Introduction
Building a mobile app involves multiple stages, including onboarding, configuration, testing, build generation, and app store reviews. While the BuddyBoss team works to move projects forward as efficiently as possible, some parts of the process depend on third-party providers such as Apple and Google.
This article explains the typical phases of a DFY App project and highlights where timelines can vary, particularly during Apple’s manual review process.
Typical DFY App Project Timeline
Every project is different, but most DFY App projects move through the following phases:
Phase 1: Onboarding and Requirements Gathering
Estimated Time: 1 – 2 Weeks
During this phase, you’ll complete your DFY App onboarding checklist and provide the information needed to begin app configuration.
This typically includes:
- Apple Developer Account access
- Google Play Developer Account access
- Google Cloud Console access
- Website administrator access
- Branding assets
- App requirements
The speed of this phase depends largely on how quickly onboarding requirements are completed.
Phase 2: App Configuration and Setup
Estimated Time: 1 – 3 Weeks
Once onboarding is complete, the BuddyBoss team begins configuring your app.
This may include:
- App branding
- Navigation setup
- Homepage configuration
- Integration setup
- Push notification configuration
- Testing environment setup
Projects requiring additional integrations or custom configurations may require additional time.
Phase 3: Internal Testing and Quality Assurance
Estimated Time: 1 Week
Before submission, the app undergoes testing to verify:
- App functionality
- User authentication
- Navigation
- Push notifications
- Content display
- Platform integrations
Any issues identified during testing must be resolved before proceeding to app store submission.
Phase 4: App Build Generation
Estimated Time: 2 – 5 Business Days
Once testing is complete, production-ready app builds are generated for:
- Apple App Store (iOS)
- Google Play Store (Android)
These builds are prepared for submission and final review.
Phase 5: App Store Submission
Estimated Time: 1 – 3 Business Days
The BuddyBoss team submits the app to the appropriate app stores and verifies that all required information has been provided.
This includes:
- App metadata
- Screenshots
- App descriptions
- Privacy information
- Store listing requirements
Once submitted, the project enters the review phase.
Understanding Apple’s Manual Review Process
Apple’s Review Timeline
Typical Time: 2 – 10 Business Days
After submission, Apple performs a manual review of every app update and new app submission.
Unlike most parts of the DFY project, this process is entirely controlled by Apple and cannot be accelerated by the BuddyBoss team.
Apple reviewers manually inspect:
- App functionality
- User experience
- Compliance with App Store policies
- Account and business information
- Subscription and payment flows
- Privacy requirements
Review times can vary significantly based on:
- Submission volume
- Holidays
- Apple’s internal review queue
- Additional review requirements
Additional Review Requests
In some cases, Apple may request:
- Additional information
- Clarification regarding app functionality
- Test account credentials
- Business verification details
- Changes to app configuration
When this occurs, the BuddyBoss team will work with you to provide the requested information and resubmit the app if necessary.
This can add additional time to the overall launch timeline.
App Rejections
App rejections are uncommon but can occur.
If Apple rejects a submission, the BuddyBoss team will:
- Review Apple’s feedback.
- Determine the required changes.
- Implement any necessary updates.
- Generate a new build.
- Resubmit the app for review.
Because Apple conducts a new review after resubmission, launch timelines may be extended.
Understanding Google’s Review Process
Google Play Review Timeline
Typical Time: 1 – 7 Business Days
Google also reviews app submissions, but approval timelines are generally more predictable than Apple’s.
Google may occasionally request:
- Identity verification
- Business verification
- Additional compliance information
If additional information is required, timelines may be extended until verification is completed.
Factors That Can Affect Timelines
Several factors may impact overall project duration:
Incomplete Onboarding Information
Missing items such as:
- Branding assets
- Developer account access
- Website credentials
can delay project progression.
Delayed Responses
Projects move fastest when requests from the BuddyBoss team are answered promptly.
Domain Changes
Changing your website domain during the project may require configurations and integrations to be updated and retested.
Scope Changes
Adding new functionality, integrations, or requirements after implementation has begun may affect timelines.
Third-Party Reviews
Apple and Google control their own review timelines, and these cannot be guaranteed or expedited by BuddyBoss.
A Realistic Launch Expectation
Most DFY App projects should plan for a timeline of approximately:
4-8 weeks from onboarding to launch
This estimate assumes:
- Onboarding requirements are completed promptly.
- Required accounts are ready.
- Branding assets are provided on time.
- No major scope changes occur.
- Apple and Google reviews proceed without significant delays.
Projects requiring additional revisions, custom requirements, or multiple review cycles may take longer.