App store prep

App Store Prep

Your app works. It's tested. Now ship it.

When to Use

• Device testing is complete
• All critical bugs are fixed
• You're ready for TestFlight or App Store submission

Prerequisites

• Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year)
• Xcode with a valid signing certificate
• App icon designed and exported at required sizes
• Screenshots from iPhone (and iPad if you support it)

Phase 1: Xcode Configuration

Tell Claude Code:

Configure the Xcode project for release:
- Bundle identifier: com.[yourname].[appname]
- Display name: [App Name]
- Version: 1.0.0
- Build: 1
- Deployment target: iOS [version]
- Supported orientations: Portrait (or specify)
- Supported devices: iPhone (or iPhone + iPad)
- Add the app icon to Assets.xcassets/AppIcon
- Ensure all required Info.plist entries are present

App Icon Requirements

You need a single 1024x1024px PNG (no transparency, no rounded corners, the system adds those). Design this in Figma or your preferred tool.

Tell Claude Code:

Add the app icon from [path or describe where it is].
Verify it's configured correctly in the asset catalog.

Required Info.plist Entries

If your app uses any of these, you need usage description strings:

• Camera: NSCameraUsageDescription
• Photo Library: NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription
• Location: NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription
• Notifications: no plist entry needed, but permission request in code
• Health: NSHealthShareUsageDescription

Tell Claude Code:

Add the following privacy usage descriptions to Info.plist:
- [List only the ones your app actually uses]
Use clear, user-friendly language that explains why the app needs access.

Phase 2: TestFlight

Create the App in App Store Connect

1. Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com
2. My Apps > + (New App)
3. Fill in: name, primary language, bundle ID, SKU
4. Save

Archive and Upload

In Xcode:

1. Select "Any iOS Device" as build destination (not a specific simulator or device)
2. Product > Archive
3. When archive completes, click "Distribute App"
4. Select "App Store Connect"
5. Follow the prompts to upload

TestFlight Distribution

1. In App Store Connect, go to your app > TestFlight
2. The build will appear after processing (5-30 minutes)
3. Add internal testers (your Apple ID, your wife's Apple ID)
4. Testers receive a TestFlight invitation via email
5. They install TestFlight from App Store, then install your app

Phase 3: App Store Metadata

What You Need

Tell Claude to help you draft these:

Write App Store metadata for [App Name]:
- Subtitle (30 characters max): catchy one-liner
- Description (4000 characters max): what the app does,
  key features, who it's for
- Keywords (100 characters max, comma-separated):
  search terms people would use to find this app
- What's New (for updates): brief changelog
- Category: [primary] and [secondary]
- Content Rating: fill out the questionnaire honestly

Screenshots

You need screenshots from:

• iPhone 6.7" (iPhone 15 Pro Max / 16 Pro Max)
• iPhone 6.1" (iPhone 15 Pro / 16 Pro)
• iPad 12.9" (if you support iPad)

Fastest method: Run the app in the simulator at each required size. Take screenshots with Cmd+S. No fancy frames needed for v1.

Better method: Take simulator screenshots, then use a tool to add device frames and marketing text. This can be done in Figma.

You need 3-10 screenshots per device size. Show:

1. The main screen (first impression)
2. The core feature in use
3. A detail or secondary feature
4. Any unique/special interaction

Privacy Policy

Required even for free apps with no data collection.

Help me draft a simple privacy policy for [App Name].
The app [does / does not] collect user data.
The app [does / does not] use analytics.
Data is stored [locally on device only / in iCloud].

Host this on a simple webpage (GitHub Pages, Notion public page, or your personal site). You need the URL for App Store Connect.

Phase 4: Submission

In App Store Connect:

1. Go to your app > App Store tab
2. Fill in all metadata fields
3. Upload screenshots for each device size
4. Select the build from TestFlight
5. Fill out the App Review questionnaire
6. Submit for review

Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These)

• Missing privacy policy URL: Required for all apps
• Broken functionality: Reviewer found a crash or dead end
• Placeholder content: Any "Lorem ipsum" or "Coming soon" screens
• Missing usage descriptions: Camera/photos access without plist strings
• Misleading metadata: Description promises features the app doesn't have
• Login wall without demo account: If your app requires sign-in, provide test credentials

Post-Submission

• Review typically takes 24-48 hours
• You'll get an email if rejected (with specific reasons)
• Fix the issues, re-upload, re-submit
• Once approved, you choose when to release (immediately or manual release)

Anti-Patterns

Temptation	Why It Fails
Skipping TestFlight and going straight to App Store	You miss real-world testing with actual users
Using placeholder screenshots	Apple will reject you
Writing a novel for the description	Nobody reads it. Be concise
Submitting with known bugs "to fix later"	Reviewers will find them and reject you
Forgetting the privacy policy	Instant rejection

Verification

Ready to submit when:

• App icon is set and looks correct
• Bundle ID and version are configured
• All Info.plist usage descriptions are present (if needed)
• TestFlight build works on real devices
• At least 1-2 people besides you have tested it
• Screenshots captured for all required device sizes
• App Store metadata is complete
• Privacy policy is hosted and URL works
• No placeholder content anywhere in the app
• No crashes during normal use

Time Estimate

2-3 hours for the full submission process (configuration, screenshots, metadata, upload). Plus 24-48 hours for Apple review.