So you’ve been vibe coding away now for a few months, and you might have even picked up some actual programming skills in Kolton Or Swift. Everything seems to be working in the Emulators, now it’s time to make your new Mobile App ready for the people. What does it actually take to get your App into the App Stores?
Publishing Mobile Apps to Google Play
I’m going to start off with Google Play, as it’s easier to get your account approved.
- Goto the Google Play Console Sign up, you will need a Gmail Address and Payment Profile.
- If you are going to register as a Business you need a D‑U‑N‑S Number, Google Play will allow you to sign up as an Amateur Developer account, without the D‑U‑N‑S number. In the past a D‑U‑N‑S wasn’t needed for Google, but now it is.
- The cost is a one time $25 fee.
Once you start this process Google will ask you a handful of questions about the types of apps you want to build. The biggest questions is what types of app in special categories:
Limitations on Developer Accounts in Google Play. You have to have an organizational account for any of the following:
Financial products and services, including but not limited to banking, loans, stock trading, investment funds, cryptocurrency software wallets, and cryptocurrency exchanges. Learn more about the Financial Services policy.
- Health apps, such as Medical apps and Human Subjects Research apps. Learn more about Health app categories.
- Apps approved to use the VpnService class. Learn more about the VPN Service policy.
- Government apps, including apps developed by or on behalf of a government agency.
During the Process I already had a payment profile set-up through Google, so I was not able to document that process.
You also must verify your phone number before you can publish your app into the store.
Once you have created your Profile and made the $25 payment, you then must:
1. Verify your identity (You will need to upload a Government ID and a document verifying your address)
2. Verify yo have an physical Android device by logging into Google Play
3. Verify your phone number.
It took them about 1 day to verify my identity, after that I was able to complete step 2 and # in a few minutes.
Publishing a APP into the Apple Store
Apple offers two main types of developer accounts through the Apple Developer Program. These are similar in concept to individual and business accounts on the Google Play Store, but with a few key differences.
Individual Account
An Individual account is designed for a single developer publishing apps under their own name.
This option is best if you are a freelancer, hobbyist, or solo developer.
Key characteristics:
- The app is published under your personal legal name
- No business verification is required
- Setup is faster and simpler
- No DUNS number is required
Organization Account
An Organization account is intended for businesses, agencies, and companies that want to publish apps under a company name.
This is the preferred option for most businesses and professional app deployments.
Key characteristics:
- The app is published under your business name
- Requires business verification through Apple
- Requires a DUNS number
- Allows multiple team members with role-based access
Do You Need a DUNS Number?
A DUNS number is required only for Organization accounts.
Cost of the Apple Developer Program
To publish apps on the App Store, you must enroll in the Apple Developer Program.
- Annual cost: 99 dollars per year
- Applies to both Individual and Organization accounts
This fee gives you access to app distribution, beta testing tools, analytics, and development resources.
Step by Step Process to Publish an App
Step 1: Create an Apple ID
Start by creating an Apple ID if you do not already have one. This will be used to manage your developer account and access Apple’s tools.
Step 2: Enroll in the Apple Developer Program
Visit the Apple Developer website and enroll in the program through the Apple Developer Program.
During enrollment, you will choose between an Individual or Organization account. The core enrollment flow is the same, but Organization accounts require additional verification steps.
What is required for an Individual account:
- Your legal name and address
- A valid Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled
- Payment of the annual 99 dollar fee
Additional requirements for an Organization account:
- A registered legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation
- A DUNS number issued by Dun & Bradstreet
- Legal authority to bind the company to agreements, meaning you must be the owner or have authorization to enroll on behalf of the company
- A business domain email address that matches your company website, not a generic email like Gmail
- Publicly listed business information that Apple can verify, including phone number and address
After submitting, Apple will typically:
- Verify your DUNS number and business details
- Contact you by phone to confirm your enrollment and authority
This verification process can take a few days to over a week depending on how quickly your business information can be confirmed.
Step 3: Set Up App Store Connect
Once approved, you will gain access to App Store Connect.
This is where you will:
- Create your app listing
- Manage users and permissions
- Upload builds
- Set pricing and availability
Step 4: Prepare Your App for Submission
Before uploading your app, make sure you have the following ready:
- App name and description
- Keywords for search optimization
- Screenshots for different device sizes
- App icon
- Privacy policy URL
- Support URL
You will also need to configure app capabilities such as permissions, notifications, and in-app purchases.
