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The App Launch Checklist

Everything you need to take your iOS app from "almost done" to live on the App Store. No last-minute surprises.

iOS app launch checklist — from beta testing to App Store submission and beyond
Phase 1

Pre-launch prep

Testing

Beta programme

Run a TestFlight beta with real users (not just your team). Aim for at least 2 weeks of feedback. Fix critical bugs and collect testimonials for your App Store listing.

Store

App Store metadata

Write your app name, subtitle (30 chars), description, and keyword field. Research competitors' keywords using App Store Connect analytics and tools like AppTweak or Sensor Tower.

Visual

Screenshots & preview

Design screenshots for all required device sizes (6.7", 6.5", 5.5"). Create an app preview video if possible. First 3 screenshots are most important for conversion.

Legal

Privacy & compliance

Prepare your privacy policy URL, complete the App Privacy questionnaire in App Store Connect, and ensure you're GDPR/CCPA compliant. Apple will reject without a privacy policy.

Phase 2

Submission & review

Submit

App Store Connect

Upload your build, fill in all metadata, select your pricing, set age ratings, and choose your release method (manual or automatic after review). Submit for review.

Review

Apple review process

Reviews typically take 24-48 hours. Have a demo account ready if your app requires login. Respond quickly to any reviewer questions. Common rejection reasons: crashes, incomplete features, missing privacy info.

Prepare

Launch assets

While waiting for review, prepare your press kit, social media announcements, website updates, and email to your waitlist. Have everything queued and ready to go the moment you're approved.

Phase 3

Launch day

Timing

Pick your moment

Tuesday-Thursday launches perform best. Avoid holidays and major Apple events. Launch in the morning (your target market's timezone) to maximise Day 1 downloads.

Push

Coordinate announcements

Hit all channels at once: social media, email list, ProductHunt, Hacker News, relevant subreddits, and press outreach. First 48 hours are critical for App Store ranking.

Monitor

Watch the metrics

Monitor crash reports, App Store reviews, and support channels closely. Be ready to ship a hotfix if needed. Respond to every early review, positive or negative.

Phase 4

Post-launch growth

Iterate

Ship updates fast

Get version 1.1 out within 2 weeks of launch. Fix reported bugs, add the most-requested feature, and show users you're actively developing. Active apps rank higher.

Reviews

Build social proof

Implement SKStoreReviewController at the right moments (after a positive experience, not on first launch). Aim for 50+ ratings in your first month for credibility.

Grow

Organic & paid

Optimise your App Store listing based on real conversion data. Consider Apple Search Ads for targeted keywords. Track cost-per-install and lifetime value. Our growth services →

Need help
with your launch?

We've shipped dozens of apps to the App Store. Let us handle the details.

hello@moonshard.co