How to Publish Your BuddyBoss App to the Apple App Store

Publishing your BuddyBoss App to the Apple App Store makes your mobile app available for iOS users to download. Before publishing, you’ll need to prepare your iOS Release build, upload it to App Store Connect, and submit it to Apple for review. Once approved, you can release your app based on your preferred publishing settings.

You can also use the BuddyBoss Publishing Service for assistance with publishing your app.

Before You Begin

Before publishing your BuddyBoss App, make sure you have:

• Completed the Apple App Store Publishing Checklist.
• Finalized your app customizations and configurations.
• Prepared the required screenshots for your white-label app.
• Generated an iOS Release App build.

Download Your IPA File

1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to BuddyBoss App > Build.
3. Locate the iOS Release build you want to publish.
4. Click Download IPA File.
5. Save the IPA file to your computer.

Upload Your Build to App Store Connect

Your iOS Release build must be uploaded and processed in App Store Connect before you can submit it for review.

To upload your build directly from BuddyBoss:

1. In your WordPress Dashboard, navigate to BuddyBoss App > Upload > Apple App Store.
2. Select the iOS Release App build you want to upload.
3. Click Upload Build.
4. Check the Upload History page to monitor the upload status.

Note: The upload process typically takes approximately 15 minutes, although processing times may vary. Make sure your build meets Apple’s version and build number requirements.

Once the build is processed, it will appear in the TestFlight section of App Store Connect and can be selected for your app version.

For more information, see How to Upload BuddyBoss App iOS Builds to App Store Connect.

Submit Your App to Apple for Review

Once your build has been uploaded to App Store Connect:

1. Log in to App Store Connect.
2. Click My Apps and select your app.
3. From the sidebar, select the app version you prepared during the publishing checklist.
4. Scroll to the Build section and click the + button.
5. Select the iOS Release App build you want to submit.
6. Click Done.
7. Click Add for Review in the upper-right corner.
8. If prompted, review any updated app information and click Continue.
9. Navigate to the App Review section to review the items added for submission.
10. Complete the required Export Compliance questions and provide any requested encryption documentation.
11. Click Submit to App Review.

Once submitted, your app status will change to Waiting for Review and then In Review when Apple begins reviewing your submission.

Note: Apple’s review process may take additional time depending on your app’s functionality and whether further information is required.

Respond to Apple Review Feedback

If Apple identifies issues with your submission, you can review and respond to the feedback through App Store Connect.

1. Log in to App Store Connect.
2. Click My Apps and select your app.
3. Open the notification indicating unresolved issues.
4. Under In Progress, click Resolve next to the affected submission.
5. Click Reply to App Review.
6. Enter your response and attach any requested screenshots or supporting documents.
7. Click Reply to send your response.

If Apple requires changes to your app, review the feedback and complete the necessary updates before resubmitting.

Note: If the rejection only involves app metadata, such as screenshots or descriptions, you may be able to correct the information and resubmit the same build. Changes to app functionality may require generating and uploading a new build.

For additional information, review Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines.

Release Your App After Approval

Once Apple approves your app, its availability depends on the release option selected in App Store Connect.

• Automatic Release: Your app is released automatically after approval. It may take up to 24 hours to appear on the App Store.
• Scheduled Release: Your app is released on or after your selected date, once approved by Apple.
• Manual Release: You must manually publish the approved version through App Store Connect.

To manually release your app:

1. Log in to App Store Connect.
2. Click My Apps and select your app.
3. Open the approved app version.
4. Click Release This Version.
5. Confirm the release.

Your app will become available on the Apple App Store once Apple completes the release process.

Submit New Versions of Your App

When you make changes to your BuddyBoss App, you can publish an updated version using your existing app record in App Store Connect.

1. Generate a new iOS Release App build in BuddyBoss App > Build.
2. Upload the new build to App Store Connect.
3. Open your existing app in App Store Connect.
4. Create a new app version.
5. Select the newly uploaded build.
6. Complete the required app information and release notes.
7. Submit the new version to Apple for review.

Important: Each new app version must pass Apple’s review process before it can be released to users.