Flutter Release Readiness

Flutter Release Readiness

Prepare a Flutter app for Android and iOS release: versioning, quality gate, signing guidance, store metadata, build commands, and CI/CD checklist.

Workflow

1. Run universal pre-release gate (both platforms must pass before continuing).
2. Run Android-specific checks.
3. Run iOS-specific checks.
4. Run quality validation — all three commands must pass.
5. Generate docs/release/release_checklist.md using templates/release_checklist.md.
6. Generate CI/CD templates if not present (from templates/github_workflows/).
7. Present final blockers list — do not execute release builds until user approves.

NEVER run flutter build release or publish commands without explicit user approval. NEVER commit signing credentials to source control.

Universal Pre-Release Gate

• pubspec.yaml version follows MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH+BUILD — build number strictly greater than last submission
• CHANGELOG.md updated with this release's changes (Keep a Changelog format)
• dart format --set-exit-if-changed . passes
• flutter analyze --no-fatal-infos passes (zero errors; warnings documented)
• flutter test passes — all tests green
• No hardcoded secrets detected (run bash scripts/collect_flutter_logs.sh or grep lib/ for AIza, sk-, password =, private_key)
• .env, google-services.json, GoogleService-Info.plist are in .gitignore
• Crash reporting / release health dashboard identified (Crashlytics, Sentry, or equivalent)
• Rollout plan documented: staged rollout percentage, rollback threshold, first-24-hour owner

Android Checklist

• applicationId set correctly in android/app/build.gradle
• targetSdkVersion / targetSdk meets current Google Play policy. As of 2026-05-14, new apps and updates must target Android 15 / API level 35 or higher unless an exception applies
• Launcher icons configured (flutter_launcher_icons package or manual)
• Adaptive icons configured for API 26+ (ic_launcher.xml)
• Permissions in AndroidManifest.xml — remove any unused permissions
• minSdkVersion set appropriately (Flutter minimum is 21)
• Proguard/R8 rules present if using code shrinking
• Signing: keystore documented (never committed); key.properties in .gitignore
• Release build: flutter build appbundle --release
• Play Store metadata: title (≤30 chars), short description (≤80 chars), full description (≤4000 chars), screenshots, feature graphic
• Privacy policy URL ready
• Play Data Safety answers prepared and match actual app behavior

iOS Checklist

• PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER set in ios/Runner.xcodeproj
• App icons configured in ios/Runner/Assets.xcassets/AppIcon.appiconset
• Launch screen configured in LaunchScreen.storyboard
• Info.plist permission strings present for every permission requested (camera, location, microphone, etc.)
• PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy present when required-reason APIs or third-party SDK requirements apply
• App Store privacy details prepared; ATT reviewed if the app tracks users across apps or websites
• MARKETING_VERSION and CURRENT_PROJECT_VERSION match pubspec.yaml
• CocoaPods up to date: cd ios && pod install --repo-update
• Signing: Xcode managed signing or manual profile documented (never committed)
• Release build: flutter build ios --release --no-codesign (verify then sign via Xcode)
• App Store metadata: app name, description, keywords (≤100 chars), screenshots for required device sizes
• Privacy nutrition labels prepared for App Store Connect

Build Commands

# Android
flutter build appbundle --release                    # Play Store (preferred)
flutter build apk --release --split-per-abi          # APK (direct installs)

# iOS
flutter build ios --release --no-codesign            # then archive via Xcode

# Run final checks first
dart format --set-exit-if-changed .
flutter analyze --no-fatal-infos
flutter test

Output Artifacts

• docs/release/release_checklist.md — completed checklist for this release
• .github/workflows/flutter_ci.yml — CI quality gate (if not present)
• .github/workflows/android_build.yml — Android build workflow (if not present)
• .github/workflows/ios_build.yml — iOS build workflow (if not present)

Cross-references

• Agent: release-engineer
• Templates: templates/release_checklist.md, templates/github_workflows/
• Security: flutter-security skill for secrets scan before release