How you can use App Retailer Join in 2025: A step-by-step information

App Retailer Join is Apple’s on-line platform that permits you to add app builds, configure your app’s itemizing, and handle every thing wanted to launch your app on the App Retailer. 

It’s the central hub the place you deal with app metadata, pricing, App Retailer analytics, consumer critiques, and extra. 

In 2025, Apple continues to develop App Retailer Join’s options (like product web page optimization and customized product pages for advertising), making it extra vital than ever to grasp this software for a profitable app launch.

On this complete step-by-step information, we’ll stroll by way of use App Retailer Join – from establishing your developer account, creating a brand new app itemizing with all of the required metadata, importing your construct through Xcode or Transporter, setting pricing and availability, to lastly submitting your app for assessment. 

We’ll additionally cowl suggestions for managing your app post-launch (analytics, updates, and consumer suggestions). Let’s get began!

What’s App Retailer Join (and why it issues in 2025)

App Retailer Join is Apple’s official net (and iOS) portal for builders to handle their apps on the App Retailer. 

As a part of the Apple Developer Program, it permits you to add, submit, and handle apps throughout Apple platforms (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and so forth.). By means of App Retailer Join, you deal with app itemizing particulars (identify, description, screenshots, and so forth.), view gross sales experiences and app analytics, invite beta testers through TestFlight, and far more.

In 2025, App Retailer Join stays essential as a result of Apple has tightened high quality and privateness requirements and launched new instruments that builders ought to leverage. For instance, you possibly can run A/B exams in your App Retailer itemizing (utilizing Product Web page Optimization) or create customized product pages for various audiences– options that may considerably enhance your app’s visibility and conversion. Moreover, the platform helps all new Apple units (like the most recent visionOS apps) underneath one dashboard, so you possibly can handle multi-platform apps in a single place. Merely put, in order for you your iOS app to succeed, it’s essential know use App Retailer Join successfully.

Step 1: Arrange your App Retailer Join account

Earlier than you need to use App Retailer Join, you need to enroll within the Apple Developer Program. And not using a developer account, you possibly can’t submit apps to the App Retailer. 

Enroll on Apple’s developer web site utilizing your Apple ID (and be ready to allow two-factor authentication, which Apple requires for developer accounts).

Together with your account prepared, now you can use App Retailer Connect with create a brand new app document and put together it for submission.

Step 2: Create a brand new app itemizing in App Retailer Join

As soon as your developer account is energetic, you possibly can create a brand new app itemizing (app document) in App Retailer Join. That is primarily registering the app’s identification and fundamental information on the App Retailer. So as to add a brand new app:

1. Navigate to My Apps: Log in to App Retailer Join, and click on on “My Apps” within the dashboard. Then click on the + (Add) button and select “New App.”
2. Enter App Particulars: A dialog will immediate you for some preliminary details about your app. Fill within the following (you can not change sure particulars later, so double-check them):
   • Platform: Choose the platform(s) on your app (iOS, and/or different Apple platforms your app helps). For many, this can be “iOS” – notice that when you’ve got a appropriate iPad or macOS model through Catalyst, you possibly can add these platforms right here as nicely.
   • App Title: The identify of your app as it should seem on the App Retailer (as much as 30 characters). It should be distinctive amongst all apps on the shop in your chosen main language. Select a transparent identify that displays your app’s function. (Professional tip: Use related key phrases within the identify if doable to enhance discoverability, however hold it branding-friendly.)
   • Major Language: The default language on your app’s itemizing (e.g. English). You possibly can localize your app’s retailer itemizing into different languages later, however that is the language that may show if no localization is offered.
   • Bundle ID: Choose the App ID (bundle identifier) that matches your app. This should precisely match the bundle ID in your Xcode undertaking for the app. (Bundle IDs are created within the Apple Developer portal’s Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles part – make sure you’ve made one on your app earlier than this step.) As soon as an app document is created, you can not change its Bundle ID, so decide rigorously.
   • SKU: A singular inner ID on your app (not proven to customers). This may be any string (like an SKU or code you utilize internally to determine the app). For instance, com.yourcompany.appname or a product code. It should begin with a letter or quantity and may embody letters, numbers, hyphens, durations, or underscores.
   • Consumer Entry: In case you have a number of group members, you possibly can limit this app’s visibility to sure individuals. Select “Full Entry” to permit all group members (with applicable roles) to see the app, or “Restricted Entry” to solely permit particular customers. (Some roles like Admin or Finance will at all times see all apps regardless.) For many indie devs, Full Entry is okay.
3. Create the App: After filling in these particulars, click on “Create.” App Retailer Join will arrange a brand new app document with a singular Apple ID and standing “Put together for Submission.” Your app itemizing is now created (it should seem in My Apps).

