Before You Submit
Publishing your first app is exciting, but skipping steps leads to rejections and delays. Use this checklist to make sure everything is in order before you hit "Submit for Review."
Technical Checklist
Build Quality
- App runs without crashes on all supported device types
- Tested on real devices, not just simulators/emulators
- No debug logs, test data, or placeholder content in the production build
- All API endpoints point to production servers (not localhost or staging)
- Deep links and universal links work correctly
- Push notifications deliver properly (if applicable)
- App handles no-network scenarios gracefully
- Memory usage is within acceptable limits
- Battery usage is not excessive
- App launches in under 3 seconds
iOS-Specific
- Built with the current required Xcode version
- Targets the required minimum iOS version
- Privacy manifest (PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy) is included
- All required reason APIs have valid justifications
- App Transport Security exceptions are documented
- Universal Binary includes both arm64 and x86_64 if supporting Mac
- Code signing uses a distribution certificate (not development)
Android-Specific
- Targets the required API level (36 in 2026)
- App bundle (.aab) is used instead of APK
- ProGuard/R8 rules are properly configured
- Signing key is securely stored (consider Google Play App Signing)
- Android Vitals metrics are within acceptable thresholds
- Permissions are minimal and justified
Store Listing Checklist
App Information
- App name follows platform character limits (30 for iOS, 50 for Android)
- Subtitle (iOS) or short description (Android) is compelling
- Full description clearly explains what the app does
- Keywords are researched and optimized (ASO)
- Category selection matches your app's primary function
- Content rating questionnaire is completed honestly
Visual Assets
- App icon meets platform specifications (1024x1024 for iOS, 512x512 for Android)
- Screenshots are provided for all required device sizes
- Screenshots show actual app screens (not mockups with misleading content)
- Feature graphic (1024x500) is uploaded for Google Play
- App preview video is tested and plays correctly (optional but recommended)
Legal and Privacy
- Privacy policy URL is valid and accessible
- Privacy labels (iOS) or Data Safety form (Android) accurately reflects data practices
- Terms of service URL is provided (if applicable)
- EULA or custom license agreement is in place (if needed)
- ATT implementation is tested (if tracking users on iOS)
- Third-party SDK compliance is verified
Account and Business
Apple
- Apple Developer Program membership is active ($99/year)
- Banking and tax information is set up in App Store Connect (if selling)
- Paid Applications Agreement is signed
- In-app purchases are created and submitted for review (if applicable)
- Subscription groups and pricing are configured correctly
- Developer account identity verification is complete
- Closed testing requirement is fulfilled (12 testers, 14 days)
- Merchant account is set up in Play Console (if selling)
- In-app products and subscriptions are created (if applicable)
- Data Safety form is complete and published
Submission Tips
For Apple
- Write clear "Notes for Reviewer" explaining any non-obvious functionality
- Provide demo login credentials if the app requires authentication
- If your app uses location, provide a test location or explain how to trigger location-based features
- Avoid submitting on Fridays (weekend rejections mean waiting until Monday)
For Google
- Check the pre-launch report after uploading your bundle
- Review automated test results for crashes and accessibility issues
- Verify your store listing preview on different device sizes
- Set a staged rollout percentage (start with 10-20%) for your first release
Post-Launch Checklist
- Verify the app appears correctly on the store
- Test installing from the store on a clean device
- Monitor crash reporting (Crashlytics, Sentry)
- Check analytics to confirm data is flowing
- Respond to early user reviews within 24 hours
- Set up alerts for rating drops or crash spikes