Membership in the Apple Developer Program

If you're not yet a member, it's time to become one. The annual fee is $99, granting you access to vital developer tools needed for app preparation. Registration can be done via Apple's website or at any Apple Developer Centers located in cities like San Francisco, New York, Cork, London, Paris, or Sydney. An active membership is crucial for distribution to commence.

Creating Your App ID and Provisioning Profile

After signing up, you need to establish an Apple Developer account and register as an app developer. A paid account is necessary for making purchases on iTunesConnect, which is essential for app uploads and sales. If you haven't already, download Xcode. After installation, create a new single-view application project using Swift as the programming language and selecting Universal for Devices under Deployment Target.

Next, use your Apple Developer account credentials to create an App ID. Navigate to Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles under Membership in the Xcode menu bar, click on App IDs, then the '+' button. Name your App ID (e.g., MyAppName) and choose Development as its type to avoid requiring users to input their Apple password during installation. Continue by adding details like the bundle identifier, ensuring it matches your project name, and proceed until completion.

Writing Your Code

Transforming your app idea into reality can be daunting, especially if you're not experienced in coding. Fortunately, various services exist that enable developers with limited technical knowledge to get their apps developed. Some companies specialize in designing, developing, and testing apps before submission to Apple. This is where outsourcing comes into play: while some argue it diminishes control over the product, others see it as a way for entrepreneurs to focus on profitability while experts manage development. Whether you choose to DIY or outsource depends on your skills and the feasibility of hiring someone else for the task.

Testing on a Physical Device

When preparing to upload your app to iTunes Connect, ensure you have your app’s icon, screenshots, description, and marketing text ready. At least one screenshot should be in landscape orientation, and you can submit up to five for portrait mode. Additionally, follow these guidelines for your app icon:

• The icon must be 1024 x 1024 pixels.
• For Retina display devices, consider an @2x version, like 2048 x 2048 pixels.
• Save both versions as PNG files with transparency enabled.

If you lack design software, IconForge is a user-friendly tool for creating app icons without graphic design expertise.

Running on an Emulator

Before diving into app creation, familiarize yourself with Apple's extensive review guidelines. Avoid incorporating any objectionable content, such as defamatory material, and adhere to legal standards. Tools like InVision can help you create a prototype, making it easier for designers to understand your vision when it comes time to develop your app.

Uploading Your Assets

To publish your app, submit your assets for review via AppstoreConnect. Ensure all information is accurate and that your icon is of high quality. Initial uploads may take up to 48 hours for approval, but subsequent ones usually take less than 24 hours. When you upload your app's binary, Apple will automatically create a prerelease version, which remains hidden on iTunes Connect until reviewed. After approval, you can update your app anytime by uploading new binaries through AppstoreConnect.

Submitting to Apple's Review Process

The final step in publishing your app involves submitting it for review through Xcode using iTunes Connect. Ensure all settings, including availability date, version number, and bundle ID, are correctly configured before hitting the submit button.

This video, "Submit App to App Store (Upload iOS App) – 2024 Tutorial," offers a step-by-step guide to the submission process.

In this video, "How to upload your app to the App Store in 2024," you'll learn about the latest techniques for app uploads.