troyjthomas App Store Prep
Your app works. It's tested. Now ship it.
When to Use
- Device testing is complete
- All critical bugs are fixed
- You're ready for TestFlight or App Store submission
Prerequisites
- Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year)
- Xcode with a valid signing certificate
- App icon designed and exported at required sizes
- Screenshots from iPhone (and iPad if you support it)
Phase 1: Xcode Configuration
Tell Claude Code:
Configure the Xcode project for release:
- Bundle identifier: com.[yourname].[appname]
- Display name: [App Name]
- Version: 1.0.0
- Build: 1
- Deployment target: iOS [version]
- Supported orientations: Portrait (or specify)
- Supported devices: iPhone (or iPhone + iPad)
- Add the app icon to Assets.xcassets/AppIcon
- Ensure all required Info.plist entries are present
App Icon Requirements
You need a single 1024x1024px PNG (no transparency, no rounded corners, the system adds those). Design this in Figma or your preferred tool.
Tell Claude Code:
Add the app icon from [path or describe where it is].
Verify it's configured correctly in the asset catalog.
Required Info.plist Entries
If your app uses any of these, you need usage description strings:
- Camera: NSCameraUsageDescription
- Photo Library: NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription
- Location: NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription
- Notifications: no plist entry needed, but permission request in code
- Health: NSHealthShareUsageDescription
Tell Claude Code:
Add the following privacy usage descriptions to Info.plist:
- [List only the ones your app actually uses]
Use clear, user-friendly language that explains why the app needs access.
Phase 2: TestFlight
Create the App in App Store Connect
- Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com
- My Apps > + (New App)
- Fill in: name, primary language, bundle ID, SKU
- Save
Archive and Upload
In Xcode:
- Select "Any iOS Device" as build destination (not a specific simulator or device)
- Product > Archive
- When archive completes, click "Distribute App"
- Select "App Store Connect"
- Follow the prompts to upload
TestFlight Distribution
- In App Store Connect, go to your app > TestFlight
- The build will appear after processing (5-30 minutes)
- Add internal testers (your Apple ID, your wife's Apple ID)
- Testers receive a TestFlight invitation via email
- They install TestFlight from App Store, then install your app
Phase 3: App Store Metadata
What You Need
Tell Claude to help you draft these:
Write App Store metadata for [App Name]:
- Subtitle (30 characters max): catchy one-liner
- Description (4000 characters max): what the app does,
key features, who it's for
- Keywords (100 characters max, comma-separated):
search terms people would use to find this app
- What's New (for updates): brief changelog
- Category: [primary] and [secondary]
- Content Rating: fill out the questionnaire honestly
Screenshots
You need screenshots from:
- iPhone 6.7" (iPhone 15 Pro Max / 16 Pro Max)
- iPhone 6.1" (iPhone 15 Pro / 16 Pro)
- iPad 12.9" (if you support iPad)
Fastest method: Run the app in the simulator at each required size. Take screenshots with Cmd+S. No fancy frames needed for v1.
Better method: Take simulator screenshots, then use a tool to add device frames and marketing text. This can be done in Figma.
You need 3-10 screenshots per device size. Show:
- The main screen (first impression)
- The core feature in use
- A detail or secondary feature
- Any unique/special interaction
Privacy Policy
Required even for free apps with no data collection.
Help me draft a simple privacy policy for [App Name].
The app [does / does not] collect user data.
The app [does / does not] use analytics.
Data is stored [locally on device only / in iCloud].
Host this on a simple webpage (GitHub Pages, Notion public page, or your personal site). You need the URL for App Store Connect.
Phase 4: Submission
In App Store Connect:
- Go to your app > App Store tab
- Fill in all metadata fields
- Upload screenshots for each device size
- Select the build from TestFlight
- Fill out the App Review questionnaire
- Submit for review
Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These)
- Missing privacy policy URL: Required for all apps
- Broken functionality: Reviewer found a crash or dead end
- Placeholder content: Any "Lorem ipsum" or "Coming soon" screens
- Missing usage descriptions: Camera/photos access without plist strings
- Misleading metadata: Description promises features the app doesn't have
- Login wall without demo account: If your app requires sign-in, provide test credentials
Post-Submission
- Review typically takes 24-48 hours
- You'll get an email if rejected (with specific reasons)
- Fix the issues, re-upload, re-submit
- Once approved, you choose when to release (immediately or manual release)
Anti-Patterns
| Temptation | Why It Fails |
|---|---|
| Skipping TestFlight and going straight to App Store | You miss real-world testing with actual users |
| Using placeholder screenshots | Apple will reject you |
| Writing a novel for the description | Nobody reads it. Be concise |
| Submitting with known bugs "to fix later" | Reviewers will find them and reject you |
| Forgetting the privacy policy | Instant rejection |
Verification
Ready to submit when:
- App icon is set and looks correct
- Bundle ID and version are configured
- All Info.plist usage descriptions are present (if needed)
- TestFlight build works on real devices
- At least 1-2 people besides you have tested it
- Screenshots captured for all required device sizes
- App Store metadata is complete
- Privacy policy is hosted and URL works
- No placeholder content anywhere in the app
- No crashes during normal use
Time Estimate
2-3 hours for the full submission process (configuration, screenshots, metadata, upload). Plus 24-48 hours for Apple review.