BuyWise checklist blog
Before Submitting an App to the App Store: Complete Buying Checklist
Ensure your app meets all technical, legal, and user experience requirements for App Store approval by verifying key compliance, functionality, and documentation standards.
Introduction
This submitting an app to the app store checklist helps you make a clearer decision before money leaves your account. Instead of juggling scattered advice, you work through a practical sequence designed for real-world buying.
Ensure your app meets all technical, legal, and user experience requirements for App Store approval by verifying key compliance, functionality, and documentation standards.
Use the sections below as a working framework. Tick what you can verify now, flag what is still unclear, and only proceed when the important unknowns are resolved.
Related BuyWise guides: Before Outsourcing Software Development · Before Hiring Software Engineers · Before Conducting a Code Review · How to Get WhatsApp APIs from Meta · How to Deploy Apps to TestFlight.
Why this checklist matters
Buying Submitting an App to the App Store is rarely about one feature. Total cost, reliability, paperwork, and post-purchase support all affect whether the decision still feels smart weeks later.
A structured checklist creates accountability: every important concern becomes an explicit step. That is especially useful when sales pressure or information overload kicks in.
In Developer, small missed details often become expensive corrections. Completing this guide before commitment is usually cheaper than fixing a rushed purchase.
Complete checklist
Work through each section in order. Every item below includes practical guidance so you know what “done” looks like before you buy.
App Compliance
5 items1.Confirm app does not contain any copyrighted material (images, music, video) without explicit licenses or permissions.
Treat “Confirm app does not contain any copyrighted material (images, music, video) without explicit licenses or permissions.” as a decision gate, not a formality. Confirm the facts, note any uncertainty, and only proceed with Submitting an App to the App Store when this point is clearly resolved.
2.Verify that a clear, accessible privacy policy is included in the app and linked in the App Store Connect description.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
3.Ensure the app adheres to App Store Review Guidelines regarding user-generated content, specifically that it does not display illegal, explicit, or offensive material without proper age restrictions.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
4.Check that all data collection practices (e.g., analytics, advertising) are disclosed in the privacy policy and comply with GDPR/CCPA regulations.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
5.Test the app for compliance with App Store guidelines on functionality, ensuring no crashes, infinite loops, or non-functional features exist on all supported iOS versions.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
Technical Specifications
5 items1.Verify app performance on minimum supported iOS version (e.g., iOS 13.0) and ensure no crashes or graphical glitches occur.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
2.Confirm app compatibility across at least three distinct device families (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) using Apple’s Device Compatibility Matrix.
Measure twice and match specifications to your real constraints. Compatibility mistakes are one of the most expensive errors with Submitting an App to the App Store.
3.Measure and document app size; ensure it does not exceed 200MB for standard App Store distribution without requiring additional downloads.
Measure twice and match specifications to your real constraints. Compatibility mistakes are one of the most expensive errors with Submitting an App to the App Store.
4.Test app launch time on 3G/4G networks to ensure it loads within 3 seconds; longer times are a rejection risk.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
5.Validate that the app adheres to Apple’s 64-bit requirement and does not contain 32-bit code segments.
Treat “Validate that the app adheres to Apple’s 64-bit requirement and does not contain 32-bit code segments.” as a decision gate, not a formality. Confirm the facts, note any uncertainty, and only proceed with Submitting an App to the App Store when this point is clearly resolved.
Submission Documentation
5 items1.Verify all required screenshots are uploaded in the correct size (e.g., 1242×2208 for iPhone XS Max) and format (PNG or JPEG).
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
2.Confirm the app description includes a concise summary, feature bullet points, and support contact information.
Match the exact model and specs to your needs. Marketing language can hide important differences that affect long-term satisfaction with Submitting an App to the App Store.
3.Ensure the marketing URL directs to a live, mobile-optimized landing page that accurately represents the app’s core features.
Match the exact model and specs to your needs. Marketing language can hide important differences that affect long-term satisfaction with Submitting an App to the App Store.
