Submitting to the App Store without preparation leads to rejection. No-code builders face heightened scrutiny because template-based apps trigger Apple's automated detection systems, causing binary similarity detection and template-based pattern flags.
This guide breaks down every step from enrollment to release. You will learn the exact character limits, screenshot dimensions, and privacy requirements that Apple enforces. You will also understand how to prepare for extra scrutiny by extensively customizing beyond platform defaults.
For no-code apps specifically, Guideline 4.3 violations are common due to template similarity detection. The difference between approval and rejection often comes down to preparation. This guide gives you the complete checklist to submit with confidence.
Enroll in the Apple Developer Program
Before you can submit anything, you need access to Apple's developer tools and resources. This section covers the enrollment process, costs, and account setup decisions that affect how your app appears in the store.
The Apple Developer Program costs $99 USD annually for both individual and organization accounts. Individual accounts display your personal name as the publisher, while organization accounts display your company name. Individual accounts have faster enrollment, while organization accounts require business verification.
Enrollment requirements:
- Apple Account with two-factor authentication enabled
- Legal first and last names (not nicknames or company names)
- Valid payment method for the annual fee
Apple warns that using incorrect names will cause delays in enrollment approval. Start this process well before you need to submit your app, as verification can take several days.
Meet Apple's SDK requirements before April 28, 2026
With enrollment complete, you need to verify your app meets Apple's technical requirements. Outdated builds cannot be uploaded regardless of how polished your app looks.
Critical deadline: April 28, 2026. Starting on this date, all apps uploaded to App Store Connect must be built with the iOS 26 SDK or later. This requires Xcode 16 or later.
For builders using no-code platforms, this creates a dependency you cannot control directly. Your platform must support iOS 26 SDK before the deadline.
Action step: Contact your no-code platform's support team now. Ask specifically whether they will support iOS 26 SDK builds before April 28, 2026. Get this in writing if you are building apps for clients.
Set up your app record in App Store Connect
Once your build meets technical requirements, you create your app's identity in App Store Connect. Every field you complete here appears on your product page.
Required metadata with character limits:
- App name: 30 characters maximum
- Subtitle: 30 characters maximum
- Description: 4,000 characters maximum
- Keywords: 100 characters maximum (backend field, invisible to users)
- Promotional text: 170 characters maximum (updateable without requiring app review)
The first few lines of your description matter most. Users see these before tapping "Read More," so front-load your value proposition as recommended in the SplitMetrics App Store Description Guide.
Neglecting privacy information can block submission
You cannot submit without completing privacy information. Apple's submission guidelines require you to "Enter all necessary information about your app's privacy practices, including the practices of third‑party partners whose code you integrate into your app."
For no-code platform users, this includes any SDKs your platform bundles by default. Apple states you are "responsible for the data collection and use practices of any third-party partners whose code you integrate into your app."
Prepare screenshots that show actual app usage
Your visual assets directly influence both App Review approval and download conversion rates.
Screenshots must show your app in use. Guideline 2.3.3 explicitly requires that "Screenshots should show the app in use, and not merely the title art, login page, or splash screen."
Required screenshot dimensions:
Device
Dimensions (portrait)
iPhone 6.9"
1260 x 2736 pixels
iPhone 6.5"
1284 x 2778 pixels
iPad 13"
2064 x 2752 pixels
Submit 1 to 10 screenshots per device size showing different core features. Apple's screenshot specifications limit acceptable formats to .jpeg, .jpg, or .png only.
App preview videos are optional but effective. Keep them between 15-30 seconds. Use H.264 or ProRes 422 (HQ only) format. Maximum file size is 500 MB.
Upload your build and test with TestFlight
With metadata and assets ready, you upload your actual app build. Most no-code platforms handle build generation automatically. For manual uploads, Apple's Transporter app provides the simplest interface.
