App Store Submission Checklist 2026: iOS + Android + Web Launch Guide

Quick Answer: App Store submission requires: developer account ($99/year iOS, $25 one-time Android), app icons in multiple sizes, screenshots for all supported devices, privacy policy URL, and complete metadata. Review takes 24 hours to 2 weeks for iOS, 2-7 days for Android.

Launching your app on the App Store or Google Play is the final hurdle. This comprehensive checklist ensures you're fully prepared and avoid common rejection pitfalls.

Table of Contents

1. Pre-Submission Requirements
2. Developer Account Setup
3. iOS App Store Submission Checklist
4. Google Play Store Submission Checklist
5. Common Rejection Reasons
6. App Store Assets Checklist
7. Metadata Optimization
8. Privacy & Compliance Requirements
9. Post-Submission Checklist
10. Web App Launch Checklist
11. FAQs

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Pre-Submission Requirements

Before you even think about submission, ensure these fundamentals:

Technical Requirements

Requirement	iOS	Android
Minimum SDK	iOS 15+ recommended	API 24+ (Android 7)
64-bit support	Required	Required
App size limit	4GB	150MB (APK) / 150MB (AAB)
Binary format	IPA via App Store Connect	AAB (Android App Bundle)

Required Assets

Asset	iOS	Android
App icon	1024x1024px	512x512px
Screenshots	Up to 10 per device size	2-8 required
Feature graphic	N/A	1024x500px required
Preview videos	Optional (up to 3)	Optional

Required Documents

• Privacy Policy (hosted URL)
• Terms of Service (recommended)
• Support URL
• Marketing URL (optional)
• Contact email

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Developer Account Setup

Apple Developer Account

Cost: $99/year

Enrollment Process:

1. Go to developer.apple.com
2. Sign in with Apple ID
3. Complete enrollment (identity verification)
4. Wait 24-48 hours for approval
5. Accept agreements in App Store Connect

Required Information:

• Apple ID with 2FA enabled
• Legal entity name (if company)
• D-U-N-S number (for organizations)
• Tax information
• Banking information (for payments)

Google Play Developer Account

Cost: $25 one-time

Enrollment Process:

1. Go to play.google.com/console
2. Sign in with Google account
3. Pay registration fee
4. Complete account details
5. Verify identity (new requirement)

Required Information:

• Google account
• Legal name
• Developer identity verification (ID + photo)
• Contact information
• Payment profile (for monetization)

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iOS App Store Submission Checklist

App Store Connect Setup

App Information:

• App name (30 characters max)
• Subtitle (30 characters max)
• Primary category
• Secondary category (optional)
• Content rating questionnaire completed
• Age rating assigned

Version Information:

• Version number
• Build number (must increment)
• Copyright text
• What's New text (for updates)

Pricing & Availability:

• Price tier selected
• Availability by country
• Pre-order dates (if applicable)
• Volume Purchase Program (if applicable)

Required Screenshots

Device	Size (pixels)	Required
iPhone 6.9"	1320 x 2868 or 1290 x 2796	Yes (iPhone 15 Pro Max)
iPhone 6.7"	1290 x 2796	Yes (if supporting)
iPhone 6.5"	1284 x 2778 or 1242 x 2688	Yes
iPhone 5.5"	1242 x 2208	Yes
iPad Pro 12.9"	2048 x 2732	If iPad supported
iPad Pro 11"	1668 x 2388	If iPad supported

Screenshot Guidelines:

• 2-10 screenshots per device size
• First 3 are most important (visible in search)
• Show real app UI (no device frames unless transparent)
• Text overlays allowed but don't cover UI
• No pricing or "free" claims

App Review Information

• Demo account credentials (if login required)
• Notes for reviewer (explain functionality)
• Contact information for questions
• Documentation for any restricted features

Technical Requirements

• App signed with distribution certificate
• Provisioning profile valid
• App Identifier matches bundle ID
• All capabilities configured in Xcode
• Push notifications certificate (if used)
• App Transport Security (HTTPS required)

Privacy Requirements

• Privacy Policy URL (required)
• Privacy Nutrition Labels completed
• App Tracking Transparency implemented (if tracking)
• Purpose strings for all permissions (camera, location, etc.)
• Kids settings if COPPA applicable

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Google Play Store Submission Checklist

Google Play Console Setup

App Details:

• App name (30 characters max)
• Short description (80 characters)
• Full description (4000 characters)
• App category
• App type (app or game)
• Tags (up to 5)

