App Submission Process

[iGrump]

I have been approached by a friend to develop a basic iPhone app for his company - something new to both of us!

I'm hoping someone can help just fill in a few blank areas of knowledge to prepare us for the road ahead!!

He has applied to Apple to become a Registered iPhone Developer so the app can be published by his company. I was wondering what the process is once he (hopefully) becomes registered.

I understand Apple issues a certificate to the registered developer that can be used to sign the code. I assume all apps must be signed for submission to the Appstore?

Also, what is actually submitted to Apple? Is it just the app that's in the Build folder generated via xcode?

Finally, do you need to submit the summary, screenshots and details of the app at the same time you submit the app file?

Thank you in advance for your help in answering these newbie questions!

[wuf810]

Originally Posted by iGrump

I assume all apps must be signed for submission to the Appstore?

Also, what is actually submitted to Apple? Is it just the app that's in the Build folder generated via xcode?

Finally, do you need to submit the summary, screenshots and details of the app at the same time you submit the app file?

Thank you in advance for your help in answering these newbie questions!

Yep all apps need to be code signed.

You upload a zipped copy of the built app, description details of the app (in multiple language if you like) plus things like company details, app name, version number etc. Lastly you provide a 512 x 512 version of the apps icon and screenshots.

HTHs. M.

[habdelra]

Originally Posted by iGrump

I have been approached by a friend to develop a basic iPhone app for his company - something new to both of us!

I'm hoping someone can help just fill in a few blank areas of knowledge to prepare us for the road ahead!!

He has applied to Apple to become a Registered iPhone Developer so the app can be published by his company. I was wondering what the process is once he (hopefully) becomes registered.

I understand Apple issues a certificate to the registered developer that can be used to sign the code. I assume all apps must be signed for submission to the Appstore?

Also, what is actually submitted to Apple? Is it just the app that's in the Build folder generated via xcode?

Finally, do you need to submit the summary, screenshots and details of the app at the same time you submit the app file?

Thank you in advance for your help in answering these newbie questions!

After you get registered with apple, in addition to getting the Developer Portal access (where you manage your certificates, devices, App Id's and provisioning profiles), you will also get an iTunes connect account that you use to upload your apps into iTunes. On the iTunes connect account in the apps sections there is a very detailed developer guide on what exactly you need to provide to apple in order to get it uploaded. (also, don't forget to submit your contracts for paid apps as soon as you get into the iTunes connect account--this will take an additional 1 to 2 weeks of time) You don't need to supply the app binary at the same time as the app description. Also, getting the entitlement correct for the distributed version of your app can be a little tricky if it's your first time (the documentation is not all the great). I'd recommend playing around with an Ad Hoc distribution before submitting to iTunes so you can get familiar with how to setup the entitlement and provisioning profiles.

[iGrump]

wuf810 and habdelra,

Thanks so much for your replies. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge.

iGrump

[nycdude777]

Originally Posted by wuf810

Yep all apps need to be code signed.

You upload a zipped copy of the built app, description details of the app (in multiple language if you like) plus things like company details, app name, version number etc. Lastly you provide a 512 x 512 version of the apps icon and screenshots.

HTHs. M.

I am a little purplexed as to what constitutes the so called BINARY we are uploading...

I have finally been able to get all of the provisioning issues squared away and successfully BUILT my app for distribution (though my wall and my head will remain marked)

What file do I need to upload? I can't seem to find any documentation describing this step. Where do I find the file? Or do I need to zip up a folder? Which one?


Thanks!!!

[Kuroyume]

Originally Posted by nycdude777

I am a little purplexed as to what constitutes the so called BINARY we are uploading...

I have finally been able to get all of the provisioning issues squared away and successfully BUILT my app for distribution (though my wall and my head will remain marked)

What file do I need to upload? I can't seem to find any documentation describing this step. Where do I find the file? Or do I need to zip up a folder? Which one?


Thanks!!!

It is all there in the 'How To' of the Distribution section of your Developer Program enrolled account.

The xxx.app will be in a new 'Distribution' folder. After successful build, simply right-click over the result in the Product section of Xcode and select Reveal in Finder. Then you need to right-click the xxx.app in Finder and Compress. iTunes-Connect only accepts .zip files for application submission.

(sorry if the wording isn't exact. I'm on my Windows machine, not my Mac)