Conditions

Before starting the build and release process, ensure the following:

• Apple Developer account for creating certificates and provisioning profiles.
• App Store Connect access to upload your app.

1. Prepare the App for Release

1. Update Version & Build Number
• Open your project in Xcode.
• In the General tab of your app's target, update the version and build number:
• Version: This should reflect your app’s public release version (e.g., 1.0.0).
• Build: Increment this number with each build (e.g., 1, 2, etc.).
2. Set App Icon and Splash Screens
• Ensure the app icon and launch screens are properly configured for all iOS device sizes.
3. Update Info.plist
• Review your Info.plist file to make sure all necessary permissions (e.g., camera, location) are included and set correctly.

2. Set Up Your iOS Distribution Certificate

   1. Create Distribution Certificate
   • Go to the Apple Developer Portal.https://developer.apple.com/
   • Navigate to Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles and create a new iOS Distribution Certificate.
   • Download the certificate and install it on your Mac.
   2. Create App Store Provisioning Profile
   • Still in the Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles section, create a new App Store Distribution Provisioning Profile.
   • Link the profile to your app’s App ID and Distribution Certificate.

3. Set Up App Store Connect

1. Create or Update App Record
• Log into App Store Connect.
• If this is a new app, click My Apps > + to create a new app. Fill in the necessary metadata (app name, description, keywords, etc.).
• If updating an existing app, select the app and navigate to App Information to update details.
2. Prepare App Store Metadata
• Add app description, keywords, screenshots, and any other required metadata.

4. Archive the App in Xcode

1. Select Device for Archive
• In Xcode, ensure the target device is set to Generic iOS Device or connect a physical iPhone/iPad.
2. Build the Archive
• In Xcode, navigate to the menu and select Product > Archive.
• This will compile the app and prepare it for distribution.
3. Open Organizer
• After the archive process completes, the Organizer window will appear. From here, you can review and manage your app's builds.

5. Upload the App to App Store Connect

   1. Upload via Xcode
   • In the Organizer window, select the archive you just created and click Distribute App.
   • Choose App Store Connect as the distribution method.
   • Click Upload and follow the prompts to select the correct signing identity and provisioning profile.
   • Xcode will validate and upload the build to App Store Connect.

6. Submit App for Review

   1. Log in to App Store Connect
   • Go to My Apps in App Store Connect.
   • Select your app and navigate to the App Store section.
   2. Select Build and Submit for Review
   • Under App Store > Versions, select the build you just uploaded.
   • Add Release Notes to describe the changes or new features in this version.
   • Click Submit for Review.
   3. Wait for Review
   • Apple’s review process can take several days. You will be notified when your app has been approved.
7. Post-Release Steps
1. Monitor App Performance
• Once your app is live, monitor its performance in App Store Connect using App Analytics and Crash Reports.
• Check user feedback and ratings in the App Store.
2. Bug Fixes and Updates
• If needed, address user feedback or app crashes by releasing updates. Make sure to update the version and build numbers as you incrementally release new versions.

Additional Tips

• TestFlight: Before submitting the app to the App Store, you can distribute it to testers using TestFlight for feedback.
• Automate with Fastlane: If you need to automate your iOS build and release process, consider using Fastlane for continuous integration and deployment.