Getting Into the App Stores
Publishing is a process with its own rules. Plan for review, policies and the store listing as seriously as for the code.
What a store is
An app store is a digital distribution platform for applications. Each major store has its own developer account, review process and content policies, and they change over time.
Before you submit
- Read the current review guidelines for each store, not a summary from last year.
- Prepare a privacy policy that accurately describes what data the app collects.
- Provide a test account if reviewers need to log in.
- Remove placeholder content and test features that are not ready.
The listing sells the app
Screenshots, a clear first line of description and an honest feature list matter more than keywords. Show the app doing the one job it is for.
If you are rejected
Read the reason carefully, fix exactly what was cited and reply politely. Rejections are common and usually specific.
Who owns the account
Register the developer accounts in your business's name, not your developer's. If you part ways, you need to keep control of the app and its reviews.
Revised 2026-10-20