How To Publish Your App On Apple App Store And Google Play Store

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to publish an iOS app on the Apple App Store and how to publish an app in Google Play.
We’ll also highlight the 2025 updates you need to know and share the most common pitfalls to avoid.
Whether you’re an independent developer or a growing business using a no-code app builder, this resource will help you confidently bring your app to market.

What Is The Typical Timeframe for Publishing An App (in 2025)?

Pro Tip for Merchants: Always plan a 2–3 day buffer before your launch date to cover up for unexpected delays or back and forth with reviewers.

Why You Should Keep a 2–3 Day Buffer: Common Reviewer Flags

When you submit your app, Apple or Google reviewers may flag issues and send it back to you for clarification or fixes. You’ll need to update your app or metadata and resubmit it to get the app live.

How To Publish Your App On Google Play Store?(Updated for 2025)

The Google Play Store is the largest marketplace for Android apps, reaching billions worldwide. Publishing is straightforward, but in 2025, key updates on App Bundles, testing, and target API levels must be considered.

Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Create a Developer Account

To get started, you need a Google Play Developer Account linked to your Google account.

• One-time registration fee: $25 (payable via credit or debit card).
• Information required: your name or company name (displayed publicly), plus account details.
• Processing time: up to 48 hours.

Note: If your account was created after November 13, 2023, you must run a closed test with at least 12 testers opted in for 14 days before releasing to production.

Step 2: Prepare Your App Information

Inside the Play Console, go to All Apps → Create Application and enter the basic details. You’ll need:

• App name (max 50 characters) and default language.
• Short description (80 characters): catchy and concise; appears in search results.
• Full description (up to 4,000 characters): highlight benefits, features, and what makes your app unique.
• Screenshots: upload 2–8 high-quality images (phones + tablets recommended).
• Hi-Res Icon (512×512 px): the icon shown in Play Store and device home screens.
• Feature Graphic (1,024×500 px): a banner for your Play Store listing.
• Promo video (optional): YouTube link demonstrating your app.
• Category & type: choose “App” or “Game,” then select the relevant category (e.g., Fitness, Travel).

Step 3: Upload Your App (Android App Bundle Required)

As of 2025, new apps must be uploaded in Android App Bundle (AAB) format — APKs are no longer accepted.

• Enable Play App Signing (mandatory).
• Navigate to Releases → Production → Create Release.
• Upload your .aab file (and expansion files/asset packs if needed).
• Choose a release track (internal, closed, open, or production).
• Review details and save.

Pro tip: Use staged rollout to release gradually to a percentage of users before a full launch.

Step 4: Provide a Content Rating

To avoid your app being marked as “Unrated” (which can lead to removal):

• Go to App Content → Content Rating Questionnaire.
• Fill out the questionnaire honestly (game violence, age suitability, etc.).
• Your app will be assigned a rating (e.g., Everyone, Teen, Mature).

Step 5: Fill Out Data Safety and Privacy Sections

Google requires all apps to disclose how user data is collected, shared, and protected.

• • Complete the Data Safety form in Play Console.
  • Be transparent about permissions (location, camera, microphone, etc.).

• Justify sensitive data usage clearly (GDPR, CCPA, COPPA compliance).

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Step 6: Set Pricing & Distribution

Decide how and where your app will be available:

• Free vs Paid: Choose your model (note: once free, cannot switch to paid later).
• Countries: Select specific countries or make it global.
• Ads: Mark if your app contains ads.
• Child-directed apps: If targeting users under 13, follow Google’s Families Policy.

Step 7: Meet Technical & Policy Requirements

Before rollout, confirm your app meets Google’s technical standards:

• Target API level:
  • New apps/updates must target Android 15 (API 35) by August 31, 2025.
  • Existing apps must target at least Android 14 (API 34).
• File size limits: AABs must keep compressed download under 4 GB (use asset delivery for large apps).
• Bug-free experience: Test on real devices (not just simulators).

Step 8: Publish Your App

Once every checklist item (Store listing, App content, Data Safety, Content rating, Pricing & Distribution) shows a green checkmark, you’re ready to go live.

