So, you’ve spent months creating the perfect mobile app. You’ve refined every feature and fixed every bug. But as the time comes for launch, the question remains: Is your mobile app deployment strategy good enough for an easy launch? 70% of users abandon an app when it crashes or takes too long to load. These issues often arise because of a poor mobile app deployment strategy.
A glitch or a slow load time could mean losing half your audience. This is before they even explore the app you put so much effort into. This is why we’ve prepared this guide. We aim to tell you the complete solution to mobile app deployment. It will ensure your app successfully lands in the app store!
Key Takeaways:
By the end of this blog, you’ll know:
- What is mobile app deployment, and what are the two most popular platforms for it?
- The steps you should take before launch to ensure smooth deployment.
- How to deploy your mobile app on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
What is mobile app deployment?
Mobile app deployment is the process of launching an app. After you develop and test an app, the next step is to make it accessible. You can do this by publishing it on a platform. This allows users to download and install your app on their devices. Let’s see the two types of mobile app deployment:
Android app deployment
In November 2024, Android had a 71.42% worldwide market share. This shows how popular Android devices are. This is why Android app deployment is the most popular. Android apps are based on slightly different code than iOS apps.
iOS app deployment
iOS app deployment is not like the process for Android apps. You write the code and submit it differently. In the U.S., iOS had a market share of 52% in the third quarter of 2024. Based on this, we can tell how worth it is to deploy an iOS app.
What are the mobile app deployment platforms?
When creating a mobile app, you already know if you’re making it for Android or iOS. You’ll write your code and set your specifications accordingly. You’ve also used different platforms for development. Now, let’s understand the mobile app deployment platforms, too:
Google Play store
Android does not have one fixed app store. It mainly relies on the Google Play Store. Majority of Android users utilize this platform to install and update apps.
Apple App Store
Apple’s official platform for its users is the Apple App Store. They use it to install and update apps. It maintains a more secure and controlled environment.
What Essential steps should you take before launching?
Yes, we know you’re eager to launch your app and get it to the market. Who wouldn’t be after working so long to develop it? Still, it isn’t wise to hurry. Let’s see the essential steps you need to follow to deliver a good user experience (UX) before launch:
Conduct Market research
Creating a mobile app should always begin with detailed market research. Without it, how would you know if your app is competitive enough? No matter how unique your app idea is, there’s probably another app out there doing better.
Set your target audience
The next thing is to keep your target audience in mind. Once you have an app idea, you should also know who will use it. This will also help you improve the app’s mobile usability accordingly. This will help you deliver a good user experience (UX).
Develop a solid app
Choose a programming language that complements the features you want to add. Then, write the necessary code to develop your app. Many AI and ML tools can help you with coding, too. You want your app to function smoothly without bugs.
Design the UI and UX
Designing the User Interface is the fun part. It allows you to be creative and experiment a little. Yet, this isn’t the easy part. Meanwhile, a good user experience (UX) design can boost user conversions by 400%! It’s vital to pay attention here.
Perform tests and test quality
Did you know that 70% of users abandon an app due to slow loading times? It’s important to conduct proper mobile app testing before launch. You don’t want your users to find bugs and crashes right after they install your app. Mobile app testing is essential to deliver top-tier mobile usability.
Following these steps will only result in success for your mobile app. You’ve spent so long creating a mobile app. So, you can also take the time to improve it before deploying it.
How to Deploy Your Mobile App on Google Play Store
We learned previously that there are two main platforms for mobile app deployment. Let’s learn how to deploy your app on Google Play Store for Android first:
Step 1: Create a Google Developer account
You can not publish your app without this. Creating a Google developer account is vital. So, it’s easiest to do it at the very beginning. To create this account, you’ll need to sign up with a new or existing Google Account. It doesn’t need to be a corporate account. A regular account will do.
Here’s how you create a Google developer account:
- Sign up with an account
- Agree to the Distribution Agreement
- Provide your basic info (you can edit your info later)
- Pay a one-time fee of $25 for registration
Developers with personal accounts have to meet specific app testing requirements. Without it, they cannot publish their app. Developers with new accounts must verify that they have access to an actual Android device.
Step 2: Prepare your app’s documents
To protect your app, you’ll have to make sure it has solid privacy policies. You should also prepare the End User License Agreement (EULA) in the beginning. It will be easy to create these if you look at the policies and agreements similar apps have. The EULA agreement is between a product owner and the user. It contains:
- What the users can and can’t do
- License fees
- IP info, etc.
It would also be beneficial for you to create a terms and conditions agreement. We know users won’t take the time to read it. But if any issues arise, it will be very helpful.
Step 3: Ensure you meet Google developer policies
Google Developer Policies explain how mobile apps should be developed and updated. This is according to Play Store’s high-quality standards. The app should also be promoted according to them. Ensure that your app’s features comply with these policies.
You’ll be in trouble if your app violates any of these policies. This is because your app could get rejected. Google keeps changing its policies, so it’s vital to stay updated.
Step 4: Meet the technical requirements
Before publishing your app, you need to:
- Set your app’s name with this in mind: You won’t be able to change it after distribution.
- Digitally sign the app with your developer’s certificate. This will identify you as the author of the app. It cannot be changed or generated again.
- Google has file size limits for uploading apps. If your app size is big, switch to APK expansion.
- Google commonly accepts two release formats. This includes app bundles and .apk. Set one for your app.
These technical requirements should be fulfilled correctly before mobile app deployment. If any of the information you provide is wrong, it might create issues.
Step 5: Play Store listing
Your app listing will have the information needed for app store optimization (ASO). It’s what gives users insights into your app before they download it. Here, you’ll submit:
- A product description. Tell your users what your app can do.
