Tutorial: Publishing to App Stores
This tutorial guides you through publishing your ACENji mobile application to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You'll learn the complete process from preparation to live deployment.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this tutorial, you'll know how to:
- Prepare your app for submission
- Configure app store listings
- Submit to Apple App Store
- Submit to Google Play Store
- Handle the review process
Prerequisites
Before publishing:
- Complete development of your app
- Test thoroughly on actual devices
- Have developer accounts (Apple and/or Google)
- Prepare marketing assets (icons, screenshots)
Step 1: Final App Preparation
1.1 Complete Testing
Before publishing, verify:
- [ ] All features work correctly
- [ ] No crashes or errors
- [ ] Performance is acceptable
- [ ] Offline behavior works (if applicable)
- [ ] All content is finalized
1.2 Check App Settings
Review these settings in your project:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| App Name | Display name on device |
| Bundle ID | Unique identifier (com.company.appname) |
| Version | Version number (1.0.0) |
| Build Number | Internal build identifier |
1.3 Prepare App Assets
You'll need these assets:
| Asset | Requirement |
|---|---|
| App Icon | 1024x1024 px |
| Screenshots | Various device sizes |
| App Preview | Optional video |
| Description | App store listing text |
Step 2: Developer Account Setup
2.1 Apple Developer Account
Requirements:
- Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year)
- Valid payment method
- D-U-N-S number (for organizations)
Setup:
- Go to developer.apple.com
- Click "Account"
- Sign in or create account
- Enroll in Apple Developer Program
- Complete payment
2.2 Google Play Developer Account
Requirements:
- Google Play Console account ($25 one-time)
- Google account
- Valid payment method
Setup:
- Go to play.google.com/console
- Sign in with Google account
- Pay registration fee
- Accept developer agreement
- Complete profile
Step 3: Build Your App
3.1 Access Build Options
- Open your project in ACENji
- Go to Publish section
- Select Build for Stores
3.2 Configure Build Settings
For iOS:
Bundle Identifier: com.yourcompany.appname
Version: 1.0.0
Build: 1
Minimum iOS: 13.0
Deployment Target: iPhone, iPad (optional)For Android:
Package Name: com.yourcompany.appname
Version Name: 1.0.0
Version Code: 1
Minimum SDK: 21 (Android 5.0)
Target SDK: 33 (Android 13)3.3 Generate Builds
- Click Build iOS and/or Build Android
- Wait for build to complete
- Download the build files:
- iOS: .ipa file
- Android: .aab file (Android App Bundle)
Step 4: Prepare Store Listings
4.1 Write Your Description
Create compelling store listing text:
Title: Your App Name (30 char limit for iOS)
Subtitle: Brief tagline (30 char for iOS)
Description: Full description of features and benefits
Keywords: Relevant search terms (iOS)
4.2 Create Screenshots
Required sizes vary by device:
iOS:
| Device | Size |
|---|---|
| iPhone 6.7" | 1290 x 2796 |
| iPhone 6.5" | 1284 x 2778 |
| iPhone 5.5" | 1242 x 2208 |
| iPad 12.9" | 2048 x 2732 |
Android:
- Minimum 2 screenshots
- Recommended 8 screenshots
- Minimum 320px, maximum 3840px
4.3 Prepare Additional Info
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Privacy Policy URL | Required for both stores |
| Support URL | Where users get help |
| Marketing URL | Optional website link |
| Contact Email | Support email address |
Step 5: Submit to Apple App Store
5.1 Access App Store Connect
- Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com
- Sign in with developer account
- Click My Apps
- Click + to create new app
5.2 Create App Record
Fill in required information:
Platform: iOS
Name: Your App Name
Primary Language: English (US)
Bundle ID: Select from list
SKU: Unique identifier
User Access: Full access5.3 Upload Build
Using Xcode or Transporter:
- Download Transporter from Mac App Store
- Sign in with developer account
- Drag your .ipa file
- Click Deliver
Wait for processing (can take 15-30 minutes)