At this level, you could have an empty container on your app on App Retailer Join. Subsequent, we’ll add all of the required data and property to this itemizing and add the precise app construct.

Notice: If that is your first app on the account and it’s a paid app, you is likely to be prompted to finish the Paid Functions settlement earlier than continuing. Be sure that is completed so you possibly can set a value and launch your app on the market.

Step 3: Add your app construct 

Together with your App Retailer Join itemizing created, the following step is to add the precise binary of your app (the compiled construct). Apple supplies a few methods to ship your app construct to App Retailer Join:

• Utilizing Xcode: That is probably the most easy for iOS builders. Open your undertaking in Xcode and ensure your app’s model and construct quantity are set appropriately for launch (increment from any TestFlight builds if wanted).
• Utilizing Transporter (macOS app): When you choose a GUI software or will not be utilizing Xcode, Apple’s Transporter app is a simple technique to add your .ipa file to App Retailer Join. Obtain Transporter from the Mac App Retailer, sign up along with your Apple Developer credentials, then merely drag and drop your app’s IPA file and press “Ship.” Transporter will add the file and present progress, logging any errors or warnings (resembling lacking icons or different metadata points). 

Each strategies obtain the identical consequence: your construct file (the app binary) will seem in App Retailer Join. 

Tip: Guarantee your construct is compiled with the proper launch configuration, and has a singular construct quantity (CFBundleVersion) and model string (CFBundleShortVersionString) that match what you plan for the App Retailer. Apple will reject uploads which have a model already used, or which don’t match the app document’s information. 

Additionally, double-check that your app icon and launch display screen property are included, and also you’ve eliminated any debug or placeholder content material earlier than importing.

As soon as the construct is uploaded efficiently, you’ll see it listed underneath your app’s Builds part. Now you’re able to tie collectively the construct along with your app retailer itemizing data and proceed to submission.

Step 4: Enter app itemizing data and metadata

Whereas your construct is processing (and even earlier than you add it), you must fill out all of the App Retailer itemizing particulars in App Retailer Join. 

That is the content material that customers will see on the App Retailer web page on your app, and Apple requires it to be full earlier than you submit for assessment. Right here’s what to cowl:

