Being able to launch an app is one thing but actually being able to get it on the App Store is another. As Apple tightens its policies and constantly improves the App Review process of Apple, developers must keep abreast of the specifics of what will be rejected versus what will be approved.
This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of submitting your app to the App Store in 2025, including enrolling in the Apple Developer Program and going through the process of passing the rigid review process by Apple.
You may be a novice developer or a veteran application publisher, but this blog will ensure you do not make expensive errors and will increase your chances of getting approved.
Why the App Store Matters in 2025
Apple is still one of the most lucrative mobile development platforms with its App Store. Being on the App Store enables them to tap into a premium and engaged user base of over 1.8 million apps with millions of downloads each day.
However, here is the trick Apple App Review rules are tighter than ever. Minor errors in metadata, privacy settings, or functionality of an app can result in rejection.
That is why correct app submission in 2025 will be not just about uploading a build but about planning, adherence, and presentation.
Step 1: Become a member of the Apple Developer Program
You have to be a member of Apple Developer Program before you can even consider publishing.
- Cost: $99 per year
- Eligibility: Legal entities (Individuals or organizations).
- Benefits:
- Beta testing in TestFlight.
- App analytics and monetization tools.
- Distribution in the App Store.
- Resources, access to developer resources, beta versions of the OS, etc.
Pro Tip: When you are submitting apps on behalf of a business, you register as an organization. This enables you to invite members of your team and you can assign roles through App Store Connect.
Step 2: Ready Your App to Submit
The quickest method of being rejected by the App Review is to submit a half-complete app. Apple is paying more attention to user experience, privacy and security than ever in 2025.
The following is your pre-submission checklist:
- Run on actual machines (not only the simulator).
- Be sure your app was created in line with Apple Human Interface Guidelines.
- Review compliance with Apple App Store Review Guidelines (in particular, privacy, tracking, or in-app purchases).
- Maximize performance (crashing applications are automatically rejected).
- Check that the App Privacy Details are completed.
Mistake to avoid: With a filler text (Lorem Ipsum), or unfinished content, submit an app. This is a red flag to Apple.
Step 3: Develop your App Store App
The store face of your app is your App Store listing. Your brilliant app can be damaged by bad listing information.
The following is to be prepared:
- “App Name” Help it be searchable (not generic).
- Subtitle” A one line value proposition.
- “App Icon” 1024×1024 professionally designed.
- Image Related – Screenshots & Preview Videos Quality images of the main functions of your app.
- “App Description” Think of a great keyword-rich description that explains:
- What your app does
- The main benefits for users
- Why it is superior to other options.
- Keywords Field Enter useful keywords (do not use your app name repeated).
- “Privacy Policy URL” Apple needs this on all apps.
Pro Tip: The initial 3 lines of the description are the most important as they are visible above the fold of the Read More. Make them irresistible.
Step 4: Publish Your App with the help of Xcode or Transporter
At this point, after your app is complete and your listing is ready, you will need to upload your app build to the servers at Apple.
- Open Xcode (or open Transporter with large builds).
- Archive your app build.
- Code Sign and submit to App Store Connect.
- Waiting on processing (Apple verifies that there are no common bugs, such as missing icons, code-signing problems, etc.).
Pro Tip: Check your bundle identifier and provisioning profiles one more time most rejections occur at this point because of a setup of the wrong certificates.
Step 5: Have Your App Reviewed by Apple
This is the most fearful part of developers Apple Review.
Once you submit your app in App Store Connect, the reviewers at Apple will individually review your app and verify it against the stringent criteria.
Key focus areas in 2025:
- Privacy and Data Tracking: Does your application use data in a responsible way? Do you use Apple App Tracking Transparency (ATT)?
- Content & Functionality: Does your app live up to its word? No substituents, no feature failures.
- User Experience: Does your app have a usable interface, is it made accessible, and does it avoid needlessly frustrating the user?
- Monetization: IN-APP purchases shall be based on the Apple payment system (except with approvals).
In 2025, the average time to review most apps will be between 24 to 48 hours, with a maximum of 7 days of review time possible should the app be flagged.
Step 6: Deal with Rejections (Where Necessary)
Apps even with good preparation may be rejected. If that happens:
App Store Connect – Read rejection message.
- Determine whether it is a technical, content, or policy-related problem.
- Repair the issue, re-submit and provide an explanation in the Resolution Center.
Pro Tip: You should be polite and professional when communicating with Apple reviewers arguments are never helpful, clarity is.
Step 7: Release Your App
Upon approval you may select:
- Release immediately
- Schedule a release date
- Manually release later
When you need to launch a marketing campaign, it may be a good idea to schedule your release to synchronize PR, advertising, and user acquisition strategies.
Bonus: How to increase the ranking of your app in the app store
The approval is only the first step. In order to be successful in 2025, you must have App Store Optimization (ASO):
- Have the appropriate keywords in your title and description.
- Promotions of good reviews and ratings.
- Get updates to your app (Apple prefers proactively maintained apps).
- Monitor the performance of apps in App Analytics within App Store connect.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t mean that you need to be overwhelmed to submit your app to the App Store in 2025. By doing the right things (entering the Apple Developer Program, creating a professional listing, and going through the Apple App Review process you can dramatically improve your chances of being approved.
At Premium App Developer (www.premiumappdeveloper.com) we specialize in assisting companies and entrepreneurs in the process of creating, developing and releasing apps that not only pass approval but also make an impression in the overcrowded App Store marketplace.
Ready to launch your app in 2025? Get it to happen now–connect with Premium App Developer today.