Apple App Store Publishing Checklist – How to Prepare Your iOS Learndash App for Publishing on the Apple App Store

Introduction #

Preparing your iOS app for the Apple App Store starts with the correct configurations in your Learndash App settings. Before setting up your app in App Store Connect, you must complete several essential steps, such as enabling in-app purchases, configuring moderation for user-generated content, and providing account deletion options.

Completing these steps ensures your app meets Apple’s guidelines, reduces the risk of rejection, and streamlines the review process.

This guide walks you through preparing your app in the Learndash App, configuring details in App Store Connect, and getting your app ready for a smooth submission and review.

Preparing Your App #

Set Up In-App Purchases #

1. If you plan to sell content inside your app, enable and configure In-App Purchases.
   
2. If you only sell via your website, do not display order pages inside the app.
   
   • Apple may approve the app as a reader app, allowing access to externally purchased content.
     
   • Approval as a reader app is not guaranteed and is at Apple’s discretion.
     
3. For setup guidance, see the In-App Purchases tutorial.
   

Generate an iOS Release Build #

1. In your WordPress Dashboard, go to Learndash App > Build.
   
2. Generate an iOS Release App build.
   
3. Refer to the Submitting a New Build tutorial for detailed steps.
   

Configuring Your App in App Store Connect #

Access App Information #

1. Log in to App Store Connect.
   
2. Open your app and go to App Information under the General section.
   
3. Confirm and set:
   
   • App name and tagline.
     
   • Primary/secondary category.
     
   • Third-party content rights (if applicable).
     
   • License agreement (Apple’s standard EULA or your own).
     
   • Age rating questionnaire (note: “Made for Kids” cannot be changed later).
     
4. Click Save.
   

Pricing and Availability #

1. Go to Monetization > Pricing and Availability.
   
2. Choose a price (Free or Paid).
   
   • Paid apps require a Paid Applications Agreement (covered in the In-App Purchases tutorial).
     
3. Select availability (all regions, selected regions, or pre-order).
   
4. Click Next > Confirm.
   

App Privacy #

1. Go to App Privacy > Trust and Safety.
   
2. Enter your Privacy Policy URL.
   
3. Complete the privacy questionnaire, specifying:
   
   • Data collected.
     
   • Purpose of collection.
     
4. Click Save.
   

Prepare a New App Version #

• For a new app, version 1.0 is created automatically.
  
• For an update, create a new version.
  
• Wait for any current review to finish or cancel it before creating a new version.
  

Upload Screenshots #

1. Under Previews and Screenshots, upload at least one screenshot for iPhone 6.5-inch or 6.9-inch displays.
   
2. Format: JPG/PNG in RGB color space.
   
3. Required sizes:
   
   • iPhone 6.5-inch: 1242×2688 (portrait) or 2688×1242 (landscape).
     
   • iPhone 6.9-inch: 1290×2796 (portrait) or 2796×1290 (landscape).
     

Add App Details #

• Promotional text highlighting features.
  
• Description of functionality.
  
• Keywords separated by commas.
  
• Support URL and marketing URL.
  
• Copyright (e.g., 2025 App Inc.).
  
• Update the version number if required.
  

App Review Information #

1. If sign-in is required, check Sign-In Required.
   
2. Provide valid login credentials for Apple reviewers.
   
3. Add any reviewer notes or attachments.
   
4. Provide contact information.
   

Release Options #

• Manual release – publish manually after approval.
  
• Automatic release – publish immediately after approval.
  
• Scheduled release – publish on a set date.
  Click Save when done.
  

Submitting for Review #

1. In your WordPress Dashboard, go to Learndash App > Publishing Service > Apple App Store.
   
2. Submit your app version.
   
3. The Publishing Team will upload your build, prepare the release, and submit it to Apple.
   
4. You may request a review before submission to improve approval chances.
   

Troubleshooting & FAQs #

Q: Can I display website order pages in my app?
A: No. For reader apps, avoid in-app order pages to prevent rejection.

Q: Is a Privacy Policy required?
A: Yes, all apps must have a public Privacy Policy URL.

Q: Why must I provide login credentials?
A: Apple needs complete access to test your app’s features.

Q: Can I change “Made for Kids” later?
A: No. Once set, it cannot be changed.

Q: Do screenshots need specific sizes?
A: Yes, Apple requires exact resolutions for 6.5” and 6.9” devices.

Q: My app was approved but I can’t see it in the store.
A: If on manual release, you must publish it in App Store Connect. If scheduled, it will appear on the chosen date.