Submitting a mobile app to app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store is the final step before your app reaches its users. However, before hitting the “submit” button, you need to ensure that your app is fully optimized, bug-free, and complies with the app store guidelines. Proper preparation not only improves the chances of your app being accepted but also enhances the overall user experience and long-term success.

This article will guide you through the process of preparing your mobile app for submission, covering key steps from testing and optimization to meeting app store requirements and handling app store assets.

Steps for Preparing Your Mobile App for Submission

1. Ensure Your App is Bug-Free and Tested

Before submission, thorough testing is essential to ensure that your app performs as expected. It’s critical to catch bugs and fix any potential issues before your app reaches the app store. Here’s what you should focus on:

a. Test for Usability:

• Make sure that all features are intuitive and easy to use. Conduct user testing to ensure the app is user-friendly and functions smoothly.

b. Test for Functionality:

• Ensure that every feature of the app works correctly, including registration, login, payments, and any integrations (e.g., APIs or third-party services).

c. Test for Performance:

• Test your app’s performance in different scenarios. This includes stress testing to ensure it works well under heavy load, testing battery consumption, memory usage, and ensuring that it doesn’t cause crashes.

d. Test on Multiple Devices:

• Test your app on a variety of devices, screen sizes, and operating system versions to ensure compatibility.

e. Use Automated Testing:

• Tools like JUnit, Espresso, or XCUITest can automate the testing process for Android and iOS apps, ensuring thorough validation.

2. Ensure App Compatibility and Meet Platform Requirements

Each app store has specific requirements that your app needs to meet before submission. It’s important to ensure that your app complies with both technical and design guidelines for each platform.

a. Android Platform Requirements:

• Target SDK Version: Make sure your app targets the latest Android SDK version. This helps ensure compatibility with the latest Android features and optimizes your app for newer devices.
• Permissions: Check that your app requests only the necessary permissions, and make sure the app justifies any sensitive permissions (e.g., camera, location).
• App Icons & Splash Screens: Make sure your app includes appropriate launcher icons and splash screens. Follow the Android Icon Design Guidelines to ensure they display correctly across various screen sizes and densities.
• Android App Bundle: Submit your app in an Android App Bundle (AAB) format rather than an APK. This allows Google Play to optimize the app size for different device configurations.

b. iOS Platform Requirements:

• iOS Version Compatibility: Ensure that your app is compatible with the latest iOS version and is backward compatible with previous versions of iOS (typically iOS 12 and later).
• App Icons & Launch Screens: Create and optimize app icons for different screen sizes and resolutions. Follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines for icons, launch screens, and UI elements.
• App Store Guidelines: Apple has strict design and content guidelines. Ensure that your app adheres to App Store Review Guidelines, including functionality, design, privacy, and security requirements.
• App Privacy Policy: iOS apps are required to have a privacy policy that complies with Apple’s privacy guidelines.

3. Prepare App Store Assets

Your app store listing is the first thing users see when they search for your app. High-quality app store assets are essential for attracting users and improving conversion rates. The following elements should be prepared before submission:

a. App Icon:

• Ensure your app icon is visually appealing and follows the platform’s design specifications.
• Android: The icon should be a 48×48 dp (density-independent pixels) image with no alpha (transparent) layer.
• iOS: The icon should be a 1024×1024 px image with no transparency, designed to look good at various sizes.

b. Screenshots and Videos:

• Capture high-quality screenshots showing key app features and the user interface. For better engagement, consider including a video demo or app trailer.
• Android: You need 2-8 screenshots for different device types.
• iOS: Provide screenshots for all device types (iPhone, iPad) in the required resolutions.

c. App Description:

• Write a concise, clear, and engaging app description. Highlight the key features and benefits of your app while explaining how it solves users’ problems.
• Include relevant keywords to help your app rank well in search results within the app store.

d. App Keywords:

• Android: Use the “short description” and “long description” fields to add relevant keywords for better discoverability.
• iOS: Use the keywords field to add targeted keywords.

e. App Category:

• Choose the appropriate app category (e.g., Health & Fitness, Entertainment, Productivity) to ensure users can find your app easily.

4. Optimize App Store Metadata

Your app’s metadata, including title, description, keywords, and version history, plays a significant role in its discoverability. Take time to optimize your metadata for both Android and iOS:

a. App Title:

• Ensure your app title is clear, concise, and includes keywords that describe the app’s functionality.

b. App Description:

• Write an informative and compelling description of the app’s features. Make it easy for users to understand what your app offers and how it benefits them.

c. Version History:

• Keep your app’s version history up to date with brief, clear release notes. Explain what’s new in each update and highlight bug fixes, new features, or enhancements.

d. Localize Your App:

• If you’re targeting a global audience, consider localizing your app’s title, description, and keywords to cater to different languages and regions.

5. Set Up Analytics and Monetization (if applicable)

If your app includes monetization features (such as in-app purchases or ads), ensure everything is correctly set up:

a. Implement Analytics:

• Set up app analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Firebase, or Mixpanel) to track user engagement, app performance, and any crashes or bugs.

b. In-App Purchases and Subscriptions:

• If your app includes in-app purchases (IAP) or subscriptions, make sure the functionality is fully working and complies with app store rules.

c. Ads and Monetization Setup:

• If your app shows ads, configure ad networks (e.g., AdMob, Facebook Audience Network) and ensure they do not interfere with user experience.

6. Create a Developer Account and Submit Your App

Before submitting, you need to have developer accounts for the app stores:

a. Google Play Store:

• Sign up for a Google Play Developer account, which costs a one-time fee of $25.
• Submit your app through the Google Play Console by uploading the Android App Bundle (AAB), filling out necessary information (app details, pricing, and distribution), and selecting the countries where your app will be available.

b. Apple App Store:

• Sign up for an Apple Developer account, which costs $99 annually.
• Submit your app through App Store Connect by uploading your app’s IPA file, filling out all app details (description, pricing, and availability), and selecting app review options.

7. App Store Review Process

Once your app is submitted, it will undergo a review process:

• Google Play: Google typically reviews Android apps within 2-3 business days. However, this may take longer if the app is complex or violates any guidelines.
• Apple App Store: Apple’s review process typically takes 1-2 days, but it can take longer if the app requires multiple reviews or if it violates any guidelines.

Make sure to monitor the app store for feedback or issues raised by the review team, and be ready to make necessary changes or updates.

Conclusion

Preparing your app for submission is a detailed and critical step in the app development process. By thoroughly testing the app, adhering to platform-specific guidelines, optimizing app assets, and preparing metadata, you can improve your app’s chances of being approved and increase its chances of success in the app store. Remember, the more polished and professional your app appears, the more likely it is to attract users and receive positive reviews.