Launching an iOS app is exciting, but getting it accepted by way of Apple can experience overwhelming—even for skilled developers. The App Store has strict nice, design, privacy, and protection necessities. A unmarried neglected step can result in delays, rejections, or a couple of assessment cycles. For developers who work with Hybrid Apps Faster, following a structured checklist becomes even more critical to ensure smooth deployment across multiple platforms.
That’s why top iOS engineers depend on a precise pre-submission checklist to make certain clean approval, quicker review time, and zero compliance issues. Teams relying on Plugins Flutter Developers often use specialized integrations to enhance functionality while ensuring all Apple guidelines are met.
In this guide, you’ll examine the precise, industry-tested tick list iOS developers follow earlier than submitting an app to the App Store in 2025—overlaying everything from code stability, UI/UX flow, App Review Guidelines, App Privacy information, backend checks, and metadata optimization. Leveraging backend expertise, sometimes with ExpressJS Developers, can ensure server-side APIs and security measures align perfectly with App Store expectations.
What Is an iOS App Store Submission Checklist?
An iOS App Store submission checklist is a based process iOS builders use to validate:
- App performance
- Technical stability
- UI/UX consistency
- Compliance with Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines
- Accurate app metadata
- Privacy, permissions, and data usage
- Legal requirements
- Build configuration
- Testing, QA, and pre-launch readiness
It ensures that the app meets Apple’s strict standards before submission, reducing the risk of rejection and helping maximize visibility with proper App Store Optimization.
Why This Checklist Matters in 2025
The 2025 App Store environment is far more competitive and regulated. Apple has tightened its guidelines on privacy, tracking, metadata accuracy, and user experience.
Reasons this checklist is crucial today:
1. Stricter Privacy Policies
Developers must clearly declare all data usage in the App Privacy Nutrition Labels.
2. Higher Rejection Rates
Many apps get rejected due to issues like unclear permissions, poor UI flow, or incomplete metadata.
3. Performance Expectations Are Higher
Users expect ultra-fast, stable apps.
4. Increased Regulatory Oversight
GDPR, CPRA, and Apple’s ATT (App Tracking Transparency) must be followed strictly.
5. Fast Release Cycles
Startups require faster submissions and fewer rejections to maintain launch timelines.
Benefits / Pros / Advantages of Following a Pre-Submission Checklist
1. Faster App Store Approval
Reduces the chance of rejection on technical or policy grounds.
2. Higher User Trust
Apps that follow Apple-recommended practices perform better and deliver a seamless experience.
3. Reduced Bugs and Crashes
Thorough testing ensures cleaner builds and stability.
4. Better Store Rankings
Optimized metadata and screenshots improve ASO (App Store Optimization).
5. Saves Development Time
Avoids repeated re-uploads and re-reviews.
6. Increased Conversion Rates
Well-crafted metadata and visuals improve install rates.
7. Ensures Legal & Policy Compliance
Helps maintain trust and avoid App Store policy violations.
Challenges / Cons
Even with a checklist, developers face some challenges:
1. Complex Guidelines
Apple’s rules can be lengthy and confusing.
2. Frequent Policy Changes
Developers must stay updated with each annual WWDC update.
3. Manual Review Process
Human reviewers may interpret guidelines differently.
4. Time-Consuming Testing
Thorough testing across device types requires effort.
5. Metadata Rejections Are Common
Even simple mistakes—incorrect screenshots or incomplete privacy info—can trigger rejections.
These challenges make a structured checklist even more essential.
Step-by-Step Guide: The Exact Checklist iOS Developers Use Before Submission
1. Technical & Code Quality Checklist
✓ Ensure App Stability
- No crashes or major freezes
- Test on real devices, simulators, and at least 5–7 iPhone models
✓ Remove Debug Logs and Test Code
Debug statements like print() or NSLog should be cleared.
✓ Validate Build Configurations
- Proper Release build
- Disabled “Debug Mode”
- No “Test Data” or “Staging URLs”
✓ Check Memory Usage
Use Xcode Instruments to avoid high memory leaks.
✓ Validate App Performance
- Apple expects:
- Fast cold start
- Smooth animations
- Optimized network calls
2. UI/UX and Functional Flow Checklist
✓ Follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)
Check spacing, alignment, contrast, gestures, tappable areas.
✓ Verify Onboarding Flow
Make sure onboarding does not mislead users.
✓ Validate All Screens and Navigation
Ensure:
- No dead screens
- No broken links
- No placeholder content
✓ Consistent UI on Dark Mode & Light Mode
✓ Handle Offline Scenarios Gracefully
Provide messages like:
“You are offline. Please try again after reconnecting.”
3. Privacy, Permissions & Security Checklist
✓ Ensure Permission Prompts Are Clear
Permission messages must explain why the app needs access.
Examples:
❌ Wrong: “App needs location access.”
✔ Correct: “We use your location to show nearby services.”
✓ Complete App Privacy Labels Accurately
Declare:
- Data linked to the user
- Data used for tracking
- Data collected anonymously
✓ Comply with ATT (App Tracking Transparency)
If you track users across apps → implement ATT prompt.
✓ Use Secure Storage
Keychain for sensitive data.
✓ Validate SSL Certificates
Disallow insecure HTTP calls (ATS compliance).
4. Content & Metadata Checklist
✓ App Name & Subtitle Must Be Accurate
Avoid keyword stuffing.
✓ Write a Clear and Honest App Description
Cover:
- What the app does
- Key features
- Target audience
✓ Provide High-Quality Screenshots
✔ Correct device sizes
✔ Real in-app screens
✔ No promotional exaggerations
✓ Prepare an App Preview Video (optional)
✓ Choose the Correct App Category
✓ Add Keywords for ASO (App Store Optimization)
✓ Provide a Complete “What’s New” Section
If it’s an update.
