Question 1

What do I need to submit an app to the App Store?

Accepted Answer

To submit an app to the Apple App Store, you need several key items prepared. First, you need an Apple Developer Program membership which costs 99 dollars per year. You will need your app binary built with Xcode and signed with the appropriate certificates and provisioning profiles. Required metadata includes your app name, subtitle, description, keywords, category, and a privacy policy URL. Visual assets include a 1024x1024 app icon, screenshots for all supported device sizes including iPhone 6.7 inch, 6.5 inch, 5.5 inch displays and iPad if applicable, and optionally app preview videos. You must complete the age rating questionnaire, declare any encryption usage, and fill out the App Privacy details section describing what data your app collects. If your app uses third-party login, you must also support Sign in with Apple. Your app must comply with the Apple Human Interface Guidelines and the App Store Review Guidelines to avoid rejection.

Question 2

What are the most common reasons apps get rejected?

Accepted Answer

The most common app rejection reasons fall into several categories. Bugs and crashes are the leading cause, so thorough testing across all supported devices is essential. Incomplete information such as missing screenshots, placeholder text, or broken links in the app will trigger rejection. Privacy violations are increasingly common, including failing to include a privacy policy, not properly disclosing data collection, or not implementing App Tracking Transparency on iOS. Design guideline violations include non-standard UI elements, poor performance, or apps that are essentially repackaged websites. Metadata issues like misleading descriptions, keyword stuffing, or mentioning competitor names can cause rejection. Apps that require login but do not provide a demo account for reviewers will be rejected. In-app purchase violations such as directing users to external payment methods for digital goods are strictly enforced. Finally, apps that are too simple, lack sufficient functionality, or duplicate existing apps without meaningful differentiation may be rejected for not meeting the minimum functionality threshold.

Question 3

How long does App Store review take?

Accepted Answer

Apple App Store review typically takes 24 to 48 hours for most submissions, though it can vary. First-time submissions may take slightly longer as reviewers examine the app more thoroughly. During peak periods such as major iOS releases or holiday seasons the review time can extend to several days. Google Play Store review generally takes a few hours to three days, with new developer accounts sometimes experiencing longer review times of up to seven days. You can check the current average review times on Apple developer forums and community sites. To speed up the process, ensure your app is thoroughly tested, all metadata is complete and accurate, and you have provided clear instructions for the reviewer including any demo accounts needed. If your app is rejected, the re-review after addressing the issues typically goes faster. Both platforms offer expedited review options for critical bug fixes, though these should be used sparingly.

Question 4

What screenshots do I need for the App Store?

Accepted Answer

For the Apple App Store you need screenshots in multiple device sizes. The required sizes are 6.7 inch display for iPhone 15 Pro Max and similar devices at 1290 by 2796 pixels, 6.5 inch display for iPhone 11 Pro Max at 1284 by 2778 pixels, and 5.5 inch display for iPhone 8 Plus at 1242 by 2208 pixels. If your app supports iPad, you also need 12.9 inch display screenshots at 2048 by 2732 pixels. You can upload between 1 and 10 screenshots per device size, and Apple recommends at least 4 to 5 screenshots. For Google Play Store, you need a minimum of 2 screenshots and can upload up to 8 per device type. Google requires screenshots to be between 320 and 3840 pixels on each side. Additionally, Google Play requires a 1024 by 500 pixel feature graphic for store listings. Screenshots should showcase your apps key features, use compelling captions, and avoid showing status bars with personal information or low battery indicators.

Question 5

Do I need a privacy policy to submit my app?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a privacy policy is required for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Apple requires a privacy policy URL for all apps, not just those that collect personal data. The policy must be publicly accessible, not behind a login or paywall, and must clearly describe what data your app collects, how it is used, and how users can request deletion of their data. On Google Play, you must provide a privacy policy if your app handles personal or sensitive user data, which includes most apps. Additionally, Apple requires you to complete the App Privacy nutrition labels section in App Store Connect, declaring all data types your app collects and whether data is linked to the user identity. Google requires completing the Data Safety section with similar declarations. Your privacy policy should comply with applicable regulations such as GDPR for European users and CCPA for California residents. If your app is directed at children under 13, additional COPPA compliance requirements apply. It is recommended to have a legal professional review your privacy policy before submission.

