App Store

Preparing yout Project for App Store Deployment | Expo Starter

Prerequisites

  • Expo project
  • Apple Developer account
  • Xcode installed (latest version recommended)

Steps

  1. Update app.json Ensure your app.config.json file is properly configured:

    app.config.json
    {
      "expo": {
        "name": "Your App Name",
        "slug": "your-app-slug",
        "version": "1.0.0",
        "orientation": "portrait",
        "icon": "./assets/icon.png",
        "splash": {
          "image": "./assets/splash.png",
          "resizeMode": "contain",
          "backgroundColor": "#ffffff"
        },
        "ios": {
          "bundleIdentifier": "com.yourcompany.yourappname",
          "buildNumber": "1"
        }
      }
    }
  2. Prepare Assets

    • Create app icon (1024x1024 px)
    • Prepare splash screen
    • Screenshots for different device sizes
  3. Install EAS CLI

    terminal
    npm install -g eas-cli
  4. Configure EAS Build Run:

    terminal
    eas build:configure

    This creates an eas.json file. Ensure it includes an iOS production profile:

    {
      "build": {
        "production": {
          "ios": {
            "distribution": "app-store"
          }
      }
    }
  5. Create an iOS Build

    eas build --platform ios --profile production
  6. Create an App Store Connect Listing

    • Log in to App Store Connect
    • Click "My Apps" and "+" to create a new app
    • Fill in required information
  7. Upload Build to App Store Connect Once the EAS build is complete, you can submit it directly:

    eas submit --platform ios

    Or manually upload the .ipa file through Xcode or Transporter

  8. Configure App Store Listing In App Store Connect:

    • Add screenshots
    • Write app description
    • Set up pricing and availability
    • Configure in-app purchases (if applicable)
    • Fill in privacy policy URL
  9. Submit for Review In App Store Connect:

    • Go to the "App Store" tab
    • Click "Submit for Review"
    • Answer all questions about content and advertising identifiers
    • Submit

Additional Considerations

  1. TestFlight Consider using TestFlight for beta testing before full App Store submission:

    eas build --platform ios --profile preview
    eas submit --platform ios --latest
  2. App Privacy Prepare answers for App Privacy questions in App Store Connect

  3. Push Notifications If using push notifications, ensure you've set up the necessary certificates

  4. In-App Purchases If offering in-app purchases, set these up in App Store Connect before submission

  5. Analytics Consider implementing analytics to track app usage and performance

  6. Compliance Ensure your app complies with all App Store Review Guidelines

Post-Submission

  • Monitor the status of your submission in App Store Connect
  • Be prepared to address any issues raised by the review team
  • Once approved, your app will be ready for release on your specified date

Notes

  • The review process typically takes 1-3 days but can sometimes take longer
  • Ensure all app content is final before submission to avoid delays
  • Keep your certificates and provisioning profiles up to date

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