4.Check that all support URLs (e.g., privacy policy, terms of service) are functional and contain the required legal disclosures.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
5.Validate that the app’s version number in App Store Connect matches the build version submitted for review.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
User Experience
5 items1.Verify all interactive elements (buttons, links, menus) respond within 1 second on target devices
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
2.Confirm accessibility features: minimum 44x44pt touch targets, dynamic type support, and VoiceOver/TalkBack compatibility
Measure twice and match specifications to your real constraints. Compatibility mistakes are one of the most expensive errors with Submitting an App to the App Store.
3.Test navigation flow on smallest and largest supported screen sizes to ensure no elements are clipped or require horizontal scrolling
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
4.Check contrast ratios meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
5.Validate in-app help or onboarding guides are accessible from every screen and include searchable content
Treat “Validate in-app help or onboarding guides are accessible from every screen and include searchable content” as a decision gate, not a formality. Confirm the facts, note any uncertainty, and only proceed with Submitting an App to the App Store when this point is clearly resolved.
Security & Data Handling
5 items1.Verify that all user data transmitted over networks is encrypted using at least TLS 1.2 with strong cipher suites (e.g., AES-256-GCM).
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
2.Confirm that user authentication implements multi-factor authentication (MFA) and uses OAuth 2.0 or similar secure protocols.
Treat safety and fraud checks as non-negotiable. If anything feels rushed, opaque, or pressured, pause and verify before continuing with Submitting an App to the App Store.
3.Check that all stored user data is encrypted at rest using AES-256 or equivalent encryption standards.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
4.Ensure GDPR compliance by verifying presence of a clear privacy policy, data processing agreement, and mechanisms for user data access, correction, and deletion requests.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
5.Conduct a penetration test to identify and remediate any vulnerabilities in data handling and storage mechanisms before submission.
Inspect carefully in person or via a trusted checklist walkthrough. Look for defects, missing parts, and mismatches with the listing before you commit to Submitting an App to the App Store.
Common mistakes
- Leaving paperwork to the end, then discovering missing warranties or unclear terms.
- Letting urgency or scarcity pressure override unfinished checklist items.
- Skipping a second quote or comparison and accepting the first “good enough” option for Submitting an App to the App Store.
- Focusing only on upfront price while ignoring fees, maintenance, or replacement risk.
Expert buying tips
- Write your must-haves before browsing so shiny extras do not redefine the purchase.
- Capture evidence as you go—photos, screenshots, model numbers, and written quotes.
- Decide your walk-away conditions in advance (budget ceiling, deal-breakers, timing).
- Revisit the checklist after sleep or a short break; fresh eyes catch expensive misses.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Submitting an App to the App Store checklist?
A Submitting an App to the App Store checklist is a structured set of checks to complete before you buy. BuyWise organizes the process into sections such as App Compliance, Technical Specifications, Submission Documentation so you do not miss costly details.
Why should I use a checklist before buying Submitting an App to the App Store?
Most buying regrets come from skipped details—compatibility, total cost, warranty, or seller risk. A checklist forces those checks into a clear order so your developer decision is calmer and more complete.
How long does the submitting an app to the app store checklist take?
Most people can work through the core checks in one focused session, then revisit anything unresolved. Complex purchases may need a second pass after quotes, inspections, or comparisons.
What are common mistakes when buying Submitting an App to the App Store?
Rushing the decision, comparing only sticker price, skipping paperwork, and ignoring return or warranty terms. The sections in this guide are designed to catch those failure points early.
Is this submitting an app to the app store checklist free?
Yes. This guide is free to read on the web, and you can also open it in the BuyWise app to tick items and save progress offline.
Can I customize this checklist?
In the BuyWise app you can track progress, keep notes, and build personal checklists for decisions that need extra steps beyond this published framework.
Who is this checklist for?
Anyone preparing to buy Submitting an App to the App Store—first-time buyers, careful researchers, and people who want a repeatable framework instead of scattered notes across tabs and chats.
How is BuyWise different from a random blog list?
BuyWise checklists are structured for action: ordered sections, tickable items, offline progress, and related guides for the next decision in the same buying journey.
Conclusion
If you complete the checks in this submitting an app to the app store checklist, you will know what is verified, what is still open, and whether the purchase deserves a yes.
Open the same checklist in the BuyWise app to track progress offline, revisit unfinished items, and continue into related buying guides when the next decision appears.
