Ios App Project Launch Checklist | 24 Essential Steps Before Submission
Around 40% of iOS submissions are delayed or rejected due to simple mistakes. First-time submissions often fail because required details are missing, technical errors appear, or Apple rules are not met, most problems come from missed checklist items.
Treat your launch like a project with clear stages, deliverables and quality checks. A good launch checklist will guide you through Apple’s review, technical setup, marketing prep and post-release work.
Phase 1 - Pre-Submission Technical Validation
1. Verify Build Configuration And Code Signing
Use separate Debug, Staging and Release schemes and keep code paths for testing behind the #if DEBUG and #if RELEASE flags so staging logic never ships. The release binary must use App Store Distribution certificates, not Development or AdHoc.
In Xcode’s Signing & Capabilities confirm your Provisioning Profiles are up to date and set correctly. Remove any unnecessary entitlements and ensure get-task-allow is false for the release. Strip debug-only code and development endpoints before submit.
Do not store secrets in source files, keep API keys, auth tokens and encryption keys in Keychain, Secure Enclave or an encrypted configuration. Apple’s review checks for security gaps.
2. Complete Device Testing
Run the app on real devices, not just simulators, to catch real-world problems. Test on multiple iPhone models, especially recent ones and those with special controls like the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button and iPhone 16 Camera Button.
Check camera permission prompts, switching between lenses, and use from lock screen, home screen, and within other apps. Verify behavior across every iOS version you support and look for memory leaks, excessive battery use and overheating that emulators miss.
3. Conduct Beta Testing Through TestFlight
Use TestFlight to collect feedback before release. Set up internal tester groups for up to 100 team members and invite up to 10,000 external testers. Keep in mind external testing needs App Review approval and factor that into your schedule.
Send email invites to targeted testers and share public links to widen reach. Early feedback helps find bugs and builds momentum for launch.
4. Optimize App Performance And Size
Keep the app small and efficient by removing unused properties and compressing large files. Many users stop downloads over 200 MB without WiFi. Use Instruments to find memory leaks, CPU spikes and energy issues.
Move optional content to on-demand resources and remove dead code. Track crashes, fix reproducible faults quickly and prioritize stability, even one reproducible crash can cause rejection.
Phase 2 - App Store Connect Configuration
5. Enroll In Apple Developer Program
Join the Apple Developer Programto submit your app. The fee is $99 per year. Membership lets you publish builds, get beta software and use testing tools like TestFlight.
Pick Individual if you want a single login and the developer name shown on the store. Pick Organization if you need multiple team logins and want your company name displayed. For Organization enrollment you must have a D-U-N-S number, a nine-digit ID from Dun & Bradstreet that Apple uses to verify your business.
6. Create App Record In App Store Connect
Sign in to App Store Connect and open the Apps section to add a new record. Provide the app name, primary language, bundle ID, and SKU. The bundle ID must match exactly what is set in Xcode or the upload will fail.
On the App Information page add any localized text for regions you target and choose a main category, with an optional secondary category. Your app name is part of your store visibility. Apple allows up to 30 characters for the title, so pick wording that shows your key features and includes important keywords.
7. Configure Pricing And Availability
Pick a price tier from Apple’s list, prices convert automatically for each country. Decide early if the app will be free, paid, freemium or subscription-based. Freemium offers a free download with paid upgrades.
Set which countries the app will appear in, taking into account legal rules, language support, and target customers.
8. Prepare App Metadata And Description
Give reviewers clear instructions so they can test the app fully. The app description must persuade users and explain how the product works to the review team. The first three lines are the most important for users, so lead with your main benefit.
Include proof like awards, star ratings or short user quotes. Use meaningful keywords and explain the main benefits while staying within the character limits. Note that Google Play uses the description for search indexing, while Apple focuses more on converting visitors into downloads.
9. Design Compelling Visual Assets
Visuals are vital because people decide quickly when browsing listings. Add high-quality screenshots that show the main features, using the first image as the primary preview. Apple reads visible text in screenshots and may use it for ranking, so include active keywords in captions and images.
