Before submitting your iOS app to the App Store, use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your app meets all requirements and has the best chance of approval.

Quick Start for a0 Apps

  1. Rate your app 17+ - Significantly reduces rejection risk
  2. Configure privacy tracking - Set “Device ID” in both “Data Used to Track You” and “Data Not Linked to You”
  3. Use a0’s privacy URL - https://a0.dev/privacy for immediate compliance
  4. Verify Bundle ID match - Must be identical in a0 dashboard and App Store Connect
  5. Test on real devices - Ensure your app works flawlessly before submission
  • Privacy labels incorrect - Most common issue, double-check Device ID configuration
  • Bundle ID mismatch - Ensure exact match between platforms
  • Age rating too restrictive - Consider 17+ even for clean content
  • Screenshots don’t match app - Use actual app screenshots, not mockups

App Store Connect Configuration

Basic App Information

1

App metadata

Ensure all required fields are completed:
  • App Name: Clear, descriptive, and follows App Store guidelines
  • Subtitle: Concise description of your app’s purpose (30 characters max)
  • Category: Primary and secondary categories accurately reflect your app
  • Keywords: Relevant keywords for App Store search (100 characters max)
  • Description: Compelling description highlighting key features
Use all available characters in your description to maximize visibility and conversions.
2

App screenshots and assets

Verify all required visual assets are uploaded:
  • iPhone Screenshots: All required screen sizes and orientations
  • App Icon: High-resolution app icon (1024x1024)
3

App privacy and data usage

Complete the privacy questionnaire accurately:
  • Privacy Policy: URL to your privacy policy
  • Data Collection: Accurately describe what data you collect
  • Data Usage: Explain how collected data is used
  • Third-party SDKs: Disclose any third-party data collection
  • Data Used to Track You: Configure “Identifiers > Device ID” (a0 uses this to optimize your app)
  • Data Not Linked to You: Also configure “Identifiers > Device ID” if applicable
Privacy configuration must be 100% accurate. Incorrect privacy labels are a common cause of App Store rejection.
Quick start: Use https://a0.dev/privacy as your privacy URL to get started immediately. We’re working on providing personalized privacy policies in the future.

Pricing and Distribution

  • Pricing: Set appropriate price or mark as free
  • Availability: Selected target countries/regions
  • Release Options: Choose manual or automatic release after approval
  • Educational Discount: Configure if offering educational pricing
  • Terms of Service: Available and easily accessible
  • Privacy Policy: Use https://a0.dev/privacy or ensure your own policy covers Device ID collection
  • COPPA Compliance: If targeting children under 13 (not recommended - use 17+ instead)
  • Regional Laws: Compliance with laws in target markets
  • Data Protection: GDPR, CCPA compliance if applicable

Testing and Quality Assurance

Functional Testing

  • All primary features work correctly
  • User flows complete successfully
  • Data persistence works properly
  • Account creation and login (if applicable)
  • In-app purchases function correctly (if applicable)
  • Poor network connectivity scenarios
  • Low storage space conditions
  • Interruptions (calls, notifications)
  • App backgrounding and foregrounding
  • Device rotation and orientation changes

Submission Process

Once you’ve completed this checklist:
1

Submit for review

  1. Log in to App Store Connect
  2. Navigate to your app
  3. Select the build for submission
  4. Click Submit for Review
2

Monitor review status

  • Review typically takes 24-48 hours
  • Check for any messages from the App Review team
  • Respond promptly to any requests for information
3

Post-approval

  • App will be available on the App Store (unless set to manual release)
  • Monitor user reviews and ratings
  • Plan for future updates and improvements

Need Support?

If you encounter issues during submission, our Discord community is here to help.