build
eas submit --platform ios --latest

# Or with specific build ID
eas submit --platform ios --id BUILD_ID

Option B: Manual (Transporter)
1. Download .ipa from EAS dashboard
2. Open Transporter app (Mac)
3. Upload .ipa
4. Select in App Store Connect

5.3 TestFlight (Optional but Recommended)

Before App Store submission:
1. Build uploads automatically to TestFlight
2. Add internal testers (up to 100)
3. Add external testers (up to 10,000, requires review)
4. Test thoroughly before submitting for review

Phase 6: App Review

6.1 Review Timeline

6.2 Common Rejection Reasons & Fixes

1. Guideline 2.1 - App Completeness

"Your app crashed during review"

Fix:
- Test on physical devices
- Test with slow network
- Handle all error states
- Check crash logs in Xcode Organizer

2. Guideline 2.3 - Accurate Metadata

"Screenshots don't match app functionality"

Fix:
- Update screenshots to match current version
- Don't show features that don't exist
- Ensure descriptions are accurate

3. Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase

"Unlocking features requires in-app purchase"

Fix:
- Digital goods must use IAP
- Physical goods can use external payment
- Services (subscriptions) must use IAP

4. Guideline 4.2 - Minimum Functionality

"App is too simple / just a website wrapper"

Fix:
- Add native features
- Ensure app provides value beyond a website
- Use device capabilities

5. Guideline 5.1.1 - Data Collection

"App collects data without disclosure"

Fix:
- Update App Privacy in App Store Connect
- Add privacy policy
- Explain data usage in app

6. Guideline 5.1.2 - Data Use and Sharing

"Third-party analytics without consent"

Fix:
- Implement ATT for tracking
- Disclose third-party SDKs
- Provide opt-out option

6.3 Responding to Rejection

1. Read carefully: Understand exactly what's wrong
2. Don't argue: Fix the issue, don't debate guidelines
3. Be specific: Explain exactly what you changed
4. Provide demo: If feature is hidden, explain how to access it
5. Use Resolution Center: Respond through App Store Connect

6.4 Requesting Expedited Review

When to request:
- Critical bug fix
- Security issue
- Time-sensitive event

How to request:
1. App Store Connect → Your App → App Review
2. Contact Us → Request Expedited Review
3. Explain the urgency clearly

AdMob-Specific Requirements

Configuration

app.json:

{
  "plugins": [
    [
      "react-native-google-mobile-ads",
      {
        "androidAppId": "ca-app-pub-XXXXXXX~YYYYYYY",
        "iosAppId": "ca-app-pub-XXXXXXX~YYYYYYY"
      }
    ]
  ]
}

ATT Implementation

import { requestTrackingPermissionsAsync } from 'expo-tracking-transparency';
import mobileAds, { AdsConsent } from 'react-native-google-mobile-ads';

async function initializeAds() {
  // 1. Request ATT permission
  const { status } = await requestTrackingPermissionsAsync();

  // 2. Configure consent (GDPR)
  await AdsConsent.requestInfoUpdate();
  const consentInfo = await AdsConsent.loadAndShowConsentFormIfRequired();

  // 3. Initialize ads
  await mobileAds().initialize();
}

App Privacy Declaration for AdMob

In App Store Connect → App Privacy, declare:

Checklist: Pre-Submission

Technical

• [ ] eas.json configured with correct Apple credentials
• [ ] app.json has correct bundleIdentifier, version, buildNumber
• [ ] All infoPlist permissions have descriptions
• [ ] No hardcoded test/development values
• [ ] Tested on physical device
• [ ] No crashes or critical bugs

App Store Connect

• [ ] App created with correct Bundle ID
• [ ] App Information completed
• [ ] Pricing set
• [ ] Age Rating completed
• [ ] App Privacy completed
• [ ] All screenshots uploaded
• [ ] Description and keywords set
• [ ] Support URL accessible
• [ ] Privacy Policy URL set

Privacy

• [ ] ATT implemented (if using ads)
• [ ] Privacy policy published and linked
• [ ] Data collection accurately declared
• [ ] Third-party SDK disclosures complete

Final

• [ ] Tested on TestFlight (recommended)
• [ ] Version number makes sense
• [ ] "What's New" written (for updates)
• [ ] Marketing materials ready for launch

Useful Commands Reference

# EAS Setup
eas login                    # Login to Expo
eas init                     # Initialize project
eas credentials              # Manage certificates

# Building
eas build --platform ios --profile production    # Production build
eas build --platform ios --profile preview       # Internal testing
eas build:list                                   # List builds

# Submitting
eas submit --platform ios                        # Submit latest
eas submit --platform ios --latest               # Submit most recent build
eas submit --platform ios --id BUILD_ID          # Submit specific build

# Debugging
eas build:inspect --platform ios                 # Inspect build config
eas diagnostics                                  # Check EAS setup

Related Skills

• android-play-store-submission: For Google Play Store submission
• launch-strategy: For planning your app launch
• marketing-psychology: For App Store optimization (ASO)
• analytics-tracking: For setting up analytics properly