Build versioning matters. Every upload requires a unique build number (CFBundleVersion) that increments with each submission. Even if your marketing version stays "1.0.0," your build number must increase (1.0.1, 1.0.2, etc.) for each upload. Apple rejects duplicate build numbers automatically.
TestFlight reduces rejection risk
TestFlight lets you test with real users before App Review sees your app. Apple's TestFlight documentation confirms you can test with up to 100 internal testers without any review delay.
External testing allows up to 10,000 testers, but your first build requires Beta App Review before external testers can access it. Keep in mind that TestFlight builds expire after 90 days, so plan your testing timeline accordingly.
Strategic testing approach:
- Use TestFlight's internal testing slots for catching critical issues before submission
- Test on multiple device sizes to catch responsive design issues
- Verify all third-party integrations work in the beta build
- Remove all placeholder content before any external testing
- Add "What to Test" notes to each build so testers know which features need feedback
Submit for App Review without getting rejected
Testing complete, you now submit for official review. Understanding why apps get rejected helps you avoid the most common mistakes.
Apps built with no-code platforms face heightened scrutiny because they often share similar binary signatures and template-based UI patterns. According to Section 4.3 (Spam), apps that share similar binaries, metadata, or concepts with only minor differences may be rejected.
Pre-submission checklist:
- ☐ All placeholder text removed (including default button labels)
- ☐ Privacy policy link exists in App Store Connect AND within your app
- ☐ Test credentials provided for any login-required features
- ☐ Backend services are live and functional during review
- ☐ Screenshots show actual app usage (not mockups or design concepts)
- ☐ App name under 30 characters without keyword stuffing
Provide complete demo access. When you provide test credentials, ensure the demo account contains pre-populated data if your app requires content to function properly. A reviewer cannot evaluate a social feed app with an empty feed or a note-taking app with no sample notes.
Use the Notes for Reviewers field strategically. This field lets you explain non-obvious features, describe how to access specific functionality, and clarify anything that might confuse a reviewer. For no-code apps, briefly explain what makes your app unique compared to template defaults.
The privacy policy requirement that catches everyone
Guideline 5.1.1(i) states that all apps must include a link to their privacy policy "in the App Store Connect metadata field and within the app in an easily accessible manner."
You must also implement consent prompts BEFORE collecting any data, including analytics, crash reporting, and any third-party SDKs your platform includes.
Handle approval, rejection, or release timing
After submission, monitor status through App Store Connect. Current review times typically complete within 24 hours for compliant apps.
If rejected, Apple provides specific guideline violations with explanations directly in App Store Connect. Each rejection message cites the exact guideline number and includes context about what triggered the violation. You can reply through the Resolution Center with fixes, additional explanations, or evidence that your app complies.
For persistent disagreements, you can escalate to the App Review Board. This provides a second level of review when you believe the initial decision was incorrect. Access the appeal form through the rejection email link, and include comprehensive documentation supporting your case.
For critical bug fixes in approved apps, Apple offers expedited review requests. This option is reserved for apps with serious bugs affecting users, not for feature updates or minor improvements.
Release options after approval:
- Manual release: You control the exact timing (recommended for coordinated launches)
- Automatic release: App goes live immediately upon approval
- Scheduled release: Set a specific date and time for availability
- Phased release: Gradually roll out updates to users over 7 days
Most first-time rejections stem from Guideline 4.3 template similarity violations, Guideline 2.1 completeness issues, and privacy policy problems. These are typically fixable within one to two days.
Complete the submission process
The path from finished app to App Store availability follows seven phases: Apple Developer Program enrollment, meeting SDK requirements, configuring metadata, preparing assets, uploading and testing your build, submitting for App Review, and selecting your release option.
No-code builders face additional scrutiny from template detection systems. Extensive customization beyond platform defaults is a competitive necessity for App Store approval.
Ready to submit your app to the App Store? Start building with Create Anything and follow the seven-phase submission process outlined in this guide. Plan 1-2+ weeks before your intended launch date to accommodate review time and potential rejection cycles.
