How to Deploy an iOS App to App Store Connect

Follow this detailed guide to deploy your iOS app on App Store Connect. Each step is explained thoroughly to help even beginners succeed.

1. Prerequisites

• Apple Developer Account: Ensure you are enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.
• Xcode Installed: Download the latest version of Xcode from the Mac App Store.
• Initial Setup: Prepare your project with a unique Bundle Identifier and an appropriate provisioning profile.
• App Store Connect Record: Create an app record and prepare all necessary elements (description, screenshots, keywords, etc.).

2. Setting Up the App Identifier and Provisioning Profile

Before deploying, you must properly configure your app. Follow these steps:

2.1 Create an App Identifier (App ID)

    1 . Open your browser and log in to the Apple Developer Portal.
    2 . In the menu, select Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles.

    3 . Click on Identifiers and then click the + button to add a new identifier.

    4 . Choose App IDs and select App as the type.

    5 . Enter a description and set your Bundle Identifier (in reverse-domain format, e.g.,             com.yourdomain.yourapp).

    6 . Enable any capabilities you need (such as Push Notifications, iCloud, etc.).

    7 . Click Continue, verify the details, and then click Register to complete the creation.

2.2 Configure the Bundle Identifier in Xcode

    1. Open your project in Xcode.
    2. In the Project Navigator, click on your project name.
    3. Select your target from the list on the left.

    4. In the General tab, locate the Bundle Identifier field.
    5. Ensure that this field exactly matches the identifier you registered on the Developer Portal.

2.3 Configure Signing & Capabilities

1. In Xcode, click on the Signing & Capabilities tab for your target.
2. Check the option Automatically manage signing so that Xcode handles certificates and profiles.
3. Select your developer team from the dropdown menu.
4. Add any required capabilities (e.g., In-App Purchases, Push Notifications) by clicking the + button.

Register a New Device

If you plan to test your app on a physical device, you need to register the device in your Apple Developer account. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Apple Developer Portal.
2. Navigate to Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles in the sidebar.
3. Click on Devices.

4. Click the + button to add a new device.

5. Enter a device name (e.g., "John’s iPhone 12") and the device's UDID. (You can obtain the UDID by connecting your device to Xcode or using Finder.)

6. Review the details and click Register to add the device to your account.

2.4 Generate and Assign a Provisioning Profile

    1. Return to the Apple Developer Portal.
    2. Under Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles, select Profiles.

    3. Click the + button to create a new profile.

    4. Select the type of profile: App Store (for distribution) or Development (for testing).

    5. Choose the App ID that matches your bundle identifier.

    6. Select the appropriate certificates associated with your account.

    7. For a development profile, select the devices on which you want to test your app.

    8. Give your profile a name and click Generate.

    9. Download the profile and double-click it to install it in Xcode.

3. Prepare the App Version and Metadata in App Store Connect

Before archiving your app, set up its record on App Store Connect:

    1. Log in to App Store Connect with your Apple ID.
    2. In the My Apps section, click the + button to add a new app if it doesn’t exist yet.
    3. Fill in the required information: app name, Bundle ID (as configured in Xcode), SKU, and platform.
    4. Add a complete description, relevant keywords, support URL, and upload the app’s screenshots.
    5. Set the pricing, availability, and compliance details.
    6. Save your changes and ensure all required fields are completed.

4. Archive Your App Using Xcode

Before submitting your app, you need to create an archive:

1. Open your project in Xcode and ensure the build configuration is set to Release.
2. Select a real device or choose Generic iOS Device as the target.
3. In the menu, click on Product > Archive.
4. Wait for Xcode to compile and create the archive. Once complete, the Organizer window will open automatically.

5. Upload the Archive to App Store Connect

After archiving your app, you need to upload it to App Store Connect:

1. In the Organizer window in Xcode, select the recently created archive.
2. Click the Distribute App button.
3. Select App Store Connect as the distribution method and click Next.
4. Choose Upload to send your archive.
5. Fill in all the required information (version, build, etc.) and run validations.
6. If all validations pass, click on Upload to finalize the process.

6. Manage Your App on App Store Connect

Once the upload is complete, configure and manage your app on App Store Connect:

1. Log in to App Store Connect.
2. In the My Apps section, select your app.
3. If you wish to test the build, go to the TestFlight tab to add internal or external testers.
4. To prepare for release, click on the App Store tab and select the build to associate with your app record.
5. Review and update all metadata as needed.

7. Submit Your App for Review

When everything is ready, submit your app for Apple’s review:

1. In App Store Connect, navigate to App Store > App Information to verify that all details are correct.
2. Then, go to App Store > Prepare for Submission.
3. Select the build you uploaded earlier.
4. Add any additional required information (release notes, compliance details, etc.).
5. Click on Submit for Review and wait for Apple's approval.

Conclusion

By following these detailed, step-by-step instructions, even beginners can successfully configure, archive, and submit their iOS app on App Store Connect. Take your time to verify each step and ensure that all information is correct to avoid delays in Apple's review process.