Doing the Hard Thing: Getting Your App Approved for App Store in 2023
What is App Approval?
App approval refers to the process by which a mobile app is reviewed and evaluated by the app store or platform before it is available for download. App approval typically involves a series of tests and checks to ensure that the app is safe, functional, and meets certain quality standards.
During the app approval process, the app is checked for compliance with the app store’s guidelines and policies, which may include rules around content, privacy, security, and user experience. The app is also tested to ensure that it functions adequately, does not contain bugs or crashes, and does not violate intellectual property rights.
Once an app has been approved, it is made available for download on the app store or platform, and users can install it on their devices. However, if an app is rejected during the approval process, the developer may need to make changes or improvements to the app before resubmitting it for review.
How to Submit Your App to the App Store?
Submitting your app to the App Store requires a few steps and some preparation. Here’s a general guide to submitting your app to the App Store:
Create an Apple Developer account
To submit your app to the App Store, you need to have an Apple Developer account. You can create one on the Apple Developer website.
Set up Your App in App Store Connect
App Store Connect is Apple’s platform for managing your apps in the App Store. Here, you’ll need to create a new app listing and provide all the necessary information, such as app name, description, screenshots, and more.
Prepare Your App for Submission
Before you submit your app, make sure it meets all the guidelines and requirements of the App Store. This includes making sure your app functions properly, includes necessary metadata (such as descriptions and keywords), and adheres to Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines.
Prepare Your App for Distribution
You’ll need to prepare your app for distribution by creating a production build of your app using Xcode or other app development tools. Ensure you sign your app properly and test it thoroughly before submitting it to the App Store.
Submit Your App for Review
Once your app is ready, you may upload it to App Store Connect for review. Your app will be reviewed by Apple to make sure it complies with its standards and is secure for consumers. Be patient; this process may take several days. But we have seen the worst too- 6 weeks have been our longest review waiting period record!!
Wait for Approval
After you submit your app, you’ll need to wait for it to be approved before it can be listed in the App Store. If your app is rejected, Apple will provide feedback on what needs to be fixed before resubmission.
Release your App
Once approved, you can release it to the App Store. You can choose to release it immediately or schedule a release date.
Overall, submitting your app to the App Store can be a complex process, but following these steps and carefully preparing your app can help ensure a smooth submission and approval process.
What Are the Requirements to Publish an App on the App Store?
To publish an app on the App Store, several requirements must be met. Here are some of the fundamental requirements:
Apple Developer Account
You must have an Apple Developer Account to publish an app on the App Store.
App Store Review Guidelines
Your app must adhere to Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines. These guidelines cover topics like content, functionality, user interface, and more.
App Metadata
You must provide all the necessary metadata for your app, including a clear and accurate description, keywords, screenshots, and other relevant information.
App Content
Your app must be functional and free of bugs, and it must not contain any inappropriate content or violate any intellectual property rights.
User Privacy
You must ensure that your app respects user privacy and protects user data by Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines and the applicable laws and regulations.
App Size and Performance
Your app should be optimized for performance and should not consume an excessive amount of storage or battery life.
Payment and In-App Purchases
If your app offers in-app purchases or subscription services, you must use Apple’s payment system and follow its guidelines for managing these transactions.
By meeting these requirements, you can increase your chances of successfully publishing your app on the App Store and reaching a broad audience of iOS users.
How Long Does the App Review Process Take?
The app review process for the App Store can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on a variety of factors like the app complexity, quality submission, and the current backlog of apps waiting for review.
According to Apple, most apps are reviewed within 24 to 48 hours of submission, although some reviews may take longer. If your app requires additional information or changes, the review process may be delayed further. But there have been times when we thanked our stars…we have got approvals within 4 hours too!!
It’s important to plan and allow plenty of time for the app review process when submitting your app to the App Store. Make sure to thoroughly test your app and address any potential issues or concerns before submitting it for review, as this can help ensure a smoother and faster review process.
What Happens if My App is Rejected?
If your app is rejected during the App Store review process, you will receive an email from Apple with details about the reasons for the rejection. The email will typically include specific feedback from the App Store review team about any issues or violations that were identified.
