The mobile app release process differs from traditional methods. Here is a simplified guide to the key stages:
- Registration & Development (iOS & Android):
- Enroll as developer in Apple and Google programs to access tools and app stores
- Use native languages for each OS - Swift/Objective-C for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android
- Or use cross-platform tools like React Native
- Build & Test (iOS & Android):
- Compile app binary and test extensively on both platforms to confirm functionality
- Create a release candidate build for launch readiness
- QA:
- Dogfood internally to surface any issues
- Enable beta access to collect user feedback
- Regression test
- Internal Approvals:
- Get buy-in from stakeholders across business, technical and UX teams
- Ensure compliance to all app store policies and industry regulations
- Get security signoffs to safeguard user data
- App Store Optimization (ASO):
- Refine metadata like titles and keywords for discoverability
- Prepare visually appealing screenshots and icons
- Draft release notes to highlight new features and updates
- Submission To Stores:
- Submit iOS app through App Store Connect per Apple's process
- Submit Android app via Google Play Console based on their policies
- Address any changes requested pre-approval
- Release:
- Upon approval, coordinate launch on iOS and Android
Over to you: Which stage of deployment did you find most complex? What helped overcome that?