Create an icon that is simple, recognizable and stands out with strong contrast and bold colors. A short preview video is optional but can raise conversion by showing the app in use.
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Phase 3 - Privacy And Legal Compliance
10. Create A Privacy Policy
App Store Connect requires a privacy policy for every new app and update before submission to the App Store or TestFlight. This is an Apple rule and a legal requirement.
The policy must explain what data you gather, why you gather it, how you use it, who you share it with and how long you keep it. It should tell users how to withdraw consent and how to ask for their data to be deleted.
If your app can be used by people in the EU, include GDPR details and a clear way to withdraw consent. Host the policy on a public webpage, add its URL in App Store Connect and include it inside the app.
11. Prepare Privacy Manifest Files
Since May 2024, App Store submissions must include privacy manifest files that list every type of data the app handles. Manifests should explain why you use specific APIs, and name third-party SDKs that can access data.
Disclose each integrated library’s tracking, sharing and retention rules. Use Xcode’s privacy reporting tools to find and fix any data collection that might break Apple’s rules.
12. Configure App Store Privacy Details
From iOS 14.5 onward, you must answer privacy questions in App Store Connect about how your app handles user data and which third parties have access. Apple shows privacy labels on the app page before download.
Report all data your app collects, including contacts, health, finance, location, user content, browsing history, identifiers, purchases, and diagnostics, unless the data clearly fits the Optional Disclosure rules.
If Apple frameworks collect data for your app, state what data you get and how you use it. Data processed only on the device does not count as collected and does not need to be listed.
13. Implement App Tracking Transparency
If your app tracks users across other apps or websites for ads or shares data with brokers, you must ask permission with the AppTrackingTransparency framework before any tracking starts.
Apple ties this framework to privacy manifests and review checks, so designs must handle denied permissions. If users refuse tracking, iOS will block outgoing calls to tracking domains listed in your manifest. Build the app to work fully even when tracking is not allowed.
Phase 4 - App Store Optimization
14. Keyword Research And Choice
Find search terms that help people find your app and keep you competitive. Try tools like AppTweak, Sensor Tower or Mobile Action to spot high-traffic, low-competition phrases that match your app’s features.
On Apple you have only 100 characters for the keyword field, so fill that space carefully and avoid repeating the same words in your app name, subtitle, and keyword field.
Check Apple Search Ads reports for which terms bring impressions, taps and conversions, then add the best performers to your metadata. If your product ranks with the best iOS apps, pick keywords that show those strengths and the value users get.
15. App Name And Subtitle
Your app title is what users see first, so include top search terms while keeping the name clear and memorable. Apple allows 30 characters for the title and 30 for the subtitle, so pick words that show the app’s main benefit and unique feature.
Balance search visibility with brand identity and test different combinations with split tests to find what raises download rates.
16. In-app Events And Custom Product Pages
Take advantage of App Store features like in-app events, in-app purchases, pre-orders, and editorial placements. In-app events highlight timely moments inside the app such as live contests, premieres, or gaming events.
Custom Product Pages let you make up to 35 different product pages with unique screenshots, previews, and promo text. Apple’s system can show different creative versions to different audiences. Run split tests on visuals and copy to learn which combinations increase downloads.
17. Ratings And Review Management
Higher ratings boost search placement and conversions. Apps with ratings of 4.5 stars or more get many more downloads than lower-rated ones. Reply to reviews quickly, thank users for praise and address complaints with fixes or guidance.
Prompt satisfied users in the app to leave ratings at the right moment, respond to feedback to build trust, and resolve recurring issues. Never buy or trade for positive reviews, Apple bans paid or incentivized ratings.
Phase 5 - Pre-Launch Marketing Preparation
18. Build A Complete Press Kit
Make it simple for bloggers, reporters and influencers to cover your app by collecting everything they need in one place. A strong media kit should include your app logo and icon, high-resolution screenshots, a promo video, a short app description, main features, team bios, and contact details.
Journalists are three times more likely to write about a product when given full materials up front. Host the kit on a dedicated landing page or a small newsroom so it is easy to find.
