App Store and Google Play Launch Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Submit

Finishing the app is not the same as launching it. Many first releases are delayed by things that have nothing to do with code: a missing privacy policy, screenshots that don't match store requirements, or a review team that can't log in to test the app. This checklist covers what to prepare before you submit to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Store rules change, so always confirm current requirements in Apple's and Google's official developer documentation.

1. Set up developer accounts under your own company

You'll need an Apple Developer Program membership and a Google Play Console account. Register them under your own business, not your development partner's, so that you own the listings, the reviews and the ability to move to another team later. Allow extra time: business verification can take longer than expected.

2. Prepare a privacy policy and your data disclosures

Both stores ask what data your app collects and why, including data collected by third-party SDKs such as analytics or ads. You'll need a public privacy policy URL and need to complete Apple's App Privacy details and Google Play's Data safety form accurately. Mismatches between what you declare and what the app actually does are a common reason for rejection.

3. Check sign-in, account and payment rules

If users can create an account, review the current store requirements around account creation and account deletion. If you sell digital goods or subscriptions, check the in-app purchase rules and how subscriptions must be described to users. These are the areas where stores are strictest, and fixing them after a rejection costs time.

4. Build your store listing assets

• App name, subtitle or short description, and full description
• Keywords (Apple) and category selection
• App icon and screenshots in each required device size
• An optional preview video
• Support URL and a working support email address

Use only assets you have the rights to. Don't include other companies' logos, trademarks, music, stock images or fonts unless your licence covers commercial app use. Original or properly licensed material avoids takedowns later.

5. Test on real devices and through the official test channels

Use TestFlight for iOS and the internal or closed testing tracks on Google Play so testers install the app the same way real users will. Test on a range of devices and operating-system versions, on poor connections, and with fresh installs as well as updates.

6. Prepare for the review team

• Provide a demo account if the app requires sign-in, and make sure it works
• Make sure your backend and any third-party services are live during review
• Explain any permissions the app asks for (location, camera, notifications) and make sure each has a clear reason
• Remove placeholder text, test data and “coming soon” screens

7. Plan the release, not just the submission

Review times vary, so avoid promising a fixed public launch date until the app is approved. Consider a staged or phased rollout, set up crash reporting and basic analytics before launch, and decide who monitors reviews and support email in the first weeks.

8. Have a plan for the first update

Real users will find issues your testers did not. Keep the build pipeline and signing credentials accessible to you, not only to your developers, and plan the first update soon after launch.

A short pre-submission summary

• Developer accounts under your company, with verification complete
• Privacy policy live and data disclosures filled in accurately
• Sign-in, account deletion and payment flows checked against store rules
• Listing text and screenshots finished, using only assets you have rights to
• Tested on real devices through TestFlight and Google Play testing tracks
• Demo account and reviewer notes ready
• Crash reporting and a support process in place

We help founders take mobile products from idea to store release. See our mobile app development services, browse the apps we have shipped, or get in touch about your launch.