How to Publish an App: Ultimate Guide to App Publishing on Apple App Store & Google Play
Publishing your app on the App Store or Google Play is the first step in reaching your target audience, as well as your pool of testers. This is your step-by-step guide to creating the accounts that'll make that happen.
Let's dive into the essentials of creating a developer account for Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Prerequisites
Before you start creating developer accounts, you need a D-U-N-S number.
The D-U-N-S number is issued by Dun & Bradstreet and is a unique nine-digit number used to identify organisations worldwide.
How to create a D-U-N-S number
If you don’t have a D-U-N-S number already, navigate to https://www.dnb.com/choose-your-country.html, select your country - which will open a new page - and follow the instructions, or look for “d-u-n-s” on the page.
How to Publish an Android App
If you want to test and publish an app on Google Play, you'll first need to create a developer account.
Step 1: Create a Google Play Developer Account
Play Console allows you to publish and manage your applications.
Register for a Developer account on the Play Console using your existing Google account. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one here.
The choice of the email address that will own the account is an important one because it will receive important messages related to the account and apps. It will need to be monitored regularly and messages will need to be actioned quickly.
Equally important is the developer name, which will be displayed to users on Google Play.
Step 2: Accept the Agreement
You run into the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement as part of the registration process. Read and accept this agreement to move ahead.
This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which you can distribute your apps through Google Play.
Step 3: Pay the Fee
Google Play imposes a one-time registration fee of US$25. This fee can be paid using various credit or debit cards, including MasterCard and Visa.
Step 4: Choose Your Account Type
Google Play offers two types of developer accounts: Personal and Organisation.
In order to effectively collaborate with developers, you will need to choose an Organisation account type.
Step 5: Verify Your Identity Information
To maintain the security and trustworthiness of Google Play, developers (read app publishers) must verify their identity. This process helps Google understand who the developers are and prevents malicious actors from distributing harmful apps.
You may need to provide a valid government ID and a credit card under your legal name for this verification. The registration fee will not be refunded if the provided information is invalid.
Practical Tips and Gotchas
Ensure that all the information provided during the account setup process is accurate and up-to-date. Inaccuracies can lead to delays or rejections in the app publishing process.
Be prepared for the identity verification process by having your government ID and credit card ready.
How to Publish an iOS App
Wondering how to release an iOS app? Want to know how to create an App Store account?
You'll first need to enrol in the Apple Developer Program as an organisation.
Organisation Accounts
For organisations, here is the enrolment process:
Device and Apple ID Requirements: Ensure you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that meets the necessary security specifications. Your Apple ID must enable two-factor authentication and be up-to-date with your legal information.
Start the Enrolment: Open the Apple Developer app on your device and sign in with your Apple ID. If you don't have an Apple ID, follow the steps outlined here. Agree to the Apple Developer Agreement.
Enter Account Holder Information: As the person enrolling the organisation, provide your legal name and contact information. Identity verification will also be required. Again, the choice of the Account Holder is very important since it will be the only user able to renew the Apple Developer Agreement. It will therefore need to be monitored regularly and messages will need to be actioned quickly.
Identity Verification: Verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID.
Organisation Information: You will need to provide detailed information about your organisation, including the legal entity name, address, and website. Ensure all information is accurate and verifiable.
Complete Enrolment and Purchase: Once your organisation's information is verified, you can complete the enrolment by agreeing to the terms and subscribing to the membership.
Practical Tips and Gotchas
Make sure your device meets the security requirements before starting the enrolment process.
Activate two-factor authentication for your Apple ID to enhance security and meet the enrolment requirements.
Provide accurate information to avoid delays.
Be aware of the annual subscription model of the Apple Developer Program and ensure you have the right payment method set up.
Need Help Getting Over the Line?
You know what to set up to be able to release and distribute an app. Now, it's time to take action.
Whether you're on the brink of publishing your app or in the early stages of planning and development, our expert team is here to guide you across the finish line. We use Flutter to deliver complex custom applications that attract, convert, and retain.
Contact us today to ensure your app's journey from concept to launch is smooth, successful, and tailored to your audience's needs.