What Is the App Store Approval Process (Apple vs Google Play)?

“The Apple App Store and Google Play both review mobile applications before distribution, but developers must follow each platform’s submission requirements, policies, technical standards, and review processes.”

Building a mobile app is only part of the launch process. Before users can download it, developers generally need to submit the application to the relevant app marketplace.

For iOS, this means the Apple App Store. For Android, it means Google Play.

Apple App Store Approval Process

A typical iOS app submission involves:

1. Creating the app record in Apple’s developer ecosystem.
2. Preparing the application build.
3. Providing required metadata, screenshots, descriptions, and privacy information.
4. Submitting the build for review.
5. Addressing any review issues if Apple requests changes.
6. Releasing the approved application.

Apple reviews applications against its published guidelines and requirements.

Google Play Approval Process

A typical Android submission involves:

1. Creating the application in Google Play Console.
2. Preparing the application package.
3. Adding the store listing information.
4. Providing required declarations and privacy-related information.
5. Completing applicable testing or release requirements.
6. Submitting the application for review and publishing it when approved.

Google Play also has policies and technical requirements developers must follow.

Apple vs Google Play

Apple App Store	Google Play
iOS and Apple platforms	Android ecosystem
Submission through Apple’s developer tools	Submission through Google Play Console
App review is part of distribution	App review and policy checks apply
Requires compliance with Apple’s guidelines	Requires compliance with Google Play policies
Uses Apple’s app distribution ecosystem	Uses Google’s Play distribution ecosystem

Common Reasons for Delays or Rejection

Applications may face issues because of:

• Policy violations
• Incomplete information
• Privacy-related issues
• Broken functionality
• Poor user experience
• Missing required disclosures
• Incorrect metadata
• Problems with payments or restricted content

How Can Businesses Prepare?

Before submission:

• Test the complete application
• Review platform guidelines
• Verify privacy disclosures
• Check store listing information
• Test login and critical workflows
• Prepare accurate screenshots and descriptions
• Resolve major bugs

Final Thoughts

App store approval should be considered part of the mobile app development and launch plan, not an activity to begin after development is finished. Preparing for platform requirements early can reduce avoidable launch delays.