19. Create A Launch Timeline
Work backward from your planned launch date and mark key steps like creating the media kit, outreach waves, and content production. Allow six to eight weeks to build relationships with reporters before you ask for coverage.
A clear schedule helps you reach more people at launch and gives you a framework for ongoing promotion and user retention. Include a soft launch, a limited release, and the full public roll-out. The first 72 hours after release often shape an app’s long-term success, so line up all channels for a strong start.
20. Set Up Social Accounts And A Landing Page
Claim the social profiles your audience uses, then post regular updates, behind-the-scenes content, and helpful posts to gather followers before launch. Build a dedicated landing page separate from your main site that uses the right keywords, clean design, and calming colors.
Add email sign-ups, a countdown timer, and a clear call to action so visitors can register for launch alerts. A simple blog can also serve as your landing page if you prefer.
21. Run A Focused Media Outreach Campaign
Find the reporters and outlets that match your app’s topic. Personalized pitches get three times the response rate of mass emails. Target tech sites like TechCrunch or The Verge if relevant, plus niche blogs, trade magazines, and local press when useful.
Tell a clear story, explain the problem you solve, point out what makes the app different, include any human interest angles, and share early traction to make the pitch worth their time.
Phase 6 - Final Submission Preparation
22. Test Accounts And Reviewer Access
If your application needs sign-in, create working usernames and passwords for Apple’s review team. Make dedicated test accounts that unlock every feature and piece of content. Provide contact details for one person on your team in case reviewers have questions.
For two-factor authentication, either supply mock codes from your backend or turn off 2FA for those test accounts. Add clear notes that explain how to reach specific features, move through complex steps, or trigger special functions to help testers cover everything.
23. Archive And Upload The Build
In Xcode choose the target device "Any iOS Device" to create a distribution build, then select Product > Archive to start. Use Upload and pick App Store Connect as the destination.
Xcode will check your App Store credentials and prepare distribution settings. Include bitcode to allow future recompilation and optimization, and upload symbol files so crash reports are symbolicated. Watch the upload and deal with any warnings or errors right away.
24. Final Review And Follow Up
Before submitting, check every field in App Store Connect. Make sure screenshots are in the right order, descriptions are correct, pricing is set, and privacy information is complete. Accurate metadata matters because inconsistencies can lead to rejection.
The review often completes in about 24 hours, but timing varies with volume and complexity. Monitor your developer console and answer reviewer questions quickly to keep things moving. If the submission is rejected, read the feedback, fix the issues and submit again.
FAQs About Ios App Project Launch Checklist
How Long Does Apple Usually Take To Review An App?
Most apps get a decision in 24 to 48 hours, but reviews can take longer at busy times or during holidays.
Do I Have To Use TestFlight For Beta Testing?
TestFlight is not required, but it makes it easy to gather feedback, find bugs and show Apple that you tested the app before release.
Can I Update My App Right After It Launches?
You can send updates any time after your app is approved.
How Many People Should I Invite To TestFlight?
Small apps may need only a few hundred external testers, complex apps may need thousands.
What Privacy Rules Must My App Meet In 2025?
You must provide a clear privacy policy, declare all data collection in Privacy Manifests, and follow App Tracking Transparency if you track users across apps or sites.
How Do I Get Ready If Apple Rejects My App?
Read the review notes, fix the listed issues and resubmit with a clear explanation of what changed.
Final Thoughts
Submission is the final step, but a successful release needs work after approval. The first weeks are vital. Watch your App Store Connect dashboard closely for the first 72 hours. Check downloads, conversion rates, crash logs and user reviews carefully.
Turn your pre-release checklist into a running operations plan. App Store Optimization (ASO) depends on steady effort. It is more than keywords and visuals; it mixes data, creativity, and constant testing. Keep tracking ranks and conversions, and use reviews as user feedback.
Thorough preparation often separates hits from forgotten releases. Every item on the checklist affects your chance of success. Skip steps at your own risk. Apple’s review is strict and the market rewards careful work.
Work through the list step by step and mark items done. Your months of development deserve a launch that shows that quality. With careful planning and attention to detail, your product is ready for the App Store.
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