5. Backend & API Validation Checklist
✓ Verify Server Stability
Ensure backend has load capacity for new users.
✓ Validate API Security
JWT, OAuth, or secure API keys.
✓ Test Edge Cases
- Slow network
- Timeouts
- Invalid responses
✓ Ensure Privacy Compliance on Server-End
No unnecessary data logging.
6. Payment, Subscription & In-App Purchases Checklist
✓ Ensure In-App Purchases Use StoreKit
No external payment links allowed.
✓ Verify Subscription Screens
Must clearly show:
- Price
- Duration
- Auto-renew info
✓ Test Purchase/Restore Flow
Especially:
- Restore purchases on new device
- Re-enable benefits after renewal
7. Testing & QA Checklist
✓ Use TestFlight for Beta Testing
Invite:
- Internal testers
- External testers
✓ Test on Different iOS Versions
Minimum supported version to latest iOS.
✓ Validate Push Notifications
Including:
- Permission prompt
- Delivery
- Deep links
✓ Ensure Accessibility Compliance
VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, contrast.
8. App Store Connect Checklist
✓ Upload the Correct Build
Match version + build number.
✓ Complete All Mandatory App Info
- App icon
- Age rating
- App category
- Compliance details
✓ Submit Required Compliance Certifications
For encryption, export compliance.
✓ Add Contact Details for App Review Team
To help with faster review.
9. Final Submission Checklist
- Re-check screenshots
- Validate privacy labels
- Ensure no placeholder text
- Confirm backend readiness
- Double-check StoreKit purchase flows
- Ensure links and buttons work
- Submit for review
Key Features / Components of a Perfect App Store Submission
- Clean and stable iOS build
- Smooth UX matching Apple’s HIG
- Accurate metadata
- Privacy-compliant prompts
- High-quality screenshots
- TestFlight-tested build
- Proper documentation for reviewers
- GDPR & ATT compliance
Real Examples / Case Studies
Case Study 1: FinTech App Rejected Due to Inaccurate Privacy Labels
A payments startup declared “no data tracking,” but app collected device identifiers.
Fix: Updated Privacy Nutrition Labels → Approved in 24 hours.
Case Study 2: Fitness App Rejected for UI Inconsistency
Dark mode UI broke on iPhone SE (2022 model).
Fix: Redesigned constraints → Passed on next submission.
Case Study 3: EdTech App Rejected for Poor Onboarding Flow
Apple rejected due to unclear signup instructions.
Fix: Added tooltips + proper flow → Approved in one day.
Comparison Table: Checklist Items and Their Impact
| Checklist Item | Impact on Approval | Difficulty Level |
| Accurate Privacy Labels | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| Clean UI & HIG Compliance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| Performance Testing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High |
| Metadata Optimization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy |
| TestFlight Beta Testing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| Secure Backend Implementation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High |
| StoreKit Validation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
Best Practices for iOS App Submission
1. Keep Your UI Simple and Apple-Friendly
Minimalism is the new standard.
2. Test Purchase & Subscription Flow Thoroughly
Apple rejects if payments fail.
3. Use Real Device Testing
Simulators can hide real-world bugs.
4. Use Think-Aloud Testing
Ask users to speak while using your app—reveals UX issues.
5. Provide a Reviewer Account
Apple reviewers must access restricted features.
6. Avoid Exaggerated Claims
If your app describes unrealistic claims → rejection risk.
7. Optimize for App Store Search
Use long-tail keywords naturally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete metadata
- Inaccurate privacy labels
- Misleading permission prompts
- Incomplete subscription information
- No TestFlight testing
- Broken links or missing screens
- Using copyrighted content
- Not providing demo login credentials
Latest Trends / Future Scope (2025 and Beyond)
1. AI-Powered Testing
Automated UI testing significantly reduces pre-submission work.
2. Stricter Privacy Regulations
Expect more rules on biometric and behavioral tracking.
3. App Store Transparency Reports
Apple now highlights apps with strong privacy compliance.
4. Smarter Rejection Explanations
Apple is improving clarity in rejection messages.
5. More Emphasis on App Accessibility
Accessibility compliance will be a major ranking factor.
Conclusion
Submitting an iOS app to the App Store is not just uploading a construct—it’s a strategic, coverage-driven process. By following this precise tick list, developers can reduce rejections, enhance approval time, and ensure a easy consumer enjoy from day one.
Whether you are constructing a startup MVP, organisation-grade app, or subscription-based product, this tick list helps you meet Apple’s 2025 expectancies with confidence, clarity, and professionalism.
FAQs:
1. What is the most common reason for App Store rejection?
The top reasons include inaccurate privacy labels, incomplete metadata, and misleading permission prompts.
2. Do iOS apps need TestFlight testing before submission?
TestFlight isn’t mandatory but highly recommended to catch hidden bugs.
3. How long does App Store review take in 2025?
Most apps get reviewed in 24–48 hours, but complex apps may take longer.
4. Should I provide demo login for the Apple review team?
Yes, especially for apps requiring authentication or restricted content.
5. Can metadata mistakes cause rejection?
Yes—incorrect screenshots, wrong descriptions, or keyword-stuffed metadata often lead to rejection.
6. Do I need ATT prompt if I’m not tracking users?
No, ATT is only required if your app uses cross-app tracking.
7. What should I do if my app gets rejected?
Review the rejection message, make necessary changes, and resubmit. Apple clearly mentions the guideline violated.
8. Does dark mode matter for approvals?
Yes, broken UI in dark mode can cause rejections.