Step 5: Upload Your App
Use Xcode to archive and upload your app build to App Store Connect.
Once uploaded, you will link the build to your app listing and prepare it for review.
Step 6: Submit for Apple Review
Apple has a formal review process where your app is evaluated for quality, performance, and compliance with guidelines.
Typical review time:
- 1 to 3 days for most apps
- Can be longer for complex apps or first-time submissions
Step 7: Launch Your App
Once approved, you can publish your app immediately or schedule a release date.
You can also roll out updates, track performance, and manage user feedback through App Store Connect.
Key Differences Compared to Google Play
If you are familiar with Android publishing, here are a few important differences:
- Apple requires annual payment, while Google Play has a one-time fee
- Apple has stricter review guidelines
- Organization accounts require a DUNS number, unlike Google
- Apple’s approval process is more hands-on and can reject apps more frequently
Can you move Apps from your Developer Account into an Organizational Account?
The short answer is Yes, but if you can avoid this step, that is a better process. Below are the setps for both Apple and Google
How to move a Mobile App in Google Play and the from a Developer account to an Organization account.
Once an app is created in Google Play, the package name (applicationId) is permanently tied to that app. You cannot re-upload the same package name under a different account.
The only way to move it later is through an official app transfer.
When you transfer an app:
- The same package name is retained
- Ownership moves from your account to the client’s account
- The client becomes the new owner
- Reviews, installs, and history stay intact
This is the correct and safe method for handing off an app.
When It Can Cause Problems
Be cautious in these situations:
If you publish to production under your account, transferring later adds extra steps.
If you integrate services tied to your account such as:
- Google Maps API keys
- Firebase
- In-app purchases
- AdMob
These services may need to be migrated or reconfigured later.
How to move a Mobile App in the Apple Store
OS App Publishing and Transfer
iOS works similarly in concept but is more strict and requires more planning.
Short Answer
You can:
- Use your own Apple Developer account
- Build and distribute the app using TestFlight
- Let your team or client test the app
Later, you can transfer the app to the client’s Apple Developer account.
Key Difference from Android
Apple ties apps to:
- The Bundle ID
- The app record in App Store Connect
You cannot re-upload the same bundle ID under a different account. You must use Apple’s official transfer process.
How iOS Testing Works
- Create the app in App Store Connect
- Upload builds using Xcode or your CI tools
- Distribute through TestFlight
You can add internal testers or external testers, including clients.
App Transfer on iOS
Apple allows apps to be transferred between developer accounts.
After transfer:
- The app keeps the same bundle ID
- Users, ratings, and history remain intact
Common Issues with iOS Transfers
This is where most problems occur.
Bundle ID ownership must be valid and conflict-free on the receiving account.
Certain services do not transfer cleanly and must be reconfigured, including:
- Push notifications
- Apple Sign-In
- In-app purchases
- App groups and keychain sharing
Subscriptions and paid apps can add additional restrictions.
Best Practice for iOS
Best option:
Have the client create their Apple Developer account first, then add you as a developer and build directly under their account.
Alternate option:
Use your account, but follow these rules:
- Use TestFlight only
- Avoid production release early
- Avoid setting up complex services like in-app purchases too soon
- Use a client-based bundle ID
Suggested Workflow for iOS
Step 1
Create the app in App Store Connect under your account
Step 2
Upload builds using Xcode or your build tools
Step 3
Add testers through TestFlight
Step 4
Have the client create their Apple Developer account
Step 5
Transfer the app to the client
Alternative for Early Development
If you only need internal testing, you can skip store distribution and use:
- Direct install via Xcode
- Ad-hoc builds
- Development builds
This avoids account and transfer complications early on.
Android vs iOS Summary
Android is more flexible with account ownership and transfers. iOS is more restrictive and tightly controlled.
Android allows easier testing and transfer, while iOS requires TestFlight and stricter compliance.
iOS services are more tightly tied to the developer account, making planning more important.
Need Help Publishing App?
Code Team Blue is happy to help. Or visit our Mobile App Development Page for more information.