First App.
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CHAPTER 10Lesson 36 of 36

Release your app and keep it working

Release is the beginning of looking after your app. Start small, check the live version and keep an easy way for people to get help.

On your Mac7 min read & do
By the end of this lesson

Release the approved app and make a simple maintenance routine.

Availability after release can take time. Future updates go through Apple’s review too.

Let’s do this

  1. 1
    On your Mac

    Release when the approved version is ready

    If you chose manual release, wait for Pending Developer Release, open the version in App Store Connect and use its release control. Check the selected countries and free price before confirming. Automatic release follows the option you previously chose.

    Choose how to release an app (opens a new tab)
  2. 2
    On your iPhone

    Check the App Store version

    Once it is available, open the public listing on your iPhone. Install the released app, try the main job, check saved data and open the support and privacy links. Store availability can take time to spread.

  3. 3
    On your Mac

    Keep a useful record

    Save the release’s working checkpoint, version and build number. Keep the support email working, watch crash reports and user feedback, check online-service usage and backups, and note the annual Apple membership renewal. Do not leave a shared service paused.

  4. 4
    In Codex

    Ship a tested update

    Ask Codex for one clear improvement or fix. Test it against old saved information as well as fresh installs. Increase the version for a new App Store release and the build number for each upload. Use TestFlight, update release notes and any changed declarations, then submit the new version for review.

App Store Connect Draft Submission panel with an app ready to submit and Submit for Review button.View larger
Apple’s example: send the finished app to App Review. Use your own project’s details.Screenshot source (opens a new tab)

A message for Codex

Create a short maintenance checklist for my first iPhone app: support messages, crash reports, saved-data compatibility, privacy changes, service usage and backups, and Apple membership renewal. For my next update, explain the smallest change, tests on an existing installation and a fresh install, version/build updates, TestFlight checks and App Review steps.

Make this message fit your idea.

What you should see

Your approved app is available in your chosen regions, and you have a repeatable way to maintain it.

If you get stuck

Go at your own pace. There is no test to pass.

Checked 7 September 2026. Screens can change; the official guides below have the latest steps.

Choose how to release an appApple’s App Review guidanceTestFlight overview