Depending on the nature of the issues, you may be able to address them and resubmit your app for review. In some cases, you may need to make significant changes to your app or provide additional information before it can be approved for the App Store.
If you need to resubmit your app, you can make the necessary changes and submit the app again through App Store Connect. Your app will go through the review process again, so be sure to thoroughly address any issues or concerns that were identified in the previous review.
Overall, it’s important to carefully review Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines and ensure your app adheres to all requirements before submitting it for review. By doing so, you can increase your chances of a successful review and minimize the likelihood of rejection.
Top App Store Rejection Reasons
Violation of App Store guidelines
Apple has strict guidelines for apps that are allowed in the App Store. These guidelines cover a wide range of topics, including user interface design, privacy, intellectual property, security, and more. If your app violates any of these guidelines, it will likely be rejected. Some common violations include using private APIs, using deceptive marketing tactics, or promoting hate speech or violence.
Bugs and Crashes
If your app is full of bugs and crashes frequently it will likely be rejected. Apple wants to ensure that apps are reliable and stable for users. Before submitting your app to the App Store, it’s important to thoroughly test it to identify and fix any bugs or performance issues.
Incomplete or Misleading Information
If your app description, screenshots, or any other information provided to the App Store is incomplete, misleading, or inaccurate, it can result in rejection. Your app should clearly and accurately describe its features and functionality.
Poor User Interface
Apps with poor user interface and design can be rejected. It includes apps that are difficult to use or navigate. Your app should be visually appealing, easy to use, and intuitive.
Privacy Concerns
If your app collects user data without consent or does not follow privacy guidelines, it may be rejected. Apple requires apps to provide clear information about data collection and usage and to obtain user consent before collecting data.
Copyright Infringement
If your app contains copyrighted content without proper permissions, it may be rejected. Make sure that you have the necessary permissions to use any copyrighted content in your app.
Inappropriate Content
Apps that contain explicit or offensive content may be rejected. Apple has strict guidelines around what types of content are allowed in the App Store. Ensure that your app does not include any content that could be considered inappropriate or offensive.
App Store Fraud
If your app engages in any fraudulent behavior, such as manipulating App Store rankings, it will be rejected. Apple takes fraudulent behavior very seriously and will not tolerate any attempts to manipulate the App Store rankings.
Non-functional or Unsupported Features
If any of the features advertised in your app do not work or are unsupported, they may be rejected. Ensure that all of the app features are fully functional and supported.
Repetitive Content
If your app provides repetitive or low-quality content, it may be rejected. Make sure that your app provides value to users and does not simply repeat the same content over and over again.
How Atliq Technologies Help You Get Your App Approved?
AtliQ Technologies is a leading mobile app development company that can help you get your app approved for the App Store.
Compliance with App Store Guidelines
We understand the strict guidelines set by Apple for app approval and ensure that your app meets all the necessary criteria.
Testing and Quality Assurance
We conduct rigorous testing and quality assurance processes to ensure that your app is free from bugs and glitches, which are major causes of app rejection.
User Experience Optimization
Our team of expert designers and developers work to optimize the user experience and interface, making it more user-friendly and attractive to users.
Continuous Support and Maintenance
We provide continuous support and maintenance to ensure your app remains up-to-date and compliant with the latest App Store policies and regulations.
App Marketing and Promotion
AtliQ Technologies also assist you in marketing and promoting your app to increase its visibility and downloads on the App Store.
With AtliQ Technologies’ expertise and support, you can increase your chances of getting your app approved for the App Store and launch your app successfully to a wider audience. Getting your app approved for the App Store can be a challenging process, but it is worth the effort. By following the guidelines provided by Apple, optimizing your app’s design and functionality, and ensuring that your app is free from any bugs or glitches, you can increase your chances of getting your app approved quickly and efficiently. Additionally, staying up to date with the latest app store policies and regulations, and keeping an eye on user feedback and reviews can help you maintain your app’s approval status and improve its overall performance. With the right approach and perseverance, you can successfully navigate the app approval process and launch your app on the App Store for millions of users to enjoy.
