Introduction
Publishing an app on the stores is a crucial step that requires careful preparation. This guide walks you through publishing your app on the App Store and Google Play Store in 2025.
1. Set up your developer account
Apple Developer Program: $99/year — Required to publish on the App Store.
Google Play Console: $25 (one-time fee) — Required to publish on the Play Store.
2. Prepare the metadata
- App name
- Short and long description
- Screenshots for each screen size
- App icon
- Category and keywords
- Privacy policy
3. Prepare the build
- Optimize the app's size
- Test on different devices
- Check required permissions
- Sign the app correctly
4. Submit to the App Store
- Create an App Store Connect record
- Upload the build via Xcode or Transporter
- Fill in the metadata
- Submit for review (1-3 days on average)
5. Submit to the Play Store
- Create a store listing
- Upload the AAB (Android App Bundle)
- Set up testing tracks (internal, closed, open)
- Publish to production
Conclusion
Publishing on the stores is a process that demands rigor. Good upstream preparation will help you avoid rejections and speed up go-live.