Short answer: how to publish on Play Store and App Store
Set up your developer accounts, generate production builds, complete your store listings, fill in compliance sections and submit for review. End-to-end, this can take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on readiness.
A practical launch model is to release a stable MVP first, then iterate quickly with frequent updates. If you also need budget planning, read how much a mobile app costs.
Step 1: Create developer accounts
Google Play Console account
Google requires a one-time 25 euro fee. Set up Play Console, verify identity and complete business details in advance.
Apple Developer Program account
Apple charges 99 euros per year. For companies, legal verification and D-U-N-S checks may add lead time.
Operational tip
Use a shared business email, not a personal one, to avoid ownership and access issues later.
Step 2: Prepare a complete submission checklist
- Consistent app name across stores
- Final icon in required formats
- Screenshots for required device sizes
- Clear short and long descriptions
- Public privacy policy URL
- Working test account if login is required
- Support and legal contact details
- Analytics enabled for launch measurement
Good pre-production work is the fastest way to avoid rejection cycles.
Step 3: Publish on Google Play (step by step)
1. Generate signed Android build
Create and upload a signed AAB. Store signing keys securely.
2. Create app listing
Complete category, description, assets, support and privacy details.
3. Complete required declarations
Fill in data safety, content rating, ad disclosures and sensitive permissions.
4. Create release
Upload your AAB, add release notes and optionally start with staged rollout.
5. Submit for review
The first release is often the slowest. After your first approval, updates are usually reviewed faster.
Step 4: Publish on Apple App Store (step by step)
1. Configure certificates and profiles
Set up certificates, App ID and provisioning profiles in Apple Developer.
2. Create App Store Connect listing
Add app name, subtitle, screenshots, description, keywords and URLs.
3. Upload build
Archive in Xcode and upload via Organizer, then link the build to your version.
4. Complete compliance details
Fill App Privacy, age rating, encryption declaration and test account access.
5. Submit for review
Initial review may take longer. Update reviews are often significantly faster and frequently approved within 24 hours.
Step 5: Avoid common rejection causes
- Crashes at launch or blocking bugs
- Missing functionality compared to listing claims
- Unjustified permission requests
- Incomplete privacy details
- Poor UX quality on key screens
- Invalid or missing test credentials
Step 6: Optimize ASO for visibility and conversion
Title and subtitle
Use one core keyword while keeping your brand clear.
Description
Lead with benefits, then explain features and outcomes.
Screenshots
Show value, not only UI. Add short result-focused captions.
Ratings and reviews
Prompt for reviews at the right moment in the user journey.
For broader organic growth, combine ASO with web SEO. You can also read why your website does not appear on Google and mobile app vs responsive website.
Step 7: 14-day launch plan to generate traffic and leads
- D-7 to D-1: prepare a landing page and lead capture flow.
- Launch day: publish coordinated announcements with tracked links.
- D+1 to D+7: collect feedback and ship a first quick update.
- D+7 to D+14: iterate title, visuals and description based on conversion data.
For full project planning, pair this guide with mobile app cost benchmarks and real development timelines.
Should you get help for app publishing?
If your team is experienced, you can manage submission internally. If speed and reliability matter most, expert support reduces rejection risk and launch friction.
At L&M Prod, we support design, development and store launch end to end. Explore our mobile app development service and project references.
Summary
Publishing on Google Play and App Store requires structured execution: accounts, signed builds, compliant listings and quality validation. First submission is typically the longest; updates are usually reviewed faster, often within 24 hours. Strong ASO and a launch workflow turn installs into qualified leads.
FAQ - Publishing on Play Store and App Store
How much does publishing cost?
Google Play: 25 euros one-time. Apple: 99 euros per year.
How long does approval take?
First submission is usually the longest. For updates, stores are often faster, with approvals frequently under 24 hours.
Can I publish one React Native app to both stores?
Yes, with separate build and submission pipelines for iOS and Android.