• Go to Release → Production → Review Release.
• Resolve any warnings.
• Click Confirm Rollout to publish.

Your app will go through Google’s review process (typically a few hours to 7 days depending on complexity). Once approved, it will appear on the Google Play Store in your selected countries.

Read Also: Mobile Apps Aren’t Just ‘Nice-to-Have’—They’re the Reason Shopify Stores Are Scaling Faster

How to Publish Your App on the Apple App Store?

Step 1: Create Your App Record in App Store Connect.

• Begin by creating a new app record in App Store Connect.
• Provide essential details such as app name, primary language, and bundle ID.
• Ensure your app is built using Xcode 16 or later, supporting iOS 18 SDK or newer.
• Upload Options: You can use Xcode Cloud or the Transporter app to submit your builds

Step 2: Prepare Your App’s Product Page

Complete your app’s product page with the following:

• App Version: Specify the version number.
• App Preview: Include a video preview (max 30 seconds).
• Screenshots: Up to 10 screenshots per device size, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Dynamic Island layouts.
• Description & Promotional Text: Clearly explain your app’s features and capabilities. It will help users to immediately understand what each visual asset (screenshots, videos, or app previews) represents and how it benefits them.
• Keywords: Optimize your app store presence with relevant keywords.
  • Include terms users are likely to search for, but keep it natural.
  • Avoid keyword stuffing; Apple’s algorithm favors clarity and relevance.
  • App Name: Include your primary keyword if possible.
  • Subtitle: Use a secondary keyword or benefit-focused phrase (up to 30 characters)
  • Apple allows 170 characters in promotional text; use it to highlight trending features or benefits with keywords.
  • If targeting multiple regions, localize your keywords, descriptions, and screenshots.
• Support URL: Provide a URL leading to a website with supplementary guides. It also signals to Apple that your app has ongoing support, improving trust and compliance
  • Help Center or FAQ Page: Include clear guides covering common tasks and key features of your app.
  • Contact Options: Provide email, chat, or ticket submission links for direct user support.
  • Troubleshooting Guides: Step-by-step instructions for errors, crashes, or device-specific issues.
  • Privacy & Terms: Link to privacy policy or terms of service if not included elsewhere. It is especially important if your app collects data or has in-app purchases.
  • Update Notes / Tutorials (Optional but recommended): Short guides on new features after updates. It will help users stay engaged and reduce confusion.
  • App Clip Information: Specify details about your app’s compatibility with iMessage and Apple Watch, if applicable.

The Pro Tip: Avoid linking to temporary or incomplete pages. Also, make content mobile-friendly, as users will mostly access it via smartphones.

For detailed instructions on submitting your app, refer to Apple app submission guidelines.

Step 3: Upload Your App Build

• Use Xcode 16+ or Transporter/Xcode Cloud to upload the build.
• Ensure the build is compatible with the latest iOS SDKs.
• Consider TestFlight for internal/external beta testing before submission to production.
  TestFlight is Apple’s official tool for testing iOS apps. It is meant for iOS app to be shared with testers before it’s live on the App Store to identify bugs and gather feedback.

Refer to submit app for review for further details.

Step 4: Submit for App Review

• Complete all required metadata.
• Choose release options: manual, automatic, or phased release
• If your app tracks users across apps/websites, implement App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompts.
  App Tracking Transparency (ATT) is Apple’s feature that asks users for permission before an app can track their activity across other apps or websites.

Step 5: Monitor App Status and Resolve Review Issues

• Once submitted, your app’s status will change to “Waiting for Review.”
• Respond promptly to App Review feedback.
• After approval,your app may appear on the App Store within 24 hours.
• You can monitor performance and analytics via View App Analytics in App Connect Store.

