Guide: Uploading an iOS App to the App Store
Step by step checklist covering Apple Developer portal, Xcode, and App Store Connect.
Includes guidance on App ID, Bundle ID, certificates, provisioning profiles, and submission.
1 Prerequisites
Enroll in Apple Developer Program (developer.apple.com/programs).
Have macOS and Xcode ( 15) installed.
Finalised Xcode project with unique Bundle Identifier.
1024×1024 PNG app icon & device screenshots ready.
Active Apple Distribution and Development certificates.
Placeholder: Developer Program
Enrollment Page
2 Apple Developer Portal
Log in to developer.apple.com Certificates, IDs & Profiles.
Create a new App ID (Identifiers + App).
Choose Explicit Bundle ID (e.g., com.company.product).
Enable required capabilities (Push, Sign in with Apple, etc.).
Generate Apple Development & Apple Distribution certificates.
Download and install the .cer files (double click).
Placeholder: App ID
Creation Screen
Placeholder: Certificates
Download
3 Provisioning Profiles
In Certificates, IDs & Profiles Profiles, click +.
Create iOS App Development profile for testing.
Create App Store profile for distribution.
Select the new App ID and the matching certificate.
Download the .mobileprovision files and install.
Placeholder: Profile
Creation Wizard
4 Xcode Project Configuration
Open the project in Xcode.
TARGETS General Identity: set Version & Build.
TARGETS Signing & Capabilities:
Team: select your Apple Developer team.
Bundle Identifier: matches App ID exactly.
Signing Certificate: Apple Distribution (Release).
Provisioning Profile: App Store profile.
Product Archive (generic device).
Placeholder: Xcode
Signing Settings
Placeholder: Archive
Organizer
5 App Store Connect Setup
Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com My Apps + New App.
Enter App Name, Primary Language, Bundle ID, SKU.
On the version page, upload screenshots & description.
Set Privacy Policy URL and App Privacy details.
Add the uploaded build (Archive Upload) under Builds.
Complete Pricing & Availability.
Placeholder: New App
Form
Placeholder: Version
Metadata Page
6 Submit & Release
In App Store Connect, click Submit for Review.
Address any App Review questions (export compliance, etc.).
Wait for status: Waiting for Review In Review Approved.
Choose Manual or Automatic release once approved.
Monitor analytics and user feedback post launch.
Placeholder: Submit
for Review Button