How To Publish an App on The App Store: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide (2025)

Apple’s App Store is widely accepted and known for launching iOS applications. App Store is complex and fast-moving in its functionality, rules, and specifications when it comes to publishing an iOS app step by step. Mobile service businesses or mobile applications are growing day by day; businesses and individuals are coming up with applications of every kind.

How to publish an app on the App Store?

To publish an iOS app, join the Apple Developer Program, prepare the app and App Store listing (icons, screenshots, description, privacy policy), upload the build from Xcode to App Store Connect, submit for review, then release after approval.

Many look into step-by-step app publishing guides to get a fair understanding of App Store application publishing. App Store has many categories for mobile applications, and your application needs to pass their specific requirements. In this blog, you will understand how to publish an app on the App Store and publish an iOS app step by step, covering all details.

How to publish an app on the app store (Step-by-Step)

Step #1: Join the Apple Developer Program — register with Apple (individual or organisation) and enable two-factor authentication.

Step #2: Prepare app metadata & assets — name, description, keywords, privacy policy URL, support URL, screenshots (device sizes), app icon.

Step #3: Set bundle identifier & version in Xcode — choose a unique bundle ID; once uploaded it cannot be changed.

Step #4: Archive and upload the build — in Xcode use Archive → Distribute App → App Store Connect (or use Transporter).

Step #5: Create the App Store listing in App Store Connect — My Apps → + New App → add SKU, primary language, bundle ID, pricing & availability.

Step #6: Submit for review — run pre-checks, click “Submit for Review” and address any App Review issues promptly.

Step #7: Release and monitor — choose automatic/manual release; monitor analytics, crash reports and user reviews; update when needed.

App Store, what is it?

We see lots of guides for Apple App Store submissions, but before delving into that, what exactly is an App Store? The Apple App Store is a digital application distribution platform for iOS applications developed and maintained by Apple Inc. You can browse and download any applications you like. 

How to publish an app on the App Store?

You no longer need to contemplate how to publish an app on the App Store. Just follow these 7 steps vigilantly. 

Sign up for the Apple Developer Program

Since the introduction of the App Store, you may be eager to get a guide for Apple App Store submissions. Not everyone can publish an application on the App Store; you need to be a part of the Apple developer program. If you are not part of the Apple developer community, you can sign up for the same.

• Apple ID and dual-factor authentication for solopreneurs and individuals
• For a business, you need an Apple ID as well as two-factor authentication along with the following:

1. D-U-N-S Number
2. Legal Entity Status
3. Legal Binding Authority
4. Website

Submit iOS app to App Store

By following the guide for Apple App Store submissions, you can easily submit the latest version of an iOS application to the App Store. First of all, you need to give your application a unique ID by logging into Xcode. Xcode contains Apple platform SDKs. Once your application is uploaded, the bundle ID cannot be changed. As a final step, set your version number, displayed to users, as the CFBundleShortVersionString for iOS, which is managed through App Store Connect. 

Apple App Store categories

All these listed App Store categories can be seen as representatives of mobile service sectors and are visible in any published app-to-app store tutorial guide. The highest number of applications is found in games and the least in weather. The growth categories differ from one to another as per the App Store optimization guide.

App Store Primary Categories: In a Tabular form

App Categories and Examples

Category	Example Apps	Notes
Games	Candy Crush, PUBG	Most popular category, high competition
Education	Duolingo, Khan Academy	Great for e-learning and kids apps
Business	Slack, Zoom	Productivity and enterprise tools
Health & Fitness	MyFitnessPal, Headspace	Growing demand in wellness space
Lifestyle	Pinterest, Tinder	Covers hobbies, dating, daily life
Entertainment	Netflix, Disney+	Video, music, and streaming apps
Finance	PayPal, Revolut	Banking, investing, and payments
Travel	Airbnb, Booking.com	Hotels, flights, and trip planning

• Developer tools – These are tools for app development in a full-fledged manner, low-code app examples.

• Books – Informative books of traditional and interactive can be enjoyed here.

• Lifestyle – All content related to various topics such as fashion, home, hobbies, and so on

• Food and drink – Apps that provide an overview of food and drinks

• Graphic Design – Apps that help designers create vector images and vivid graphics.

• Health and wellness – Apps that provide information related to health and fitness.

• Kids – Games, stories, educational materials and more for kids

• Medical – Apps for the medical field and intended for healthcare professionals

• News – Latest news can be accessed via applications

• Shopping – Apps that make shopping fun and entertaining

• Social networking – Apps that help you social network with peers and loved ones.

• Games – Apps that provide all sorts of games

• Magazines and Newspapers – Apps that help you easily access magazines and newspapers with auto subscriptions.

