How to Prepare Your iOS App for Publishing on the Apple App Store

Introduction

Launching your iOS app can be complex, but this App Store Checklist ensures you don’t miss any critical steps. From validating your app build and entering metadata to setting up in-app purchases, push notifications, and test versions, this guide walks you through the Apple App Store publishing checklist that you need to do before submitting your App to the Apple App Store. Use this checklist to verify your app is review-ready and to avoid common publishing pitfalls.

Tutorial VIdeo

Preparing Your App in BuddyBoss

Set Up In-App Purchases

• If you plan to sell content within your app, enable and configure In-App Purchases.
  
• If you only sell via your website, do not display order pages inside the app. Apple may approve it as a reader app, allowing access to purchased content from outside the app.
  
• Approval as a reader app is at Apple’s discretion and not guaranteed.
  
• For setup guidance, refer to the In-App Purchases tutorial.
  

Enable Moderation for User-Generated Content

If your app includes social networking features or user-generated content, it must:

• Provide tools to filter objectionable material.
  
• Offer a way for users to report offensive content.
  
• Allow users to block/report others.
  
• Include contact information for user support.
  

On the BuddyBoss platform, enable this via BuddyBoss > Components > Moderation. See the Moderation tutorial for details.

Enable Account Deletion

If your app supports account creation, you must provide an option for users to delete their accounts.

• On BuddyBoss, enable this under BuddyBoss > Settings > General > Account Deletion.
  

Generate an iOS Release Build

When ready, go to BuddyBoss App > Build and generate an iOS release build.

• Check the separate tutorial on submitting a new build for more details.
  

Configuring Your App in App Store Connect

Access App Information

1. Log in to App Store Connect.
   
2. Open your app and go to App Information under the General section.
   
3. Confirm:
   
   • App name and tagline.
     
   • Primary/secondary category.
     
   • Whether it contains third-party content (ensure you have rights).
     
   • Use Apple’s standard EULA or your own.
     
   • Complete the age rating questionnaire (note: “Made for Kids” cannot be changed later).
     
4. Click Save.
   

Pricing and Availability

1. Under Monetization > Pricing and Availability, select a price (Free or Paid).
   
   • Paid apps require a Paid Applications Agreement (explained in the In-App Purchases tutorial).
     
2. Choose availability (all regions, specific ones, or pre-order).
   
3. Click Next, then Confirm.
   

App Privacy

1. Go to App Privacy > Trust and Safety.
   
2. Enter your app’s Privacy Policy URL.
   
3. Complete the privacy questionnaire, specifying data collected and usage.
   
4. Click Save.
   

Prepare a New App Version

• If it’s a new app, Apple creates version 1.0 automatically.
  
• If updating an existing app, create a new version.
  
• Wait for any current review to finish, or cancel it before creating a new version.
  

Upload Screenshots

Under Previews and Screenshots:

• Upload at least one screenshot for iPhone 6.5-inch or 6.9-inch displays.
  
• Format: JPG/PNG in RGB color space.
  
• iPhone 6.5-inch sizes: 1242×2688 (portrait) or 2688×1242 (landscape).
  
• iPhone 6.9-inch sizes: 1290×2796 (portrait) or 2796×1290 (landscape).
  

Add App Details

• Promotional text highlighting features.
  
• Description of functionality.
  
• Keywords separated by commas.
  
• Support URL and Marketing URL for users.
  
• Copyright (e.g., 2025 BuddyBoss Inc.).
  
• Update the version number if needed.
  

App Review Information

Since most BuddyBoss apps require sign-in:

• Check Sign-In Required.
  
• Provide valid login credentials for Apple’s reviewers.
  
• Add any notes or attachments for review.
  
• Include contact information for Apple to reach you.
  

Release Options

Choose how your app will release after approval:

• Manual, automatic, or specific date.
  
• Click Save when done.
  

Submitting for Review

After completing the steps above:

1. Submit your app version in the Publishing Service section of BuddyBoss.
   
2. The BuddyBoss Publishing Team will upload your build, prepare the release, and submit it to Apple.
   
3. You can also request BuddyBoss to review your app before submission for a higher chance of approval.
   

For a detailed submission process, see the Publishing to Apple App Store tutorial.

Apple App Store Publishing Checklist

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: Can I show website order pages in the app?
A: No. For reader apps, avoid in-app order pages or Apple may reject it.

Q: How do I handle user-generated content?
A: Enable BuddyBoss moderation to meet Apple’s review requirements.

Q: Is a privacy policy required?
A: Yes, all apps need a public privacy policy URL.

Q: Why must I provide login credentials?
A: Apple needs full access to review your app’s features.

Q: Can I change “Made for Kids” later?
A: No. Once set, it cannot be changed.

Q: Do all screenshots need specific sizes?
A: Yes, follow Apple’s required resolutions for 6.5” and 6.9” displays.

Q: Who submits the app?
A: BuddyBoss can submit and manage communication with Apple on your behalf.