Initial submission. Privacy nutrition labels filled. ~24-48 hr review window.
Enroll in the Apple Developer Program
30 min sign-up, 24-48 hr Apple verification
Create the app record in App Store Connect
15 min
Reviewer flagged guideline 4.0 — missing demo account credentials. Added in metadata, resubmit.
Approved on resubmit. Released to App Store, available worldwide in ~30 min.
Write the App Store metadata (name, subtitle, description, keywords)
2-4 hr to draft, 1-2 hr to refine
Design the app icon, screenshots, and preview video
1-2 days
Bug fix release: crash on iPad. Fast-track review (~12 hr).
Write the privacy policy + configure App Tracking Transparency
3-6 hr (most of it auditing what your app actually collects)
Set up TestFlight and ship internal builds
1 day to set up, ongoing thereafter
Submit for App Review and prepare for rejection
1 hr to submit, 1-7 days waiting, repeat on rejection
Configure pricing, in-app purchases, and subscriptions
2-4 hr
Plan launch day: press kit, Product Hunt, social
3-7 days of prep before launch day
Post-launch: monitor reviews, ratings, crashes, and ship updates
Ongoing, 5-10 hr/week for the first month