Ship your game to the App Store: a checklist

Quick answer

To ship a game to the App Store you need a paid Apple Developer Program membership, an app record in App Store Connect, a tested build uploaded through TestFlight, and a complete store listing with screenshots, a privacy policy and App Privacy answers. Check the App Store Review Guidelines (account deletion, In-App Purchase, completeness) before you submit.

What does this checklist cover?

A practical checklist for getting an iPhone or iPad game from "it works on my phone" to "live on the App Store". Apple's rules change from time to time, so treat Apple's own documentation and App Store Connect as the final word — this guide helps you know what to look for.

Before you start

• A Mac with Xcode (or an engine/build service that can produce an iOS build for you).
• A game that's actually finished enough for strangers to play.
• A little patience: review usually goes smoothly, but plan for at least one round of fixes.

Account and setup

1. 1

   Join the Apple Developer Program. You need a paid membership to publish on the App Store. Individuals can enrol under their own name; companies need extra verification (such as a D-U-N-S number), which can take longer.

2. 2

   Fill in agreements, tax and banking. In App Store Connect, accept the agreements and complete tax and banking details. You need this before you can sell the game or offer in-app purchases.

3. 3

   Pick a unique bundle ID and app name. The bundle ID (like com.yourname.yourgame) can't be changed after release. Check that your game's name isn't already taken on the App Store.

4. 4

   Create the app record in App Store Connect. Add your app with its name, primary language, bundle ID and SKU.

Build and test

1. 5

   Set version and build numbers. Every upload needs a new build number. Use a simple scheme like version 1.0, builds 1, 2, 3…

2. 6

   Add your app icon and launch screen. Make sure the icon has no transparency and looks clear at small sizes.

3. 7

   Test on real devices. Try at least one small and one large iPhone, and an iPad if you support it. Check notches and rounded corners, rotation, sound with the mute switch, and what happens when a call or notification interrupts the game.

4. 8

   Upload a build and test with TestFlight. Upload from Xcode (or your build tool) and install it via TestFlight. Internal testers can install right away; external testers need a short beta review first.

5. 9

   Fix crashes before submitting. Check for crash reports in TestFlight and Xcode's Organizer. A crash during review is one of the most common reasons for rejection.

Store listing

1. 10

   Write your description, subtitle and keywords. Say clearly what the player does in the first line. Don't use other games' names or trademarks in your keywords.

2. 11

   Make your screenshots. Upload screenshots in the sizes App Store Connect asks for. Show real gameplay, and use the first one or two to show what makes the game fun.

3. 12

   Add a privacy policy URL and a support URL. Both are required. The privacy policy must explain what data you collect and why — even if the answer is "nothing".

4. 13

   Complete the App Privacy questions. Declare what data your game and any SDKs inside it collect (analytics, ads, crash reporting). Check each SDK's documentation; your answers must match what the app really does.

5. 14

   Answer the age rating questionnaire honestly. It sets the rating shown on the store.

6. 15

   Set price and availability. Choose free or paid and which countries to release in.

Which rules often trip up games?

1. 16

   If players can create an account, let them delete it in the app. Apple requires account deletion to be available from inside the app, not just by email.

2. 17

   If you offer third-party login (like Google), check the login rules. Apple's guidelines may require you to also offer an equivalent privacy-focused login option such as Sign in with Apple.

3. 18

   Sell digital items with In-App Purchase. Coins, extra levels, ad removal and other digital content generally must use Apple's In-App Purchase. Set up and test your products in App Store Connect and in the sandbox.

4. 19

   Make sure the game is complete. No placeholder text, broken buttons, "coming soon" screens, or test content. Apps that feel like a simple web page or a demo are often rejected.

5. 20

   Provide review notes. If anything needs a login, give the reviewer a working demo account. Explain any feature that isn't obvious.

6. 21

   Answer the encryption (export compliance) question. Most games only use standard encryption such as HTTPS; read Apple's question carefully and answer accordingly.

Submit and launch

1. 22

   Submit for review. Pick the build, check everything once more, and submit. You can choose to release automatically after approval or manually.

2. 23

   If you're rejected, read the message carefully. It will cite the guideline. Fix the issue, or reply in App Store Connect if you think there's a misunderstanding. Rejections are normal and usually quick to resolve.

3. 24

   Plan your first update. Watch reviews and crash reports in the first days after launch and be ready to ship fixes.

What should you do before you hit submit?

Read Apple's App Store Review Guidelines once, end to end. It takes an hour and will save you a rejection.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Mac to publish an iPhone game?

Building and uploading with Xcode needs a Mac. Some engines and cloud build services can produce and upload iOS builds for you, but you still need an Apple Developer Program membership.

Is TestFlight required before submitting?

It isn't strictly required, but testing a real build on real devices through TestFlight is the easiest way to catch crashes before review.

Do I need a privacy policy if my game collects no data?

Yes. App Store Connect requires a privacy policy URL. It can simply explain that the game doesn't collect personal data, as long as that's true for your game and every SDK in it.

What happens if my game is rejected?

Apple tells you which guideline the game didn't meet. Fix the issue and resubmit, or reply in App Store Connect if you think there's a misunderstanding. Rejections are common and usually fixable.

Can I sell coins or extra levels without In-App Purchase?

Digital items used inside the app generally must be sold through Apple's In-App Purchase. Check the current App Store Review Guidelines for the exact rules and exceptions.