How it works
Using it requires the Apple Developer Program. Individuals enrol under their legal name, which appears as the seller on the App Store; organisations need a D-U-N-S number and a working company website. Each app needs screenshots, a description, an age rating and privacy details (the 'nutrition label' of what data the app collects), and in-app purchases and subscriptions are set up here too.
Every version, including small updates, goes through App Review against Apple's guidelines, typically within a day or two; a rejection cites a guideline and can be answered or appealed. There is no closed-testing requirement like Google Play's, but review is stricter about minimum functionality, privacy and in-app payments. Phased release spreads an automatic update over seven days, and App Analytics reports downloads, sales and crashes.
App Store Connect pros and cons
Pros
- One storefront and review process reaching every iPhone user
- TestFlight, analytics and phased releases built in
- No closed-test waiting period before a first release
Cons
- A yearly fee, and apps leave the store if the membership lapses
- App Review can reject for guideline reasons that take time to resolve
- Strict rules on in-app payments for digital goods
When to use App Store Connect
Pick it when
- Publishing any iPhone, iPad or Mac App Store app
- Beta testing with TestFlight before launch
Skip it when
- A web app or PWA is enough, since Safari can add it to the home screen without the store
App Store Connect pricing
Paid
$99 a year for the Apple Developer Program (about ₹9,000). Commission is 30%, or 15% in the Small Business Program (under $1M a year) and on subscriptions after year one; some regions have their own terms.
App Store Connect pricing page (opens in a new tab)Approximate, checked September 2026.What the other tools cost
App Store Connect vs the alternatives
Related terms
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