Inspired by a detailed guide: Top 10 App Store Submission Tips for iOS Developers
Publishing an iOS app is one of those experiences that teaches you more in a week than months of building ever could.
Between Apple's rules, metadata requirements, review delays, and unexpected rejections, the App Store submission process can feel like a maze.
Recently, I came across an incredibly helpful guide titled “Top 10 App Store Submission Tips for iOS Developers and Product Owners” - a deep dive into the realities of preparing your app for the App Store.
While reading it, I started listing the lessons I personally learned during my own iOS submission journey… and that list turned into this article.
So here are the 10 real-world lessons that every developer and product owner should understand - before clicking “Submit to App Store.”
These aren’t rules from documentation.
They’re the lessons you only learn through mistakes, rejections, and “why didn’t anyone tell me this?” moments.
1. Choosing the Right Developer Account Is More Important Than It Looks
One of the biggest early roadblocks is picking the wrong account type.
Individual, Company, and Enterprise accounts are all designed for different needs - and switching later can get complicated.
What I learned:
If you're planning to launch under a brand name or collaborate with a team, go straight for the Company/Organization account. You’ll save yourself unnecessary pain later.
2. Apple’s Review Guidelines Aren’t Optional Reading
We all skim documentation - until the rejection email arrives.
The App Store guidelines aren’t “nice to know,” they’re literally the rulebook.
From privacy policies to in-app purchases, Apple expects strict compliance.
What I learned:
If your app collects any user data, uses third-party SDKs, or involves digital content, expect Apple to check everything twice.
3. App Store Connect Is a Tool You Must Master
There's no way around it - App Store Connect is the cockpit of your release process.
What I learned:
A build can fail just because metadata doesn’t match exactly.
A screenshot uploaded in the wrong resolution can stop your release.
Even a missing support URL can trigger rejection.
Details matter.
4. Metadata Is Your First Impression - Not Just a Form
Your metadata is your storefront.
App name, subtitle, keywords, screenshots - all of it impacts both discoverability and Apple’s approval process.
What I learned:
Poor screenshots, vague descriptions, or mismatched keywords don’t just reduce installs…
They also make Apple suspicious.
5. Apple’s Review Is Done by Real Humans
Your app isn’t reviewed by bots - a real human opens it and uses it.
What I learned:
If your app requires a login, provide a demo account.
If it crashes once, even on a specific device, it’s game over.
Human reviewers = unpredictable edge cases.
6. Pricing Isn’t Just Business - It’s Compliance
Subscriptions, in-app purchases, and trial periods must all follow Apple’s rules.
What I learned:
Transparency is everything.
If your paywall isn’t clear or you try to bypass Apple’s payment system, rejection is instant.
7. Localization Matters More Than You Think
You don't need to translate your entire app.
Sometimes, just localizing your App Store listing boosts downloads dramatically.
What I learned:
Localized metadata increases visibility in global regions by 20–30% - sometimes more.
8. ASO Is Like SEO - and It’s a Full-Time Job
App Store Optimization is the secret behind high-ranking apps.
What I learned:
Icons, keywords, screenshots, and short descriptions directly impact your ranking.
A/B testing product pages is your best friend.
9. Analytics Aren’t Optional - They’re Your Feedback Loop
Apple’s built-in analytics are helpful, but limited.
If you want to understand how real users behave, you need deeper tools.
This is where tools like Appxiom become incredibly useful.
Appxiom helps you:
- visualize user journeys
- track crashes and API failures
- understand performance issues
- identify drop-off points
- get insights beyond what Apple provides
What I learned:
App analytics aren’t just numbers - they’re the roadmap to your next release.
10. The First Release Is Just the Beginning
Your 1.0 release is not your final product - it’s your starting point.
What I learned:
Releasing frequent updates keeps your app relevant, improves rankings, and shows users you care.
Apple notices active apps - and rewards them in search visibility.
Final Thoughts
Submitting to the App Store will test your patience, discipline, and attention to detail. But it's also incredibly rewarding.
If you want the full deep dive that inspired this article, I highly recommend reading this blog: Top 10 App Store Submission Tips for iOS Developers
Every app submission teaches you something new.
Every rejection makes you better.
And every release brings you one step closer to mastery.
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