• Photos & Videos – Apps that help you to create and edit photos and videos using interactive elements

• Navigation  – Apps that help you reach a place by providing navigational information.

• Music – Listen, create and share music of all sorts made easy with these applications.

• Reference – Just like a Google Play store guide, apps that let you get lots of references on various topics.

• Browser Add-ons – Browser add-ons apps contribute to an optimal browser experience.

• Productivity – Apps that help with organization, decluttering and productivity management.

• Sports  – Apps all about vivid kinds of sports, whether professional or amateur.

• Travel – Apps that can make your travel easy and hassle-free.

• Utilities – Apps that help with problem-solving.

• Weather – Apps for weather forecasts.

• Education – Apps for the interactive online learning experience.

• Entertainment –Apps designed to entertain people with all sorts of content.

• Business – Apps that help run a business and its operations.

• Finance – Apps help you manage your money and savings

Checklist: Assets You Must Prepare Before Publishing an iOS app to App Store

• App icon (1024×1024 px, no rounded corners or transparency)
• Screenshots for all required iPhone/iPad sizes
• Privacy policy URL and support URL
• Unique bundle ID (permanent once uploaded)
• App name and description
• Keywords for App Store search optimization
• App category (primary + optional secondary)
• Version number & build details

Required App Store Screenshot Sizes

Device Screenshot Size Requirements

Device	Required Screenshot Sizes (px)
iPhone 6.7" (Pro Max)	1284 x 2778
iPhone 6.5" (Pro/Plus)	1242 x 2688
iPhone 5.5" (Plus)	1242 x 2208
iPad Pro 12.9"	2048 x 2732
iPad Pro 11"	1668 x 2388

Create A Listing Via App Store Connect

Listing for the App Store comprises certain steps. First, you need to sign in and click on My Apps and then + New App. At last, provide all details, namely SKU, your bundle ID, the Application’s primary language, and the application’s name. You can also provide a URL and set your pricing. Remember, your pricing affects user satisfaction. If Apple approves, you can immediately release the application or take your own time. Though the iOS app submission process is easy, you need to follow all steps. 

App Screenshot is necessary

When you think of how to publish an app on the App Store, screenshots are a must-have requisite. It boasts about your applications and the whole content. 

Use Xcode for publishing your application

Xcode is suitable for all iOS applications. It helps you ensure your application is bug-free and provides a convenient experience for people. Once a successful upload, you can see a confirmation message.

To upload your app using Xcode, first, ensure your project is set up for distribution, then archive your app, select “Distribute App” in the Organizer, choose “App Store Connect” as the distribution method, and follow the prompts to upload and validate your app. 

Review Process

Apple executes a manual review of applications to ensure the application’s health and quality. Once Xcode’s archive is processed, you can click on “submit for review”. Usually, you can hear back from Apple’s team within two days. 

Things to Remember Before You Submit an iOS App to App Store

• Your bundle ID is permanent — cannot be changed later.
• Always use the correct provisioning profile when uploading.
• Test on real devices before submission — not just the simulator.
• Screenshots must match device sizes (Apple rejects incorrect sizes).
• Review Apple’s App Review Guidelines carefully — many apps fail for simple policy reasons.
• Plan for a 1–3 day review time (sometimes longer).

So you have a comprehensive idea about how to publish an app on the App Store. Gaining a competitive edge in the mobile marketplace is an achievable goal you can attain with the help of a digital marketing agency in UAE. Just like the Google Play Store guide, they follow App Store guidelines while publishing your iOS application. The mobile ecosystem will continue to grow, and so will the App Store. It will be beneficial for developers, service providers, platform owners and content providers to have a comprehensive understanding of ‘publish app to app store tutorial’.

FAQs: Publishing an App on the App Store

Q1. How do I publish an iOS app to the App Store?

You need an Apple Developer Program account, prepare your app assets, upload via Xcode or Transporter to App Store Connect, create a listing, and submit for review.

Q2. How long does it take for an app to be approved?

Most apps are reviewed within 1–3 days, though complex apps or flagged issues may take longer.

Q3. Do I need a Mac to publish an iOS app?

Yes, Xcode (available only on macOS) is required to build, archive, and upload apps to the App Store.

Q4. Can I publish an app without joining the Apple Developer Program?

No. A paid Apple Developer Program membership is required to submit apps.

Q5. What screenshots are required for App Store submission?

You must upload device-specific screenshots for iPhone and iPad sizes that your app supports.

Q6. Can I change my app’s bundle ID later?

No, once an app is uploaded with a bundle ID, it cannot be changed.