Publishing to the Apple App Store

Introduction

Launch your iOS app effortlessly with the BuddyBoss Publishing Service. Our team reviews your app to ensure it meets Apple App Store guidelines and publishes it using your developer account.

Find out how to use the BuddyBoss Publishing Service

Follow this guide to get your app live fast.

Before You Begin

Complete all steps in the Apple App Store Publishing Checklist and finalize your app customizations. Ensure that you have generated the required app screenshots for your white-label app.

Download the IPA File

1. In your WordPress admin, go to BuddyBoss App > Builds.
2. Locate the build you want to publish and click Download IPA File.
3. Save the IPA file to your computer.
   

Upload the Build to App Store Connect

You will need to upload your build to the TestFlight section of your app in App Store Connect. View our documentation about Uploading iOS Builds to App Store Connect for a more in-depth tutorial.

Once in TestFlight, you can assign the build to an app version, which can then be submitted to Apple for review. Follow these steps to upload a build:

1. From your WordPress admin, navigate to BuddyBoss App > Upload > Apple App Store.
   
2. Select the iOS Release App build to upload.
   
   • Only builds already in App Store Connect can be uploaded.
     
   • The build version and code must not exceed any existing build in App Store Connect.
     
3. Click Upload Build.

Note: Your build will be uploaded within 15 minutes. Check the status on the Upload History page.

Submit to Apple for Review

Once your build is uploaded to Apple, follow these steps to send it to Apple for review:

1. Log into App Store Connect.
   
2. Click My Apps, then select your app.
   
3. In the sidebar, click the app version you prepared while completing the Apple App Store Publishing Checklist.
   
4. Scroll to the Build section and click the + symbol.
   
5. Select the Release App build you wish to attach to this app version and click Done.
   
6. Click Add for Review in the upper-right corner. The app status will change to Ready for Review.
   
   • If you updated any app information, click Continue when prompted.
   • You may view the items that you’ve added to review in the App Review section of the sidebar.
     
7. If necessary, respond to export compliance questions and upload any required encryption authorization documents.
   • Because all apps are loaded on Apple servers in the United States, they are subject to U.S. export laws
     
8. In the App Review section, click Submit to App Review. The status will change to Waiting for Review, and then to In Review once the process starts.
   

Respond to Apple Rejections

If Apple rejects your submission for non-compliance with their App Store Review Guidelines, You can correspond with Apple through the App Review section until you resubmit the build to App Review.

You can include attachments in your replies, such as screenshots and supporting documents. If your app has been rejected because of a metadata issue (such as screenshots or store descriptions), you can resolve the issue and resubmit the same build.

To read and reply to communications from Apple, follow these steps

1. Log into App Store Connect and click My Apps, then select your app.
   
2. Click the link at the top that indicates unresolved issues.
   
3. In the In Progress section, click Resolve next to the submission you want to review.
   
4. Click Reply to App Review, type your response, and attach any necessary files (e.g., screenshots or supporting documents).
   
5. Click Reply to send your response.

For a smooth approval process, review the common missteps for various guidelines that can slow down the review process or trigger a rejection.  Review common missteps to avoid delays or further rejections

After Approval by Apple

• If you choose automatic release, your app will go live within 24 hours.
• If scheduled for a specific date, it will be released on that date.
• If you opted for manual release, log into App Store Connect to publish your app.
  

Publishing New Versions

To publish new versions, create a version using the same app record you created for the original version. Follow our detailed tutorial to upload your new app build and submit it to Apple for review.