• App Info (Fundamental Information): In your app’s App Retailer Join document, go to the App Info part. Right here you possibly can set or edit:
  • App Title and Subtitle: You already offered the identify. Add a subtitle (as much as 30 characters) – a one-line tagline that seems underneath the app identify on the shop. Use this to convey a fast worth proposition or context (and embody a key phrase if applicable).
  • Classes: Choose a Major Class that most closely fits your app (e.g. Video games, Productiveness, Well being & Health, and so forth.). You may additionally select an non-obligatory Secondary Class if it suits into two areas. The class helps customers discover your app in these sections of the App Retailer, so select precisely.
  • Scores (Content material Ranking): Apple would require you to fill out a questionnaire about your app’s content material (e.g. cartoon/fantasy violence, profanity, mature themes, and so forth.) to generate an age score. You’ll discover this underneath the Ranking part – reply truthfully. The ensuing age score (e.g. 4+, 9+, 12+, 17+) can be proven in your App Retailer web page.
  • App Icon: Add a high-resolution 1024x1024px app icon (PNG) if prompted. That is the big icon that can be used on the App Retailer itemizing (separate from the icons in your binary). It should not have any alpha transparency and no rounded corners (Apple will masks it).
  • Privateness Coverage URL: Required for all apps in 2025 – you need to present a URL to your app’s Privateness Coverage. Host a privateness coverage in your web site (or a PDF hyperlink) that clearly explains how consumer knowledge is dealt with. Even when your app targets children or may be very easy, Apple mandates a privateness coverage. Enter the URL within the designated discipline.
  • Privateness “Vitamin” Questionnaire: Apple additionally requires builders to disclose their knowledge assortment and utilization practices in App Retailer Join through a questionnaire. Within the App Privateness part, you’ll have to reply questions on what knowledge (if any) your app collects (e.g. contact information, location, utilization knowledge, and so forth.), and for what function. This populates the “App Privateness” part in your App Retailer web page, informing customers of your knowledge practices. Be thorough and truthful – failing to precisely report knowledge utilization can result in App Retailer rejection. (In case your app makes use of third-party SDKs, you need to account for knowledge they gather as nicely.)
• App Retailer Itemizing (Model Particulars): Now navigate to the “App Retailer” tab (or the part for the precise model, e.g. “iOS 1.0”) for Put together for Submission. Right here, you’ll enter particulars particular to this model of your app:
  • Description: Write a compelling description on your app (as much as 4,000 characters). This could clarify what your app does, its options, and why it’s helpful. A great description can enhance conversions, so spotlight key advantages within the first few traces. Embody related key phrases naturally, however keep away from key phrase stuffing. (For recommendations on writing an ASO-friendly description, see our information on write ASO-optimized app descriptions.) Bear in mind, you possibly can replace the outline with every app replace if wanted, however be sure it precisely displays your app’s performance.
  • Key phrases: Present a set of comma-separated key phrases (as much as 100 characters complete) that describe your app. These will not be seen to customers however are utilized by the App Retailer search algorithm. Embody vital phrases customers would possibly seek for (e.g. “price range, finance, expense tracker” for a budgeting app).
  • Screenshots and App Preview: Put together and add App Retailer screenshots for all required gadget sizes. For iPhone apps, you usually want screenshots for six.5-inch shows (and 5.5-inch if you wish to cowl older units). In case your app helps iPad, you want iPad screenshots as nicely. You possibly can add as much as 10 screenshots per localization for every gadget measurement, however at minimal Apple requires a minimum of 1–3 screenshots per gadget class. Use this chance to showcase your app’s UI and key options. Ensure the photographs are high-quality and observe Apple’s screenshot tips (appropriate decision, no further advertising textual content that isn’t captured from the app, and so forth.). App Previews (quick movies) are non-obligatory – you possibly can add as much as 3 movies per gadget measurement when you’ve got them. They’ll drastically assist show your app, however guarantee they observe Apple’s guidelines should you embody them.
  • Model Information (What’s New): Since that is the primary model, you would possibly simply put one thing like “Preliminary launch” or spotlight key options. In future updates, this What’s New textual content is the place you describe modifications or new options.
  • Construct Project: As soon as your construct has completed processing (from Step 3), you will note it out there within the Construct part of this web page. You will have to choose the construct that corresponds to this app model earlier than you possibly can submit. (If the construct isn’t displaying up but, give it a while or refresh the web page.) We are going to do that within the subsequent step when finalizing for submission.
  • App Assessment Info: Fill in touch information for the App Assessment group right here. Sometimes, present a reputation, telephone quantity, and e-mail the place Apple can attain you in case they should make clear one thing throughout assessment. In case your app requires login credentials (e.g., it has a login display screen), you should present a demo account username & password for the reviewers to check your app. For instance, create a take a look at account in your app and provide these credentials. If sure options require particular setup or there are any particular directions for testers, notice them right here as nicely. This discipline is essential to keep away from pointless rejections as a result of the reviewer couldn’t absolutely entry your app.
  • Promoting Identifier (IDFA): In case your app makes use of promoting frameworks (IDFA), you need to point out this and reply whether or not you present adverts, or use IDFA for attributing installs, and so forth. This usually pops up throughout submission – simply be ready in case your app contains adverts.
  • Different Attachments: In some circumstances, you would possibly have to add attachments (like a demo video for assessment if performance is tough to elucidate, or documentation for sure regulated apps). That is non-obligatory and case-by-case. Most apps received’t want to connect further supplies.

Take your time to make sure all of the metadata is correct and full. Typos or placeholder textual content in your itemizing can’t solely flip off customers but in addition trigger Apple to reject your app. Apple’s reviewers test that your screenshots and outline match the app content material (and that there’s no point out of unsupported units or different platforms, and so forth.). 

Additionally, be sure to don’t embody any prohibited content material in your metadata (no mentions of different platforms, no irrelevant key phrases, no pricing information like “free” within the description, and no calls to motion to price the app, and so forth., as per Apple’s tips).

Now that your app’s data is in place and your construct is uploaded and chosen, the one issues left are to configure pricing and eventually submit the app to Apple for assessment.