5.4 Complete App Information
Version Information:
- Screenshots for each device size
- App preview video (optional)
- Description
- Keywords
- Support URL
- Marketing URL
General Information:
- App category
- Content rating
- Age rating questionnaire
- Copyright
- Contact information
App Privacy:
- Privacy policy URL
- Data collection practices
5.5 Submit for Review
- Verify all information
- Click Submit for Review
- Answer review questions
- Wait for review (1-7 days typically)
Step 6: Submit to Google Play Store
6.1 Access Play Console
- Go to play.google.com/console
- Sign in with developer account
- Click Create app
6.2 Create App
Fill in initial information:
App name: Your App Name
Default language: English (US)
App or game: App
Free or paid: Choose option
Accept declarations6.3 Set Up Your App
Complete the setup dashboard:
Store Listing:
- Short description (80 characters)
- Full description (4000 characters)
- Screenshots (phone, tablet)
- Feature graphic (1024 x 500)
- App icon (512 x 512)
Content Rating:
- Complete the questionnaire
- Receive ratings for different regions
App Content:
- Privacy policy
- Ads declaration
- Target audience
- News apps declaration
6.4 Upload Build
- Go to Production → Releases
- Click Create new release
- Upload your .aab file
- Add release notes
- Review and roll out
6.5 Submit for Review
- Complete all required items in dashboard
- Review app release
- Click Start rollout to Production
- Wait for review (hours to days)
Step 7: Handle App Review
7.1 Apple Review Process
Timeline: 1-7 days typically
Common Rejection Reasons:
- Crashes or bugs
- Incomplete information
- Guideline violations
- Privacy issues
If Rejected:
- Read the rejection message carefully
- Make necessary fixes
- Resubmit through App Store Connect
7.2 Google Review Process
Timeline: Hours to a few days
Common Issues:
- Policy violations
- Missing information
- Content issues
If Rejected:
- Check the Play Console for details
- Address the issues
- Resubmit the release
Step 8: Post-Launch
8.1 Monitor Performance
Track your app's performance:
| Metric | Where to Find |
|---|---|
| Downloads | Store analytics |
| Crashes | App Store Connect / Play Console |
| Reviews | Store listings |
| Revenue | Financial reports |
8.2 Respond to Reviews
- Address user feedback
- Fix reported issues
- Thank positive reviewers
8.3 Plan Updates
Regular updates show active development:
- Bug fixes
- New features
- Performance improvements
Publishing Checklist
Before Submission
- [ ] App tested thoroughly
- [ ] All content finalized
- [ ] Icons and screenshots ready
- [ ] Privacy policy published
- [ ] Developer accounts active
Store Listing Complete
- [ ] App name and description
- [ ] Screenshots uploaded
- [ ] Category selected
- [ ] Content rating completed
- [ ] Contact information added
Submission
- [ ] Build uploaded successfully
- [ ] All required fields completed
- [ ] Review questions answered
- [ ] Submitted for review
Best Practices
Test on real devices - Simulators miss real-world issues
Start early - Account setup takes time
Prepare assets carefully - Good screenshots improve downloads
Write compelling descriptions - Sell the benefits
Plan for rejection - First submissions often need fixes
Schedule releases - Avoid holidays and weekends
Troubleshooting
Build Upload Failed
- Check bundle ID matches
- Verify signing certificates
- Ensure build number is incremented
Rejection for Crashes
- Check crash logs
- Test on multiple devices
- Fix and resubmit
Missing Information Error
- Complete all required fields
- Verify all assets uploaded
- Check all declarations signed
Long Review Time
- Wait patiently (especially Apple)
- Check for rejection messages
- Ensure app meets guidelines
Questions?
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can submit an issue on this platform.
Useful Links:
Mobile Tutorials - https://help.acenji.com/#/./create-native-mobile-app/tutorials/index Apple Developer Program - https://developer.apple.com/programs/ Google Play Console - https://play.google.com/console