Read Also: How To Set Up Push Notifications On Your Mobile App

11 Tips To Avoid App Rejection

To increase your app’s approval chances, ensure it adheres to Apple’s guidelines:

• Crashes and Bugs: Thoroughly test your app on real devices.
• Complete Content: Avoid placeholder content; all text, images, and videos must be final.
• Comprehensive Information: Provide valid demo accounts and clear instructions if your app requires login.
• User-Friendly UI: Follow Apple’s interface design guidelines.
• Functional Links: Ensure all in-app links work and provide privacy policy links if required.
• Accurate Descriptions: Clearly explain your app’s functionality through screenshots and text.
• Honesty with Users: Ensure features match what is advertised.
• Advertisement Display: Display ads correctly and disclose IDFA use if applicable.
• Utilizing iOS Features for Web Content: Leverage iOS-specific features for web interactions.
• Avoiding Duplicate Apps: Do not submit multiple identical apps.
• Value and User Experience: Provide functionality, content, and value to users.

For full details, go through Apple App Review Guidelines.

Read Also : Google Developer Account Enrollment and App Publishing

Major Reasons for App Rejection by Apple in 2025

If you want to know how to publish your iOS app on the Apple App Store successfully, following Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines is essential. Here are the main reasons apps get rejected:

• Crashes and Bugs
• Apple rejects any app that crashes or contains technical issues. Test thoroughly on multiple devices and iOS versions before submitting.

• Incomplete or Placeholder Content
• Apps with unfinished text, images, or dummy content are not accepted. Ensure your app is polished and complete.

• Missing or Inaccurate App Privacy Labels
• Apple requires clear disclosure of what data your app collects and how it is used. Incorrect or missing App Privacy details lead to rejection.

• Lack of App Tracking Transparency (ATT) Compliance
• If your app tracks users, you must show the ATT prompt and explain why tracking is needed. Skipping this results in disapproval.

• Insufficient App Review Information
• You must provide working demo accounts, login credentials, or configuration details so reviewers can test the app. Broken accounts or unclear instructions cause rejection.

• Non-User-Friendly Design
• Apps must follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines. Poor navigation, cluttered layouts, or ignoring modern iOS features may lead to rejection.

• Non-Functional or Missing Links
• Support URLs, contact information, or privacy policy links must work correctly. Broken links are an instant red flag.

• Misleading Descriptions or Screenshots
• Your App Store listing must match actual functionality. Exaggerated claims or misleading visuals cause rejection.

• Failure to Deliver Promised Features
• If marketing materials or descriptions promise a feature your app does not provide, Apple will reject it.

• Advertising Compliance Issues
• Apps using IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers) must declare it properly. Ads must display correctly and not disrupt the user experience.

• Improper Payment Systems
• All digital goods and services must use Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Using external payment methods leads to rejection.

• Failure to Offer Account Deletion
• Apps that allow account creation must also allow account deletion directly within the app. Missing this requirement results in rejection.

• Duplicate or Low-Value Apps
• Submitting multiple similar apps or apps with little functionality is not allowed. Apple prefers one polished, high-quality version.

• Apps Not Optimized for New Devices
• Apps must support the latest iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro screen sizes. Ignoring new device requirements can delay approval.

• Children’s App Non-Compliance
• Apps targeting children must comply with COPPA, GDPR-K, and Apple’s Kids App rules. Non-approved ads or analytics providers will cause rejection.

Read Also: Apple Developer Account Enrolment

Major Reasons For App Rejection By Google

Your app will be rejected by Google if it contains:

1. 1. Sexually explicit content.
   2. Potentially dangerous content for children.
   3. Instructions on aggressive behavior or weapons.
   4. Graphic violence or cruel threats.
   5. Content promoting self-harm, suicide, or dangerous activities.
   6. Instructions on aggressive behavior or weapons.
   7. Impersonation or misuse of trademarks or brands.
   8. Inappropriate user-generated content.
   9. Involvement in illegal activities.
   10. Mentions of delicate events or gambling.
   11. Bullying, harassment, or hate speech.

Google Play App Rejection & Policy Guidelines (2025)

User Privacy & Security

• Apps must handle data responsibly and protect users from misleading or malicious behavior.
• Developers are required to provide accurate Data Safety disclosures and justify use of sensitive permissions (location, health, contacts, etc.).

Monetization & In-App Purchases

• All paid apps and apps with in-app purchases must follow Google Play Billing Guidelines.
• From August 31, 2025, all new apps and updates must use Billing Library version 7 or higher.
• Apps must clearly disclose all additional fees, subscriptions, or feature unlock charges.

