App Store Connect

Creating an App Record

Log into App Store Connect (appstoreconnect.apple.com) and create a new app:

1. Click My Apps, then the plus button
2. Select New App
3. Choose platform (iOS), enter name, primary language, bundle ID, and SKU
4. The bundle ID must match your Xcode project exactly

App Information

Fill in the essential details:

• Name: Your app display name (max 30 characters)
• Subtitle: Short description shown under the name (max 30 characters)
• Category: Primary and secondary categories
• Content Rating: Age rating questionnaire
• Privacy Policy URL: Required for all apps
• Support URL: Where users can get help

Bundle ID and Provisioning

Your bundle ID must be registered in the Apple Developer account and match exactly:

<!-- Info.plist -->
<key>CFBundleIdentifier</key>
<string>com.company.appname</string>

Create an App Store provisioning profile in the Developer portal that matches this bundle ID.

App Store Connect API

Automate app management with the API:

// Generate API key in App Store Connect > Users and Access > Keys
// Use the key to generate a JWT token for API calls

struct ASCClient {
    let apiKey: String
    let issuerId: String
    
    func fetchApps() async throws -> [App] {
        let token = try generateJWT()
        let url = URL(string: "https://api.appstoreconnect.apple.com/v1/apps")!
        var request = URLRequest(url: url)
        request.setValue("Bearer \(token)", forHTTPHeaderField: "Authorization")
        
        let (data, _) = try await URLSession.shared.data(for: request)
        return try JSONDecoder().decode(AppsResponse.self, from: data).data
    }
}

App Store Listing

A compelling listing is crucial for conversion:

• App Name: Clear, memorable, under 30 characters
• Subtitle: Highlights key value proposition
• Description: Front-load the most important features in first 3 lines
• Keywords: Comma-separated, no spaces, 100 characters max
• What's New: Update notes for each version

Screenshot Requirements

Apple requires specific screenshot sizes:

Screenshot Best Practices

• Show the most compelling features first
• Use device frames for context
• Add captions that explain the feature
• Maintain consistent visual style
• Use real content, not placeholder data

App Preview Videos

• 15-30 seconds long
• Show actual app usage
• Capture at native resolution
• First 5 seconds are most important

Localization

Add metadata and screenshots for each supported language:

// In App Store Connect, add localized versions
// Each language gets its own:
// - App name and description
// - Keywords
// - Screenshots
// - What's New text

Uploading Builds

Use Xcode or Transporter to upload builds:

# Using xcodebuild
xcodebuild -exportArchive \
  -archivePath MyApp.xcarchive \
  -exportOptionsPlist ExportOptions.plist \
  -exportPath ./build

# Using altool (deprecated, use notarytool)
xcrun notarytool submit ./build/MyApp.ipa \
  --apple-id developer@example.com \
  --team-id ABCDE12345 \
  --password app-specific-password

Export Options

Configure your ExportOptions.plist:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>method</key>
    <string>app-store</string>
    <key>teamID</key>
    <string>ABCDE12345</string>
    <key>uploadBitcode</key>
    <false/>
    <key>uploadSymbols</key>
    <true/>
</dict>
</plist>

Phased Releases

Enable phased release to gradually roll out updates:

• Day 1: 1% of users
• Day 2: 2% of users
• Day 3: 5% of users
• Day 4: 10% of users
• Day 5: 20% of users
• Day 6: 50% of users
• Day 7: 100% of users

Monitor crash rates and user feedback during the rollout. You can pause or stop the release at any time.

Build Verification

Before submitting:

1. Test on a physical device
2. Verify all screenshots are current
3. Check for binary size increases
4. Run the App Store validation in Xcode
5. Review privacy nutrition labels
6. Ensure all required privacy permissions are declared