Step 5: Set pricing and availability

Each app on the App Retailer must have a pricing designation, even when it’s free. In App Retailer Join, navigate to the Pricing and Availability part on your app to configure the next:

• Worth: Determine in case your app can be free or paid. You possibly can change your app’s value later, however modifications can take impact after a day or so and current subscribers (for subscriptions) can be dealt with with value improve prompts if relevant.
• Availability (Areas): By default, your app can be out there in all App Retailer international locations/areas as soon as authorized. You could have the choice to deselect particular international locations if you do not need your app distributed there. For instance, some builders do a tender launch by initially releasing the app solely in a number of international locations to collect suggestions earlier than a worldwide launch. You possibly can regulate the provision anytime, even after launch (for example, including areas later). 
• Launch Choices: Determine how your app needs to be launched after it passes assessment. Within the Pricing and Availability web page (or typically within the model submission web page), you could have choices for launch timing:
  • Computerized launch – As quickly because the app is authorized by Apple’s assessment, it should go stay on the App Retailer routinely.
  • Handbook launch – The app will wait in a “Authorised” state (known as Pending Developer Launch) till you manually launch it. That is helpful if you wish to coordinate launch timing (e.g., for advertising or if you wish to guarantee servers are stay, and so forth.). You’ll get a notification of approval, after which you possibly can hit “Launch” when prepared.
  • Scheduled launch – You possibly can decide a particular date to launch the app as soon as authorized. Apple will maintain the app and launch it on that date.
  • Pre-Orders – If you wish to hype your app earlier than it’s stay, you possibly can allow it for pre-order. This implies clients can “order” the app earlier than launch, and on launch day they get notified/downloaded routinely. You set a future launch date (a minimum of a number of days out). That is non-obligatory however could be a advertising technique.
• Tax and Compliance: In case your app has content material that requires a particular tax class (for instance, some international locations have totally different tax charges for apps with information content material, and so forth.), make sure you set the suitable class. 

Additionally, confirm your Agreements, Tax, and Banking information is updated right here – you received’t be capable to launch a paid app with out having offered banking particulars.

Setting the pricing and availability is normally fast, however it’s vital to assessment these settings so the place and when your app will seem as soon as authorized. For a primary launch, many builders go for handbook launch to regulate the timing. As soon as these are configured, you’re prepared for the ultimate step: submitting your app to Apple for assessment.

Step 6: Submit your app for assessment

That is the massive second – sending your app to Apple’s App Assessment group. Earlier than you hit that button, double-check that you just’ve accomplished all earlier steps:

Your construct is uploaded and chosen, all screenshots and fields are crammed, pricing is about, and there are not any error messages in App Retailer Join. App Retailer Join will normally provide you with a warning if one thing necessary is lacking.

Now, the ready sport begins. 

How lengthy does App Assessment take? It varies, however in 2025 the standard assessment time for many apps is round 1–3 days, with many critiques accomplished inside 24-48 hours. Nevertheless, it may be longer (or sometimes a lot sooner). 

Apple additionally states it might take as much as 24 hours after approval on your app to look on the App Retailer (this normally occurs faster, however concentrate on the potential delay). 

You’ll obtain e-mail notifications at every stage of the method – e.g., when the app standing modifications to In Assessment, or if it will get authorized or rejected.

Whereas ready, you possibly can test the standing in App Retailer Join: go to the Exercise tab > App Retailer Variations (or Model Historical past). There you’ll see if the app is in assessment, authorized, or if there’s a rejection with notes.

Managing your app post-launch in App Retailer Join

Getting your app onto the App Retailer is a large accomplishment, however profitable app builders and publishers know that ongoing administration is essential to long-term success. App Retailer Join supplies a number of instruments that will help you handle your app after submission:

• App Analytics: As soon as your app is stay, App Retailer Join’s App Analytics dashboard begins gathering knowledge. Right here you possibly can observe metrics like downloads, complete installs, App Retailer impressions (what number of instances your app itemizing was considered on the shop), consumer engagement, retention, and extra. 

These insights make it easier to perceive how your app is performing and the way customers are discovering and utilizing it. For instance, you possibly can see how many individuals opened your app through App Retailer search versus referrals, the conversion price from viewing the shop web page to downloading, and even metrics like crashes or energetic units. Use this knowledge to make knowledgeable choices – if engagement is low, you would possibly want to enhance onboarding; in case your product web page views are excessive however downloads are low, take into account optimizing your screenshots or description.

• Gross sales and Monetary Experiences: In case your app is paid or has in-app purchases/subscriptions, the Gross sales & Traits part will present you income, models offered, and different monetary metrics. You possibly can break it down by area or over time. This helps you determine your key markets and income sources. 

For instance, you would possibly uncover your app is unexpectedly well-liked in a sure nation, which might inform your advertising or localization priorities. Monetary experiences may be downloaded for deeper evaluation. (Additionally, keep watch over Apple’s payouts and guarantee your banking information is up to date; the Funds and Monetary Experiences part will present month-to-month earnings and payouts.)