Store Listing:

• App icon (512x512px)
• Feature graphic (1024x500px)
• Screenshots (2-8 for phones)
• Tablet screenshots (if supported)
• TV banner (if Android TV)
• Promo video (YouTube URL, optional)

Content Rating

• Complete rating questionnaire
• Rating applied to all countries
• Re-rate after content changes

App Content Declaration

• Target age group declared
• Ads declaration (if app has ads)
• App permissions explained
• News apps: Google News compliance
• Government apps: Additional verification

Privacy & Safety

• Privacy policy URL (required for all apps)
• Data safety form completed
• Data collection declared
• Data sharing practices declared
• Security practices declared

Technical Requirements

• App signed with upload key
• Target SDK level (API 34 minimum for 2026)
• AAB format (not APK)
• 64-bit libraries included
• Deobfuscation files uploaded (for crash reports)

Testing Track (Recommended)

• Internal testing → Alpha → Beta → Production
• At least 20 testers for closed testing
• Minimum 14-day closed testing period (new apps)
• Bug fixes addressed before production

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Common Rejection Reasons

iOS Common Rejections

Rejection Reason	How to Fix
Guideline 2.1 - Crashes/Bugs	Test thoroughly on all devices
Guideline 4.2 - Minimum Functionality	Add meaningful features beyond website
Guideline 5.1 - Privacy	Complete App Privacy questionnaire accurately
Guideline 2.3 - Metadata	Ensure screenshots match actual app
Guideline 4.0 - Design	Follow Human Interface Guidelines
Guideline 3.1 - Payments	Use in-app purchase for digital goods

Android Common Rejections

Rejection Reason	How to Fix
Broken Functionality	Test all flows on multiple devices
Deceptive Ads	No misleading close buttons
Privacy Policy	Must be accessible in-app and store listing
Permissions	Only request what you need
Intellectual Property	Don't use trademarks in name/logo
Spam/Repetitive	App must provide unique value

How to Avoid Rejections

1. Read the guidelines - Seriously, read them

   • App Store Review Guidelines
   • Google Play Developer Policies

2. Test thoroughly - Every screen, every flow, every device

3. Be honest in metadata - Screenshots must match reality

4. Explain unusual features - Use notes for reviewer

5. Respond promptly - If rejected, fix and resubmit quickly

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App Store Assets Checklist

Icons

iOS App Icon:

Size	Usage
1024x1024	App Store
180x180	iPhone (@3x)
120x120	iPhone (@2x)
167x167	iPad Pro
152x152	iPad
76x76	iPad (@1x)

Android App Icon:

Size	Usage
512x512	Play Store
192x192	XXXHDPI
144x144	XXHDPI
96x96	XHDPI
72x72	HDPI
48x48	MDPI

Icon Best Practices:

• No transparency (iOS)
• No text or wordmarks
• Simple, recognizable shape
• Test at small sizes
• No photos (app icons should be iconic)

Screenshots

Best Practices:

• Lead with strongest feature
• Show app benefit, not just UI
• Add minimal callout text
• Use consistent style
• Portrait for phones, landscape for tablets

Screenshot Text Tips:

Do	Don't
"Save 50% of your time"	"Best app ever"
"Track all your habits"	"Free download"
Show feature benefit	Cover important UI

Preview Videos

iOS:

• 15-30 seconds
• No device frame
• Shows actual app footage
• No pricing claims

Android:

• YouTube URL
• 30 seconds to 2 minutes
• Landscape recommended
• Shows actual gameplay/app

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Metadata Optimization

App Name Optimization

iOS (30 characters):

• Primary keyword in name
• Brand name first (if known)
• Example: "Notion - Notes & Docs"

Android (30 characters):

• Primary keyword in name
• Keep consistent with iOS
• Example: "Notion - Notes & Docs"

Description Optimization

First 1-3 lines (visible before "more"):

• Core value proposition
• Primary keyword naturally included
• Hook that drives downloads

Full Description:

• Feature list with benefits
• Social proof (awards, reviews)
• CTA to download
• Keywords naturally integrated

Keywords (iOS Only)

• 100 characters total
• Comma-separated, no spaces
• Don't repeat app name
• Include misspellings
• Prioritize high-volume terms

ASO Checklist

• Primary keyword in app name
• Secondary keywords in subtitle/short description
• Keywords field fully used (iOS)
• Description naturally includes keywords
• Screenshots show key features
• Regular updates with improved metadata

