Publishing your app to the App Store or Google Play is the final step in bringing your mobile app to users worldwide. However, both Apple and Google have strict requirements that must be met before your app can go live. According to Apple's 2024 Transparency Report, nearly 1.93 million app submissions were rejected in that year alone for not meeting quality, safety, or business guidelines.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about app store submission: from developer account fees and technical requirements to the review process and common pitfalls that lead to rejection. Whether you are building with traditional development methods or using modern AI-powered app builders, understanding these requirements will save you time and frustration.
Apple App Store Requirements
Apple's App Store is known for its rigorous review process. The App Store Review Guidelines are organized into five main categories: Safety, Performance, Business, Design, and Legal. Here are the key requirements for getting your iOS app approved.
Developer Account Costs
Individual Developer
For solo developers and small teams
Enterprise Program
For internal app distribution only
Commission Fees: Apple takes 15-30% on in-app purchases. The Small Business Program reduces this to 15% for developers earning under $1M annually.
Technical Requirements
- SDK Requirement: Starting April 2026, apps must be built with iOS/iPadOS 26 SDK or later
- App Completeness: Must be fully functional, not a beta or placeholder
- Universal Support: iPhone apps should run on iPad whenever possible
- 64-bit Support: All apps must support 64-bit architecture
- Demo Account: If login is required, provide demo credentials for reviewers
Privacy Requirements
- Privacy Policy: Required for all apps, linked in App Store Connect and accessible in-app
- App Privacy Labels: Must accurately disclose all data collection practices
- Account Deletion: Apps with account creation must allow users to delete their accounts
- AI Transparency: Apps using external AI services must disclose this and get user consent (as of 2025)
Google Play Requirements
Google Play's requirements are outlined in the Developer Program Policy. While generally more lenient than Apple's, Google has been tightening enforcement in recent years, particularly around privacy and child safety.
Developer Account Costs
One-time Registration
No annual renewal required
Service Fee
15% on first $1M, 30% after
Subscription Benefit: Auto-renewing subscriptions are charged only 15% commission from day one, regardless of total revenue.
Technical Requirements
- Target API Level: New apps must target at least Android 14 (API level 34) as of August 2024
- App Bundle Format: Android App Bundle (.aab) is required for new apps
- Store Listing: Title max 30 characters, short description max 80 characters
- Content Rating: Complete the content rating questionnaire honestly
2026 Policy Updates
- Child Safety: New CSAE requirements effective January 2026 require explicit content policies and in-app reporting mechanisms
- US Age Verification: Some states (Texas, Utah) require age verification starting January 2026
- Financial Apps: Apps offering financial services must register as an Organization account
iOS vs Android: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Requirement | Apple App Store | Google Play Store |
|---|---|---|
| Developer Fee | $99/year | $25 one-time |
| Commission Rate | 15-30% | 15-30% |
| Review Time | 24-72 hours (90% within 24h) | Hours to 7 days |
| Review Strictness | Very strict | Moderately strict |
| Privacy Policy | Required | Required |
| Demo Account | Required if login needed | Recommended |
| App Bundle Format | .ipa (via App Store Connect) | .aab (Android App Bundle) |
| External Payments | Not allowed for digital goods | Limited (varies by region) |
Sources: Apple Developer, Google Play Console
Common App Rejection Reasons
According to Adapty research, 88% of App Store rejections occur due to a handful of common issues. Here are the top reasons apps get rejected and how to avoid them.
Crashes and Bugs
Apps that crash during review or have significant bugs will be immediately rejected. Apple is notoriously strict about stability.
How to fix: Test thoroughly on real devices before submission. Use crash reporting tools and fix all critical issues.
Incomplete or Misleading Metadata
Screenshots that do not match actual app functionality, inaccurate descriptions, or missing information.
How to fix: Ensure all screenshots show actual app screens. Descriptions should accurately reflect features.
Privacy Violations
Missing privacy policy, incorrect App Privacy Labels, or collecting data without proper disclosure.
How to fix: Include a comprehensive privacy policy. Accurately complete all privacy questionnaires.
In-App Purchase Issues
Using external payment systems for digital goods or having unclear pricing and subscription terms.
How to fix: Use official IAP systems for all digital content. Clearly display pricing before purchase.
Minimum Functionality
Apps that are essentially website wrappers, have too little functionality, or provide minimal value.
How to fix: Ensure your app provides genuine native functionality that could not be achieved with a website.
Copycat or Spam Apps
Apps that closely copy existing apps or are nearly identical to other submissions from the same developer.
How to fix: Create unique, original apps. Differentiate your app with unique features and design.
The Review Process Explained
Understanding how the review process works helps you prepare better submissions and set realistic expectations for your app store submission.
Apple App Review
Automated Checks
Technical validation, SDK compliance, crash detection
Human Review
Manual testing, guideline compliance, content verification
Decision
Approved, Rejected with reasons, or Request for Information
Timeline: 90% of apps reviewed within 24 hours. Complex apps may take 24-72 hours.
Google Play Review
Automated Scanning
Malware detection, policy violation scanning
Content Review
Store listing review, functionality testing
Publication
Approved for release or rejection with feedback
Timeline: Hours to 7 days. New developer accounts and sensitive categories may take longer.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Use this checklist before you publish to the App Store or Google Play to minimize rejection risk.
Technical Checklist
- App tested on physical devices (not just simulators)
- No crashes or critical bugs
- All features fully functional
- Backend services live and accessible
- Correct SDK version targeted
- App size optimized
- Network error handling implemented
Metadata Checklist
- Screenshots accurately represent app
- App description is complete and accurate
- Keywords selected strategically
- Age rating questionnaire completed honestly
- Privacy policy URL accessible
- Support URL working
- App icon meets guidelines
Privacy Checklist
- Privacy policy covers all data collection
- App Privacy Labels accurate (iOS)
- Data Safety section complete (Android)
- Account deletion option available
- Necessary permissions only requested
- Permission usage explained to users
Business Checklist
- In-app purchases use official payment systems
- Subscription terms clearly displayed
- Pricing is reasonable and transparent
- No external payment links for digital goods
- Restore purchases functionality works
- Demo account credentials ready (if needed)
Check Your App Readiness
Use this interactive tool to quickly assess whether your app is ready for submission. Answer each question to get a readiness score.
App Store Readiness Checker
Answer these questions to assess your submission readiness
Does your app have a privacy policy?
Have you tested your app thoroughly for crashes?
Are your screenshots and descriptions accurate?
If login is required, do you have demo credentials ready?
Are all in-app purchases using the official payment system?
Is your app free of prohibited content?
Do you only request necessary permissions with clear explanations?
Does your app provide meaningful functionality (not just a website wrapper)?
Skip the Complexity with Natively
Building an app that meets all store requirements can be daunting. With Natively, you describe your app in plain English and our AI generates production-ready React Native code built on Expo. One-click deployment handles all the technical requirements for both iOS and Android stores, so you can focus on your app idea instead of compliance checklists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple charges $99 USD per year for an individual developer account, while Google Play requires a one-time $25 USD registration fee with no annual renewal. Apple also takes a 15-30% commission on in-app purchases (15% for developers earning under $1M annually through the Small Business Program). Google takes a similar 15-30% cut on Play Store transactions.