Practical guide · Updated July 25, 2026
How to publish an app to the App Store
The complete path from an existing app build to an Apple-reviewed release, including account setup, metadata, privacy, TestFlight and review.
Before you start
You need a reproducible iOS build, a unique bundle identifier, a privacy policy, support contact, review credentials and an Apple Developer Program membership. Apple currently lists membership at $99 per year in supported regions.
Organizations need a D-U-N-S Number; individuals do not. Apple says a new D-U-N-S record may take up to five business days, plus up to two business days to reach Apple.
Create the app record and signing path
Create the bundle identifier and App Store Connect record, enable only the capabilities the app uses, and make archive builds reproducible. Confirm the correct team, certificates and provisioning before adding store copy.
Prepare metadata and screenshots
App Store Connect limits the app name and subtitle to 30 characters. Upload 1–10 screenshots for the required device sizes, add a support URL and make the first screenshots explain the product without relying on captions that the app cannot deliver.
Complete privacy, accessibility and compliance
Map the actual behavior of the app and every SDK to App Privacy answers. Check account deletion, tracking consent, export compliance, content rights, age rating and accessibility declarations before review.
Test through TestFlight
Exercise onboarding, sign-in, account deletion, purchases, restore purchases, permissions, offline behavior and failure states on real devices. External TestFlight groups can expose flows that an internal team already knows how to avoid.
Submit with complete App Review information
Choose the build, attach required in-app purchases, provide credentials and write review notes for non-obvious flows. App Review cannot approve a feature it cannot reach.
Apple Developer cost, D-U-N-S and expedited review FAQ
How much does an Apple Developer account cost? Apple lists the standard program at $99 per membership year; eligible nonprofits, educational institutions and government entities may request a fee waiver.
Do I need a D-U-N-S Number? Organizations do; individual enrollment does not.
Can review be expedited? Apple provides an expedited-review request path for qualifying urgent circumstances, but it is discretionary. A launch date alone is not a substitute for a review-ready submission.
Where do I see review state? App Store Connect shows version and submission statuses such as Prepare for Submission, Waiting for Review and Ready for Distribution.