Ads & Monetization Compliance

• Ads must comply with Misleading Ad Design and Inappropriate Ads policies.
• Ads must:
• Be clearly identifiable as ads (not mimic system UI or app features).
• Appear only within the app itself, not outside.
• Match the app’s content rating and audience expectations.

App Quality & User Experience

• Apps that crash, freeze, force close, or misbehave are likely to be rejected.
• Low-quality, duplicate, or spammy apps will not be accepted.
• Google expects minimum performance standards and consistent stability across devices.

Technical & API Requirements

• New apps and updates must target Android 15 (API level 35) starting August 31, 2025.
• Apps must follow the latest Android developer standards to ensure compatibility and security.

Family & Child Safety

• Apps targeting children must comply with COPPA and Play’s Families policy.
• Content must be age-appropriate, safe, and transparent about data use.

Read Also : How To Build Your Mobile App With MageNative

What Can Delay Your App Review in 2025 (How To Avoid It)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 – How many steps are required to publish my mobile app on the Google Play Store?

Publishing on Google Play is straightforward and requires 7 steps.

Set up a Google Play Developer Account

• One-time fee: $25.
• Processing can take up to 48 hours.

Prepare your app information

• App name (50 chars max), short + full descriptions.
• Screenshots (2–8), high-res icon, feature graphic, and optional promo video.
• Add your privacy policy URL and support contact (mandatory).

Upload your app in App Bundle format (AAB)

• APKs are no longer accepted for new apps.
• Enable Play App Signing.
• Choose a release track (internal, closed, open, or production).

Fill out compliance details

• Content rating questionnaire.
• Data Safety form (disclose how data is collected, shared, protected).

Set pricing & distribution

• Choose free or paid.
• Select target countries.
• Indicate if the app contains ads or targets children.

Run testing if you’re a new developer

• If your account was created after Nov 2023, you must run a closed test with at least 12 testers for 14 days before going public.

Publish

• Once all sections are complete, review and confirm rollout.
• Your app enters Google’s review process.

2 – How much time does it usually take to publish a mobile app?

Approval times in 2025 vary between Google and Apple:
Google Play Store

• Most updates: a few hours to up to 7 days.
• New accounts: 14-day closed testing period is mandatory before public release.
• Apps using sensitive permissions (e.g., location, SMS) may take longer.

Apple App Store

• ~50% of apps reviewed within 24 hours.
• ~90% of apps reviewed within 48 hours.
• Apps with complex features, sensitive data usage, or policy issues may require additional review cycles.

Best practice: Always plan a 2–3 day buffer before your launch date to account for unexpected reviewer feedback.

3 – How many steps are required to publish my mobile app on the Apple App Store?

Publishing an app on Apple App Store is straightforward and requires 6 steps
Join the Apple Developer Program

• Cost: $99/year (individual or organization account).

Prepare your app

• Build your app in Xcode and archive it.
• Upload the binary via Xcode or Transporter app.

Set up your App Store Connect listing

• Add app name, description, keywords, category, and screenshots.
• Provide a privacy policy URL and fill out Privacy Labels.
• Set your pricing and distribution (countries/regions).

Compliance requirements

• If your app tracks users, implement App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompts.
• Ensure compliance with COPPA if targeting children.
• Use Apple’s in-app purchase system for subscriptions or digital goods.

Submit for review

• Apple reviews your app for policy compliance, quality, and user experience.
• You can track status in App Store Connect.

Approval and release

• Once approved, you can release immediately or schedule your launch.

In A Nutshell

Once you have published your app on the App Store or Google Play, you open the doors to building your unique customer base. However, it is crucial to ensure that your application is thoughtfully designed to provide genuine value to users before you proceed with its publication.

While there may be a reasonable cost associated with publishing your app, consider it as an investment in your business and an excellent opportunity to reach a vast audience. Moreover, a popular app among the masses can yield substantial profits.

Although some developers view the App Store and Google Play Store review processes as obstacles to app publication, they actually present an opportunity to address any issues within your app before users encounter them. Remember that a well-designed app should offer a seamless user experience. Collaborating with professional developers to create an efficient and user-friendly app will undoubtedly elevate your business to new heights.