Here is a simple and complete step-by-step guide to publish your iOS app on the Apple App Store using Xcode + App Store Connect.

🍏 How to Publish an App on the Apple App Store (Step-by-Step Guide)

✅ Prerequisites

Before publishing, make sure you have:

✔ Apple Developer Account ($99/year)
✔ Mac + Xcode installed
✔ App Bundle ID created
✔ Provisioning Profile + Signing Certificate
✔ iOS App Build (IPA)
✔ App screenshots (5.5-inch, 6.5-inch, 6.7-inch recommended)
✔ App icon (1024×1024)
✔ App description, keywords
✔ Privacy policy URL (if required)

🧩 Step 1: Enroll in Apple Developer Program

1. Visit: https://developer.apple.com
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Join the Apple Developer Program
4. Pay the $99/year fee

🧩 Step 2: Create App ID (Bundle Identifier)

1. Go to https://developer.apple.com/account/resources
2. Click Identifiers → App IDs
3. Click +
4. Choose App ID → App
5. Select your app services (e.g., Push Notifications, Sign in with Apple)
6. Create and save.

This Bundle ID will be used in Xcode.

🧩 Step 3: Create an App in App Store Connect

1. Go to: https://appstoreconnect.apple.com
2. Click My Apps
3. Click + → New App
4. Fill details:
   • App name
   • Platform: iOS
   • Primary language
   • Bundle ID (select the one you created)
   • SKU (any unique value)
5. Click Create

🧩 Step 4: Prepare Your App in Xcode

1. Open your project in Xcode
2. Go to Targets → Signing & Capabilities
3. Select your Team
4. Ensure the Bundle Identifier matches your App ID
5. Set Build Version and Build Number

🧩 Step 5: Archive the Build (IPA)

1. In Xcode, select Any iOS Device
2. Go to Product → Archive
3. After archiving → Click Distribute App
4. Choose:
   • App Store Connect
   • Upload
5. Sign with your certificate
6. Submit

Xcode will upload your build to App Store Connect.

🧩 Step 6: Add App Information in App Store Connect

Go to App Store Connect → My Apps → Your App

Fill:

App Information

• App Name
• Subtitle
• Categories
• Age Rating
• Copyright

Pricing & Availability

Set price or free.

App Privacy (Mandatory)

• Data collection
• Tracking permissions
• Privacy Nutrition Labels

🧩 Step 7: Upload Screenshots + App Preview

In App Store → iOS version

Upload:

✔ 6.7-inch screenshot
✔ 6.5-inch screenshot
✔ 5.5-inch screenshot

(You must upload at least one size, but 3 sizes recommended.)

Upload your App Icon (1024×1024 PNG)
Add description, keywords, promotional text.

🧩 Step 8: Attach Your Build

1. In App Store Connect → Your App → iOS Version
2. Under Build, click +
3. Select the build you uploaded from Xcode
4. Wait until processing is complete (5–30 mins)

🧩 Step 9: Submit for Review

1. Once everything is filled & no errors appear
2. Click Submit for Review

Apple checks:

✔ App functionality
✔ UI Guidelines
✔ Privacy compliance
✔ Policy violations

⏳ Review Time

Apple usually takes:

⏱ 24 hours – 3 days
(New accounts may take up to a week)

🎉 After Approval

Your app will show “Ready for Sale”
It will appear on the App Store globally or in selected countries.