What is the review process for app stores?
The review process for app stores involves several steps and checks to ensure that apps meet the respective platform’s guidelines and standards. Below is an overview of the review processes for the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Apple App Store Review Process
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Submission Preparation:
- Ensure that your app complies with Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines.
- Prepare all necessary assets such as the app icon, screenshots, and promotional graphics.
- Create a detailed app listing in App Store Connect, including the app title, description, keywords, and more.
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Submission to App Store Connect:
- Upload your app binary (IPA file) to App Store Connect using Xcode.
- Fill out the required metadata, such as app description, keywords, category, and privacy policy.
- Set the pricing and availability of your app.
- Submit your app for review.
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Initial Review:
- Apple’s automated systems conduct an initial scan of your app for malware, performance issues, and basic compliance checks.
- If issues are detected at this stage, you will be notified to address them before the app proceeds to manual review.
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Manual Review:
- Apple’s App Review team manually reviews your app to ensure it meets all guidelines and requirements.
- This review includes checking the app’s functionality, performance, design, and compliance with legal and content policies.
- Reviewers test the app on real devices to evaluate its user experience and functionality.
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Feedback and Revisions:
- If the app does not meet the guidelines, Apple provides feedback detailing the issues that need to be resolved.
- You can address the feedback, make the necessary changes, and resubmit the app for review.
- This cycle may repeat until the app meets all guidelines.
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Approval and Release:
- Once your app passes the review, you will receive a notification of approval.
- You can then release the app immediately or schedule it for release at a later date.
- Your app becomes available on the App Store based on your selected release strategy.
Google Play Store Review Process
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Submission Preparation:
- Ensure that your app complies with Google Play’s Developer Program Policies and Developer Distribution Agreement.
- Prepare necessary assets such as the app icon, screenshots, promotional graphics, and video.
- Create a detailed app listing in the Google Play Console, including the app title, description, and privacy policy.
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Submission to Google Play Console:
- Upload your app binary (APK or AAB file) to the Google Play Console.
- Fill out the required metadata, such as app description, category, content rating, and pricing.
- Submit your app for review.
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Initial Review:
- Google’s automated systems conduct an initial scan of your app for malware, performance issues, and basic compliance checks.
- If issues are detected, you will be notified to address them before the app proceeds to manual review.
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Manual Review:
- Google’s App Review team manually reviews your app to ensure it meets all guidelines and requirements.
- This review includes checking the app’s functionality, performance, design, and compliance with legal and content policies.
- Reviewers test the app on real devices and emulators to evaluate its user experience and functionality.
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Feedback and Revisions:
- If the app does not meet the guidelines, Google provides feedback detailing the issues that need to be resolved.
- You can address the feedback, make the necessary changes, and resubmit the app for review.
- This cycle may repeat until the app meets all guidelines.
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Approval and Release:
- Once your app passes the review, you will receive a notification of approval.
- You can then publish the app immediately or schedule it for release at a later date.
- Your app becomes available on the Google Play Store based on your selected release strategy.
Common Review Criteria
Both Apple and Google review apps based on similar criteria, including:
- Functionality: Ensuring the app works as described and does not crash.
- Content: Verifying that the app’s content is appropriate and adheres to guidelines.
- User Experience: Assessing the overall usability and design of the app.
- Security and Privacy: Checking that the app protects user data and complies with privacy policies.
- Performance: Ensuring the app performs well on all supported devices.
Tips for a Smooth Review Process
- Follow Guidelines: Carefully read and follow the App Store Review Guidelines (Apple) and Developer Program Policies (Google).
- Test Thoroughly: Ensure your app is thoroughly tested on all target devices and operating system versions.
- Clear Documentation: Provide clear and complete documentation and descriptions for your app.
- Respond Promptly: Be prepared to quickly address any feedback or issues identified during the review process.
By adhering to these guidelines and preparing your app thoroughly, you can improve the chances of a smooth and successful review process.
