How to submit an app to the Apple App Store
To submit an app to the Apple App Store, you need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program ($99/year), create a new app record in App Store Connect, complete all required metadata (name, subtitle, description, keywords, screenshots, App Privacy details), upload a signed build from Xcode or Transporter, attach the build to the version, and submit for App Review. Median review time in 2026 is roughly 24 hours.
Step by step
Enroll in the Apple Developer Program
Sign up at developer.apple.com/programs for an individual or organization account ($99/year). Organization enrollment requires a D-U-N-S number and can take several business days; start this at least a week before your planned submission.
Create the app record in App Store Connect
At appstoreconnect.apple.com, go to 'My Apps' → '+' → 'New App'. Set platform (iOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS), name (2-30 characters, must be unique on the store), primary language, bundle ID (matches your Xcode project), and SKU (any internal identifier).
Complete App Information
Under 'App Information', add the subtitle (30 characters, indexed for search), category (primary and optional secondary), Content Rights declaration, and Age Rating questionnaire. These rarely change across versions.
Configure Pricing and Availability
Under 'Pricing and Availability', choose Free or a price tier, select the 175+ storefronts you want to appear in, and set the release date policy (automatic or manual after approval).
Fill out App Privacy
Under 'App Privacy', declare every data type your app or any bundled SDK collects (analytics, crash reporting, ads, attribution). Mismatches between this declaration and the Privacy Policy URL are a common rejection under guideline 5.1.1.
Add the version's metadata and screenshots
Create a new version, write the localized description (up to 4,000 characters), keyword field (100 characters, comma-separated, no brand infringement), Promotional Text (170 characters, updatable without resubmission), support URL, marketing URL, and upload screenshots for every required device size (6.9", 6.7", 5.5", iPad 13" and optionally 12.9"/11").
Upload a signed build
In Xcode, select 'Any iOS Device' as the destination, run Product → Archive, then in Organizer click 'Distribute App' → 'App Store Connect' → 'Upload'. Alternatively, export an .ipa and use Transporter.app. Processing takes 10–60 minutes; you'll see the build under 'Builds' in App Store Connect.
Attach the build and submit for review
Back in the version, select the processed build under 'Build'. Answer the export compliance questions, optionally add review notes (login credentials for reviewers, instructions to test features, contact info), and click 'Add for Review' → 'Submit for Review'.
Monitor review status
Status moves Waiting for Review → In Review → Pending Developer Release (if manual) or Ready for Sale. Median review time is about 24 hours; expedited review is available for critical bugs. If rejected, you'll receive a detailed message in App Store Connect's Resolution Center.
How Forvibe does this
Forvibe consolidates these steps into one workspace. The Store Listing Manager syncs directly with App Store Connect via API, the Legal Document Generator ships matching Privacy Policy and App Privacy declarations, the Screenshot Studio renders every required device size, the AI Localization engine translates all metadata into 175+ countries, and the Review Simulation feature scans your build and metadata against 400+ known Apple rejection cases before you submit — typically catching policy issues in minutes instead of waiting 24 hours for Apple's feedback.
See Store Listing Manager →Frequently asked questions
How long does Apple App Review take in 2026?
The median App Review time in 2026 is about 24 hours for both new apps and updates. Updates to previously approved apps tend to be faster (often under 12 hours); complex new apps or those with privacy flags can take 2–5 business days. You can request expedited review once per version for critical issues.
Do I need a D-U-N-S number to submit an app?
Individual developer accounts do not require a D-U-N-S number. Only organization enrollments (LLCs, corporations) need one, which can be obtained free from Dun & Bradstreet in 1–2 weeks. Start this before the rest of the submission if your entity doesn't already have one.
Can I submit an app without a Mac?
Building iOS apps still requires Xcode, which only runs on macOS. Options include borrowing or renting a Mac (MacinCloud, MacStadium), using GitHub Actions' macOS runners for CI/CD, or using cross-platform frameworks (React Native, Flutter, Expo) whose cloud build services (EAS, Codemagic) handle the Mac-side build and upload for you.
What is the difference between 'Ready for Sale' and 'Pending Developer Release'?
'Ready for Sale' means Apple approved the version and it will go live automatically on the release date you chose. 'Pending Developer Release' means it's approved but waiting for you to click 'Release This Version' — useful when you need to coordinate the launch with a marketing push or press announcement.
What's the most common reason for App Store rejection?
In 2026 the top rejections are guideline 2.1 (app completeness — broken features, crashes), 2.3.3 (inaccurate screenshots), 5.1.1 (privacy policy issues / App Privacy mismatch), and 4.3 (spam — duplicate submissions). Forvibe's Review Simulation scans for these against 400+ real rejection cases before you submit.