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Privacy & Compliance Requirements

Privacy Policy (Required for Both)

Must Include:

• What data you collect
• How data is used
• Third-party sharing
• Data retention period
• User rights (access, deletion)
• Contact information
• GDPR compliance (if EU users)
• CCPA compliance (if CA users)

Hosting:

• Must be publicly accessible URL
• No login required to view
• Mobile-friendly

iOS App Privacy Labels

You must declare:

• Data used to track you
• Data linked to you
• Data not linked to you

Categories:

• Contact info (name, email, phone)
• Health & fitness
• Financial info
• Location
• Identifiers
• Usage data
• Diagnostics

Google Play Data Safety

You must declare:

• Data collected (and whether optional)
• Data shared with third parties
• Security practices (encryption, deletion)
• Data types and purposes

COPPA Compliance (Kids Apps)

If targeting under 13:

• Family Policy compliance
• No behavioral advertising
• Parental consent for data collection
• Teacher Approved program (optional)

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Post-Submission Checklist

During Review

• Monitor App Store Connect / Play Console for updates
• Be available to answer reviewer questions
• Don't submit updates until current review completes
• Prepare marketing for launch

If Approved

• Verify app appears in store correctly
• Test download on real device
• Monitor crash reports
• Respond to initial reviews
• Announce on social/email

If Rejected

1. Read rejection carefully - Understand the specific issue
2. Check guidelines - Find the referenced rule
3. Fix completely - Don't partially address
4. Explain in notes - Tell reviewer what you changed
5. Resubmit quickly - Stay at front of queue
6. Appeal if unfair - But only if genuinely unfair

Post-Launch Monitoring

• Set up analytics (Firebase, Mixpanel)
• Monitor crash reports daily (week 1)
• Respond to reviews (especially negative)
• Track download/retention metrics
• Plan first update (2-4 weeks)

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Web App Launch Checklist

Deployment

• Production environment configured
• Environment variables set (not hardcoded)
• SSL/HTTPS enabled
• Custom domain configured
• CDN configured
• Error tracking (Sentry, etc.)

Performance

• Lighthouse score > 90
• Core Web Vitals passing
• Images optimized
• JavaScript bundled/minified
• CSS optimized

SEO

• Meta title on all pages
• Meta descriptions
• Open Graph tags
• Sitemap.xml generated
• Robots.txt configured
• Google Search Console verified
• Canonical URLs set

Legal

• Privacy Policy page
• Terms of Service page
• Cookie consent (if applicable)
• GDPR compliance (EU users)

Analytics & Monitoring

• Google Analytics / Plausible configured
• Uptime monitoring (Vercel, UptimeRobot)
• Error alerting configured
• Performance monitoring

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FAQs

How long does App Store review take?

• iOS: 24 hours to 2 weeks (typically 24-48 hours)
• Android: 2-7 days (typically 2-3 days)
• First submissions and major updates take longer.

Can I launch on iOS and Android simultaneously?

Yes, but start Android first (faster review). Coordinate marketing for same-day public availability if needed.

What if my app gets rejected?

Read the rejection reason carefully, fix the issue completely, and resubmit with reviewer notes explaining changes. Rejections don't count against you if you fix properly.

Do I need a privacy policy for a simple app?

Yes. Both stores require privacy policies for all apps, even if you don't collect data. State that you don't collect data if that's true.

How often should I update my app?

At least every 2-3 months to signal active development. App stores favor frequently updated apps in search rankings.

Can I change my app name after launch?

Yes, but carefully. It can affect ASO and user recognition. Small adjustments are fine; complete rebrands should be done with a marketing plan.

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Pre-Launch Timeline

Days Before Launch	Task
14 days	Final testing complete
10 days	Submit to stores
7 days	Prepare marketing materials
3 days	Set launch date (phased or immediate)
1 day	Final store listing check
Launch day	Monitor and respond

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Next Steps

1. Complete testing - Every screen, every device
2. Prepare assets - Icons, screenshots, descriptions
3. Set up accounts - Apple Developer and Google Play Console
4. Submit and wait - Monitor closely
5. Launch and iterate - The real work begins

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Related Guides

• How to Build an App in 2026 (Complete Guide)
• How Much Does It Cost to Build an App?
• How Long Does It Take to Build an App?
• Mobile App vs Web App vs PWA

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Last updated: January 2026