Question 6

Can I submit my app to both iOS and Android at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can submit your app to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store simultaneously, and many developers choose to do so for a coordinated launch. However, each platform has its own submission process, requirements, and review timelines. Apple uses App Store Connect and requires Xcode for building and uploading, while Google uses the Google Play Console and accepts APK or AAB files. The metadata requirements differ slightly between platforms, so you will need platform-specific screenshots, descriptions optimized for each store, and different icon specifications. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter make it easier to maintain a single codebase while building for both platforms. Tools like RapidNative can generate React Native code that works on both iOS and Android from a single description, reducing the effort needed to support both platforms. When planning a simultaneous launch, account for the different review timelines and consider submitting to Apple first since their review process typically takes longer. You can then time your Google Play submission to align with your expected Apple approval date.

Rejection Reason	Platform	How to Avoid
Crashes and bugs	Both	Test on multiple real devices, not just simulators. Check edge cases and network failure states.
Incomplete metadata	Both	Fill every field. Use high-quality screenshots, write compelling descriptions, and include a valid support URL.
Missing privacy policy	Both	Host a privacy policy on a public URL. Ensure it covers all data your app collects.
No demo account provided	iOS	If your app requires login, add a demo account in the "Notes for Reviewer" section in App Store Connect.
External payment links	iOS	Never direct users to a website for purchasing digital goods. Use In-App Purchases for all digital content.
Minimum functionality	Both	Your app must provide meaningful functionality beyond what a website offers. Avoid thin wrapper apps.

Requirement	Apple App Store	Google Play Store
Developer Fee	$99/year	$25 one-time
Review Time	24-48 hours typically	Few hours to 3 days
App Name Limit	30 characters	50 characters
Screenshots Required	1-10 per device size	2-8 per device type
App Binary Format	IPA (via Xcode)	AAB (Android App Bundle)
Privacy Disclosure	App Privacy labels	Data Safety section
Testing Platform	TestFlight	Internal/Closed/Open testing tracks
Third-party Login	Must include Sign in with Apple	No equivalent requirement

Rejection Reason	Platform	How to Avoid
Crashes and bugs	Both	Test on multiple real devices, not just simulators. Check edge cases and network failure states.
Incomplete metadata	Both	Fill every field. Use high-quality screenshots, write compelling descriptions, and include a valid support URL.
Missing privacy policy	Both	Host a privacy policy on a public URL. Ensure it covers all data your app collects.
No demo account provided	iOS	If your app requires login, add a demo account in the "Notes for Reviewer" section in App Store Connect.
External payment links	iOS	Never direct users to a website for purchasing digital goods. Use In-App Purchases for all digital content.
Minimum functionality	Both	Your app must provide meaningful functionality beyond what a website offers. Avoid thin wrapper apps.

Requirement	Apple App Store	Google Play Store
Developer Fee	$99/year	$25 one-time
Review Time	24-48 hours typically	Few hours to 3 days
App Name Limit	30 characters	50 characters
Screenshots Required	1-10 per device size	2-8 per device type
App Binary Format	IPA (via Xcode)	AAB (Android App Bundle)
Privacy Disclosure	App Privacy labels	Data Safety section
Testing Platform	TestFlight	Internal/Closed/Open testing tracks
Third-party Login	Must include Sign in with Apple	No equivalent requirement

Free App Store Submission Checklist

Complete App Store Submission Guide

Top App Store Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them

iOS App Store vs Google Play: Key Differences

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete App Store Submission Guide

Top App Store Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them

iOS App Store vs Google Play: Key Differences

Frequently Asked Questions