As an iOS developer, connecting to the App Store Connect is essential for distributing your apps on the iOS App Store. The App Store Connect allows you to manage apps, submit apps for review, and view analytics for your app’s performance. Here is a guide on how to connect to the App Store Connect and utilize its key features.
Register as an Apple Developer
The first step is to register as an Apple Developer. This gives you access to tools for developing iOS apps as well as the ability to publish apps on the App Store. Here’s how to become an Apple Developer:
- Go to the Apple Developer website (developer.apple.com) and click on “Account”.
- Click on “Register” and follow the prompts to create a Developer account.
- Agree to the terms and conditions to complete the registration.
Once registered, you’ll have access to the Apple Developer Center, where you can access technical resources, betas, and App Store Connect.
Create an App ID
Before you can submit an app to the App Store, you need to create an App ID. This is a unique identifier that tells the App Store your app’s bundle ID. Here’s how to create an App ID:
- In the Apple Developer Center, go to “Certificates, IDs & Profiles”.
- Under “Identifiers”, select “App IDs” and click “+”.
- Enter a name for the App ID (e.g. “MyAwesomeApp”) and select the bundle ID.
- Submit to create the new App ID.
Make sure to note the App ID, as you’ll need it when setting up an app in App Store Connect.
Create an App in App Store Connect
Now it’s time to create your actual app in App Store Connect. This registers your app and sets it up for submission to the App Store. Here are the steps:
- Go to App Store Connect and click “+ New App”.
- Enter your app name, choose iOS for the platform, and select the App ID you created.
- Choose a bundle ID and SKU, then submit to create the app.
You can now fill in app details like descriptions, keywords, categories, etc. This is also where you’ll submit your app for review when it’s ready for the App Store.
Obtain Distribution Certificates
To submit an iOS app to the App Store, you need distribution certificates issued by Apple. These verify that you are an approved developer. Here is how to get distribution certificates:
- In the Apple Developer Center, go to “Certificates, IDs & Profiles”.
- Under Certificates, select Production and click “+”.
- Follow the prompts to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
- Upload the CSR file and download your distribution certificate.
This certificate allows you to build a final signed IPA file to distribute on the App Store.
Generate a Provisioning Profile
Finally, you need a provisioning profile that ties together your app ID and distribution certificate. This enables code signing to verify your app. Follow these steps to generate a profile:
- In the Apple Developer Center, go to “Certificates, IDs & Profiles”.
- Under Provisioning Profiles, select Distribution and click “+”.
- Select your App ID, choose your distribution certificate, and submit.
- Download the provisioning profile.
You can now sign your app with this provisioning profile to submit it to the App Store.
Connect Xcode to App Store Connect
To streamline the app submission process, you can connect Xcode directly to your App Store Connect account. Here is how to set it up:
- In Xcode, go to Preferences > Accounts and click “+”.
- Sign in with your Apple ID used for App Store Connect.
- Select your development team to link it.
Now you can use Xcode to upload binaries, manage app details, submit for review, and more. Everything syncs between Xcode and App Store Connect.
Validate Your App
Before submitting to the App Store, use Xcode to validate your app by:
- Validating the app bundle structure.
- Checking compatibility with the latest iOS version.
- Verifying signed code and provisioning profiles.
- Testing for crashes, bugs, and performance.
This ensures your app is stable and conforms to App Store requirements. Fix any issues before uploading your binary.
Upload Your Binary
Once validated, you can upload your app binary to App Store Connect. Make sure to archive and export a signed IPA file from Xcode. Then simply drag and drop the IPA file to the App Store Connect portal to upload. The status will change to “Waiting for Review” once uploaded.
Submit for Review
After uploading your binary, you can officially submit your app for review. Go to the App Store Connect portal and on your app page click “Submit for Review”. Follow the prompts to select a build and publish release. Apple will then review your submission.
Monitor App Status
During the review process, you can monitor your app’s status from the App Store Connect portal. The status will change from “Waiting for Review” to “In Review” and so on as they evaluate your app. If any issues come up, Apple will notify you.
Release Your App
Once approved, your app’s status will change to “Ready for Sale” meaning it is now available on the App Store! You can set a release date if you don’t want it to go live immediately. Congrats, you have now released your app using the App Store Connect platform!
View Analytics
In App Store Connect you can view valuable analytics on your app’s performance, including:
- Sales – Units sold, proceeds, etc.
- Ratings & Reviews – Rating, number of ratings, review content.
- Installs – Total installs and new vs. reinstalls.
- App Store Visits – Page views and product page views.
Analyze this data to gain insights into how your app is performing and how users are responding.
Managing Your App
App Store Connect provides a suite of tools for managing your app post-launch:
- Add in-app purchases to monetize your app.
- Create app updates and submit for review.
- Modify app metadata like title, description, screenshots.
- Respond to user reviews.
- Access support resources and discussions.
Leverage these to keep improving your app and customer experience after release.
Conclusion
Connecting to App Store Connect provides iOS developers with the essential tools to publish, manage, and track app performance. By registering as an Apple Developer, creating app records, obtaining certificates and profiles, uploading binaries, and leveraging App Store Connect’s analytics, you can successfully launch apps on the iOS App Store and reach millions of potential customers.
