Head First iPhone and iPad Development, 2nd Edition

Appendix B. Preparing an App for Distribution: Get ready for the App Store

You want to get your app in the App Store, right?

So far, we’ve basically worked with apps in the simulator, which is fine. But to get things to the next level, you’ll need to install an app on an actual iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch before applying to get it in the App Store. And the only way to do that is to register with Apple as a developer. Even then, it’s not just a matter of clicking a button in Xcode to get an app you wrote on your personal device. To do that, it’s time to talk with Apple.

Apple has rules

We’ve talked about the HIG and how stringent Apple can be throughout the approval process—they’re protecting their platform. Part of that requires keeping track of what goes on your own device, even when it’s stuff you’ve written yourself.

Here, we’re going to give you an overview of how you can get an app onto your device, and then, in turn, ready for submission. We can’t get into the nitty gritty of the full process—for that, you need to be a member of the iOS Development Program and pay the $99 fee.

Note

The iOS Development Guide in the Xcode documentation has some more good information that you can look at before you join the Development Program.

Start at the Apple Developer Portal

The Developer Portal, where you first downloaded the SDK, is also your hub for managing all the parts of electronic signatures ...