Your app is finished – now it has to pass two very different gatekeepers. Good preparation avoids rejections and delays. Use this checklist.
Accounts (set up early)
- Google Play Console in your company's name (organisation account with D-U-N-S number recommended).
- Apple Developer Program membership as an organisation (also needs a D-U-N-S number).
- Shared access for your development partner – never share your personal passwords.
Organisation verification can take days or weeks, so start this in the first sprint.
Store listing content
- App name and subtitle/short description with relevant keywords
- Full description (benefits first, features second)
- Screenshots for phones (and tablets if supported), optionally a preview video
- App icon and feature graphic (Google Play)
- Category, contact email, website and privacy policy URL
- Translations for each market (for example German and English)
Privacy declarations
- Google Play Data safety form: which data is collected, why, whether it is shared and encrypted.
- Apple privacy "nutrition labels" with the same information in Apple's format.
- Account deletion: if users can create an account, they must be able to delete it, in the app and via a web link.
- Clear permission texts explaining why the app needs location, camera or contacts.
Ratings and audience
- Complete the content rating questionnaire (IARC; USK/PEGI in Europe).
- If children are part of the audience, follow the Families (Google) and Kids (Apple) policies.
Technical requirements
- Target a recent Android API level (Google raises the minimum yearly).
- Build with a recent Xcode/iOS SDK.
- Test login credentials for the reviewer if the app needs an account.
- No crashes, broken links or placeholder content.
Common rejection reasons
- Missing or unclear account deletion
- Payments for digital goods not using in-app purchase (Apple)
- Incomplete or misleading metadata and screenshots
- Requesting permissions without explanation
- Apps that are just a website wrapper without app-like value
After approval
- Use staged rollouts on Google Play and phased release on the App Store.
- Monitor crashes and reviews in the first days.
- Reply to reviews – it improves trust and rankings.
We take care of this whole process for our clients – including reviewer communication if questions come up.
Planning a project like this? Our AI project assistant asks the right questions for your field and turns your answers into a clear brief – then our team near Munich sends a free, non-binding quote within 24 hours on business days. Start now or read the complete Mobile Apps guide.