- Upload images of your app’s features.
- Decide an icon for your app.
- You can add a promo video by linking your YouTube channel.
- Choose from one of the given keywords. Select the ones most relevant for your app.
- Select your app’s category (game or app)
- Add the contact details and privacy policies
- Add a content rating to show your app’s age rating. This will make it easier for Google to display your app to the right audience.
Fill in this information as accurately as possible. If your app store optimization (ASO) is good, it will be easier for users to discover your app.
Step 6: Publish the app!
Go on to the app release section. This is where you’ll find three options:
- Production
- Beta
- Alpha
The Alpha and Beta versions allow users to test your app. In the Alpha version, you can select a group of testers for your mobile app testing. In the Beta version, users test your app and send feedback. This is why it’s recommended to go with either of these first.
That’s it! You have submitted your app to the Google Play Store. Now, you’ll wait for the review. This can take 2-7 days or more. Your mobile app deployment for Android is complete!
How to Deploy Your Mobile App on Apple App Store
You’ve already created your app for iOS using Xcode. Now, let’s see the mobile app deployment process for iOS on the Apple App Store:
Step 1: Join the Apple developer program
You should be a member of the Apple Developer Program before submitting your app to the App Store. So, begin by signing up for an Apple developer account.
If you enroll as an individual, you can sign in using your Apple ID. Then, you can enable two-factor authentication. It will ask you for some personal info, like your name and address.
You’ll also need an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled to enroll as an organization. In addition to the Apple ID, enrollment requires other documents, too. This includes Legal Entity Status, Legal Binding Authority, and more. The membership is priced at $99 Yearly.
Step 2: Prepare the app for submission
First, you need to set your app’s bundle ID in Xcode. This will allow you to uniquely identify your app. Xcode gives you a default identifier. This is when you create a project from a template. Still, you should create a unique bundle ID. You can’t change the bundle ID after you upload it to App Store Connect.
Then, you’ll select a version for your app. You will also pick a build string. It’ll show like 9.10.1. After this, choose a category for your app. Your chosen category should match your app’s features. You’ll also need to keep an app icon and launch screen ready.
Before creating an app store listing, these things should be ready for your app. This will help you upload them directly.
Step 3: Create documents for your app
You’ll need to pay attention here. It’s essential to create privacy policies for your app. It helps show users how your app will collect data and build user trust. 87.4% of people say that an app’s protection is equally or more important than its features. This is for when they make a decision to install and use a mobile app.
The privacy policies and terms and conditions help users understand this. It’s also helpful to prepare an End User License Agreement (EULA) for your app. This will manage what users can and can’t do with your app, the IP info, privacy agreements, and more.
You may feel like creating these isn’t much help since people barely read them. But as the app owner, it’s your duty to mention these. When users feel like you’ve enclosed the essential info, it builds trust. This indirectly affects the user experience (UX).
Step 4: Create app store listing
You will do this through App Store Connect. It lets you upload and submit apps and manage them post-launch. It offers several resources like analytics, sales reports, and more. To create an app store listing:
- Add the platform (iOS), and then select the primary language.
- Submit the bundle ID and SKU
- Add your app’s name and category
- Add the app’s pictures and screenshots
- Give a URL for your app’s privacy policy
- If you have a paid app, choose your app’s pricing
After the review information is approved, you’ll decide how your app will be released. You can manually release it or set a date. If it passes certification, you can also choose for the app to be released immediately.
Step 5: Upload the app using Xcode
Now it’s time to actually upload your app. But imagine, as soon as users install it, they discover bugs or performance issues! You’ll lose more than half your users there. If it doesn’t function at all, it won’t even get approved. This is why you should conduct tests to ensure good mobile usability before mobile app deployment.
In the past, there were several extra steps. But with Xcode 11, this is much easier. Now, start by:
- Creating a complete app archive.
- Go to the list of simulators and select “Generic iOS Device”
- After this, select “Product” and “Archive.” This Xcode will bundle your app. Depending on the size, this could be time-consuming.
- Once complete, go to the “Archives” tab and click “Distribute App.”
- When it asks for your app distribution method, select “iOS App Store.”
If Xcode finds any missing or irrelevant info, it will stop the upload and ask you to recheck. So, if your upload was smooth, it’s a good thing.
Step 6: Publish Your App
The archive will be sent from Xcode to App Store Connect. However, you’ll have to wait until App Store Connect processes the upload. You might freak out if it doesn’t show up in your account. This is because, for a while, it’ll just disappear. There’s nothing to worry about!
When the archive is processed and ready, you’ll receive an email. Once you receive this email, just select your archive and go to “Submit for Review.” 50% of mobile apps are reviewed within 24 hours, and 90% are reviewed within 48 hours. So, at most, it’ll take two days to review your app. After the review, you’ll receive a notification with the status change.
After following this process, your app store listing will be complete and you’ll be able to publish your app to the Apple App Store!
Wrapping up
Mobile app deployment is a detailed process. When you do it correctly, your app will be bug-free and easily accessible by users. This is why we created this ultimate guide to help you understand how to upload your app. Whether you’re uploading on Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store, it is necessary to conduct proper mobile app testing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a developer or a business. It’s vital to deliver a good and secure experience to your users.
At Linkitsoft, we prioritize app testing and bug-free mobile app development. We have years of experience publishing mobile apps and are here to help. Besides, apps need optimal care, updates, and ongoing maintenance to keep them going.
Contact Linkitsoft today so that you’ll never have to worry about them. Let our skilled developers manage the technical stuff. Don’t wait around. Your competitors are striving to do better than you. Do better!
