Apple App Store Approval Process Explained 2024

We’re living in an era of smart devices – and as mobile app development continues to reach new heights, developers have jumped at the opportunity to create apps for a variety of platforms. iPhone? Check! iPad? Double check. Apple Watch too?! You bet! But when it comes to creating apps for these amazing devices, one requirement must be considered above all else: meeting those stringent guidelines set by the Apple App Store. After all, no matter how awesome your idea may seem (and we know you’ve got some pretty cool ones!), Apple appreciates quality and longevity — so make sure you keep their requirements top-of-mind during both the planning AND creation stages.

Guidelines

Trying to make it as a developer on the App Store? You’re in for some tough competition! With nearly 1.8 million apps approved from 750,000 publishers and counting, Apple is serious about maintaining its esteemed reputation. This means that the bar is set incredibly high, and only the best apps make the cut. It’s no surprise then that they provide an extensive list of guidelines covering everything from user interface design, functionality, and performance, all the way through acceptable categories and content standards. These guidelines are meticulously crafted to ensure that every app not only meets but exceeds user expectations in terms of quality, security, and usability.

To ensure your app meets those requirements before you even submit, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these rules now. This involves a deep dive into Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, which detail the best practices for creating intuitive and engaging user experiences. You’ll also need to understand the technical requirements, such as compatibility with the latest iOS versions and devices, as well as the legal and content policies that govern what can and cannot be included in your app.

By doing this homework upfront, you can avoid common pitfalls that lead to rejection and ensure a smoother approval process. Later down the line, when submitting your masterpiece, there won’t be any bumps along the approval road – leaving only exciting success stories ahead! This preparation not only increases your chances of getting approved but also sets the stage for your app to thrive in the competitive App Store environment.

Apple Developer Account

Ready to bring your amazing feature set for Apple’s review? The next step is registering as an Apple Developer. For just £79 ($99) a year, you’ll get access to the iOS Dev Center and its many helpful resources like informative videos, troubleshooting forums with solutions from experts around the world, in-depth documentation, and samples of code that can help speed up development processes. These resources are invaluable, offering insights and guidance that can save you countless hours of trial and error. You’ll find tutorials that walk you through complex coding challenges, forums where you can ask questions and get answers from seasoned developers, and comprehensive guides that cover every aspect of app development from start to finish.

And when it comes time to thoroughly check out your app on actual devices – essential before launch! – being part of this program also allows you to test them directly without resorting back solely to screen simulations or running multiple tests manually across real phones. This means you can see how your app performs in real-world conditions, identify and fix bugs that might not appear in a simulated environment, and ensure that your app provides a seamless user experience across different devices and operating system versions. You can even take advantage of beta testing tools to gather feedback from real users before your official launch, helping you to refine and perfect your app.

Additionally, as an Apple Developer, you’ll receive regular updates on the latest iOS features and best practices, keeping you ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of mobile app development. You’ll be among the first to know about new APIs, design guidelines, and other critical updates that can give your app a competitive edge. Sounds totally worth it, right?!

App Store Submission

You’ve invested a lot of effort into your mobile application, meticulously crafting every feature and ensuring a seamless user experience, and soon it’ll be ready to share with the world! Before you can do that, you need to upload it to the App Store – don’t forget to set its category and keywords, which are crucial for discoverability and ensuring your app reaches the right audience. The approval process isn’t always quick, but as of August 2024, it typically takes a day or two; while this timeline may vary slightly month-to-month, keep in mind what timeframe works best for your app launch goals! Planning your launch around this approval period can help you avoid any last-minute hiccups and ensure a smooth release.

Approval should be straightforward if your app is thoroughly tested and meets Apple’s family-oriented standards, which emphasize safety, privacy, and quality. If approval is denied, they will notify you of the issues via email, providing detailed feedback on what needs to be addressed. You will need to make the necessary fixes and resubmit your app for another round of review. Patience is often required during this process. With an average of more than 600 submissions per day during August 2024, the reviewers are busy, and new or upgraded devices can result in a surge of new apps, slowing the process even more. Therefore, it’s essential to stay calm and be prepared for potential delays, knowing that each step brings you closer to sharing your innovative creation with the world. 

Pricing Your App

You will need to choose from one of Apple’s predefined price tiers, which are designed to accommodate a wide range of app pricing strategies. There are currently 85 tiers available, ranging from “free” to £599 ($999), allowing you to select a price point that best suits your app’s value proposition and target audience. Apple retains 30% of the selling price as a commission for hosting and distributing your app on their platform, and deposits the remaining balance to you on a monthly basis, ensuring a steady stream of income.

To further boost your earnings, you can activate Apple’s iAD network in your free apps. This network allows you to monetize your app through advertisements, with Apple handling all aspects of ad sales and distribution. By integrating iAD, you can earn up to 60% of the ad revenue generated by your apps, providing an additional revenue stream without charging users directly.

Additionally, Apple supports “in-app purchases,” a feature that allows you to offer a free app with optional paid features available for purchase after download. This model is particularly effective for apps that offer premium content, advanced features, or virtual goods. By leveraging in-app purchases, you can attract a larger user base with a free initial offering while still generating revenue from users who choose to enhance their experience with paid upgrades. This flexible pricing strategy can help maximize your app’s profitability and user engagement.

App Store Updates

If you decide to update your app with new features, you will need to submit the app for approval again. This process ensures that all updates meet Apple’s high standards for quality and functionality. Apple is very particular about the merchandise offered for sale in their App Store, maintaining a rigorous review process to ensure that every app provides a seamless and secure user experience. This meticulous attention to detail is one reason their apps are so popular and trusted by millions of users worldwide.

When you introduce new features, it’s crucial to ensure they align with Apple’s guidelines and enhance the overall user experience. If your app offers real value to users and demonstrates technical excellence along with creative and cool functionality, you may have a chance of having the iTunes editorial teams choose to highlight it. This can significantly boost your app’s visibility and downloads, potentially making you an Apple App Store success story.

For more information on the different aspects of app development, including tips on how to navigate the update approval process, check out our handy guide series. These resources are designed to help you understand the intricacies of app development and submission, ensuring your app stands out in the competitive App Store landscape. If you have an app idea, feel free to Talk To Us today! We’re here to help you turn your vision into a reality.

If you have an app idea, feel free to Talk To Us today!