1. Set up ownership and identifiers
Use an Apple Developer membership owned by the person or organization that should control the app. Create a unique bundle identifier, then create the corresponding App Store Connect app record. Keep the product name, SKU, bundle identifier, and platform consistent.
2. Finish the release build
Set the version and build number, select the distribution signing team, remove development-only endpoints and test credentials, and verify that production services are configured. Archive a release build and resolve validation errors before upload.
Test installation, launch, sign in, account recovery, purchases and restore, deep links, notifications, offline behavior, and account deletion where the app supports accounts. A successful compile is not the same as a successful release test.
3. Prepare the store listing
Write a name, subtitle, description, keywords, support URL, and privacy-policy URL that match the real app. Capture screenshots from the current interface and provide the required app icon. Do not advertise functionality that reviewers cannot find in the submitted build.
- Accurate category, age rating, and content rights
- Privacy nutrition labels that match actual collection and sharing
- Export-compliance answers
- Review contact information
- A working demo account and clear review notes when login is required
4. Upload and submit
Upload from Xcode or an approved delivery workflow, wait for processing, choose the build in App Store Connect, complete every required field, and submit for review. Monitor App Store Connect and the review contact inbox so questions can be answered promptly.
If Apple rejects the build, read the cited guideline, reproduce the issue, and respond with a precise explanation or a corrected build. Avoid promising a release date until the app is actually approved and ready for release.
5. Plan the release after approval
Choose manual, automatic, or phased release based on your support readiness. Confirm analytics, crash reporting, backend capacity, customer support, and a process for urgent fixes before making the app available.
Where Ship iOS fits
Ship iOS is planned to include a reusable SwiftUI starter and guidance for preparing an app for review and release. It does not submit through your account, answer Apple's legal questions for you, or guarantee approval. The founding-customer product is still in development.
Review the Ship iOS product, founding-customer pricing, and complete FAQ before pre-ordering.
Related questions
Does submitting an app guarantee it will be approved?
No. Apple reviews each submission against its current guidelines and may request changes or more information.
Who should own the Apple Developer account?
The person or organization that should legally control the app and its store relationship should own the account. Contractors can be invited with appropriate roles.