Apple Developer Program and App Store Submission Guide

Submitting an app to the Apple App Store involves several steps that can trip up first-time developers. I recently went through this process and encountered various challenges along the way. Here’s a practical guide based on my experience, covering everything from account setup to getting your app approved.

Account Setup and Identity Verification

The Apple Developer Program enrollment starts straightforward but can hit unexpected snags. After updating my payment method and password, I received a call from Apple support informing me that identity verification was required. This involved:

• Submitting identification documents
• Providing my address in English
• Multiple photo submissions of my ID

The process required persistence, but eventually got approved. If you encounter identity verification, be patient and ensure all documents are clear and legible.

Internal Distribution with Expo and EAS Build

Once my developer account was active, I tested my app using Expo and EAS Build for iOS internal distribution. The built .ipa file would download but wouldn’t install on my device because the Unique Device Identifier (UDID) wasn’t included in the build.

Finding Your Device’s UDID

To test on your device, you first need its UDID:

1. Connect your iPhone/iPad to your Mac via cable
2. Open Finder and select your device in the sidebar
3. Click on the text below the device name (cycles through model, serial number, then UDID)
4. Copy the UDID value

Registering the UDID

Register your device with Apple:

1. Log in to Apple Developer website
2. Navigate to Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles → Devices
3. Click the ‘+’ button to add a new device
4. Select iOS, tvOS, watchOS platform
5. Paste the UDID and enter a device name
6. Click Continue to complete registration

Configuring eas.json

Set up an internal distribution profile in your eas.json:

{
  "cli": {
    "version": ">= 7.6.0"
  },
  "build": {
    "development": {
      "developmentClient": true,
      "distribution": "internal"
    },
    "internal": {
      "distribution": "internal",
      "ios": {
        "enterpriseProvisioning": "adhoc"
      }
    },
    "production": {}
  },
  "submit": {
    "production": {}
  }
}

Building and Installing

Build your app with the internal profile:

eas build --platform ios --profile internal

EAS will automatically create an Ad Hoc Provisioning Profile including your registered device and build the app accordingly.

Developer Mode for iOS 16+

For iOS 16 and later, enable Developer Mode to install apps from sources other than the App Store:

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security
2. Scroll to Developer Mode at the bottom
3. Toggle Developer Mode on
4. Restart your device when prompted
5. After restart, select Turn On and enter your passcode

App Store Connect Preparation

Icons and Screenshots

• App Icons: Provide a 1024x1024 icon - EAS Build generates all necessary sizes automatically
• Screenshots: Apple requires specific sizes:
  • 6.5-inch displays: 1290 x 2796 (iPhone 14 Pro Max, 15 Plus)
  • 6.9-inch displays: 1320 x 2868 (iPhone 15 Pro Max)

Screenshot tip: Use Xcode simulators and capture with Cmd+S. Start with the largest size (6.7-inch) as App Store Connect often allows these for smaller displays too.

Common Requirements

Before submission, ensure you have:

• 13-inch iPad screenshots
• Privacy Policy URL
• Primary app category selected
• Content Rights Information configured
• Age Rating completed
• Support URL (can be a simple GitHub Pages or Notion page)

Handling Rejections: Unnecessary Sign-ups

My app was rejected for forcing unnecessary user registration. Features that didn’t require an account were still demanding sign-up.

The Solution: Guest Mode + Cloud Sync

I implemented a hybrid approach:

Step 1: Allow guest access

• Users can use core features without signing up
• Data stored locally on device
• All basic functionality available

Step 2: Incentivize account creation

• “Create an account to back up your data and access it on other devices”
• Option to sync local data to cloud storage once they sign up

Implementation Flow:

App Launch → [Start as Guest] [Log In]
            ↓
    Use Local Storage
            ↓
    Later: "Back up your data?" prompt

This approach complies with App Store guidelines while maintaining the benefits of cloud storage for users who want it.

Re-submission Tips

When re-submitting after rejection:

• Increment both version number and build number
• Explain modifications in the Resolution Center
• Consider using “Developer Reject” for faster processing

Build Number Issues

If your buildNumber isn’t updating on EAS Build, remember that EAS fetches code from your Git repository, not your local machine. Always:

git add .
git commit -m "Update build number"
git push

Then build:

eas build --platform ios --profile production --clear-cache

If issues persist, try:

expo prebuild

This synchronizes your app.json changes with native project files.

Key Takeaways

The Apple Developer Program and App Store submission process has a learning curve, but each challenge teaches valuable lessons. The most important points:

1. Be patient with identity verification - it’s a necessary security step
2. Understand UDID registration for internal testing
3. Implement guest access to comply with App Store guidelines
4. Remember Git workflow when using EAS Build
5. Prepare all required assets before submission

By planning for these common issues, you can navigate the submission process more smoothly and get your app approved faster.