App Store Launch Checklist (iOS and Android)

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Stores you are launching on

Apple App Store

Google Play

Required done: 0 of 10
App Store (iOS): 0 of 6
Google Play (Android): 0 of 4
Before you submit: 0 of 5
After launch: 0 of 2

App Store (iOS)

Build with Xcode 26 and the iOS 26 SDKApple upcoming requirements · Store ruleSince 28 April 2026, uploads to App Store Connect must be built with Xcode 26 or later using an SDK for iOS 26 or later.
Target iOS 13 or laterApple upcoming requirements · Store ruleSince 9 September 2026, iOS and iPadOS apps must target iOS 13 or later.
Declare approved reasons for required-reason APIsApple upcoming requirements · Store ruleSince 1 May 2024, uploads must state an approved reason for each listed API they use, including APIs used by third-party SDKs. Check every SDK's privacy manifest.
Privacy policy link in the app and in App Store ConnectGuideline 5.1.1(i) · Store ruleLink the privacy policy in the App Store Connect metadata field and somewhere easy to find inside the app.
In-app account deletionGuideline 5.1.1(v) · Store ruleIf people can create an account, they must be able to delete it from inside the app, not only by email or on the web.
An equivalent private login option next to social loginGuideline 4.8 · Store ruleIf the main account uses a third-party or social login, also offer a login that limits data to name and email, lets people keep their email private, and does not track them for ads without consent. Exemptions exist, such as your company's own sign-in only.

Google Play (Android)

Target API level 36 (Android 16)Play target API level · Store ruleFrom 31 August 2026, new apps and updates must target API 36. Wear OS and Android Automotive need API 35; TV and XR need API 34. Extensions run to 1 November 2026.
Complete the Data safety formPlay Data safety · Store ruleEvery published app must complete it, even an app that collects no user data. Include what your SDKs collect.
Account deletion in the app and on the webPlay account deletion · Store ruleApps that allow account creation need an in-app deletion path and a web link where people can ask for deletion without reinstalling.
Closed test with 12 testers for 14 days (new personal accounts)Play testing requirements · Store rulePersonal developer accounts created after 13 November 2023 must run a closed test with at least 12 testers opted in for at least 14 days in a row before applying for production.

Before you submit

A working demo account for reviewersGood practice · Good practiceGive reviewers a login with sample data and notes for any feature behind a paywall, hardware or location.
Test on real devices and the oldest OS you supportGood practice · Good practiceRun the main flows on a small phone, a large phone and a tablet if you support one, with crash reporting switched on.
Screenshots and copy that match the buildGood practice · Good practiceStore screenshots, description and age rating answers should show the app as it is today, not a future version.
Ask for permissions in contextGood practice · Good practiceRequest camera, location, contacts or notifications when the feature needs them, with a clear sentence on why.
Check how you charge for digital goodsGood practice · Good practiceBoth stores have rules on how apps charge for digital goods and subscriptions. Read the payments sections of their rules before you build checkout.

After launch

Phased release and a rollback planGood practice · Good practiceRelease to a share of users first, watch crash and review rates, and keep the previous build ready.
Diary the next SDK deadlinesGood practice · Good practiceBoth stores raise their SDK and API level minimums over time. Put the next dates in the team calendar so updates are not blocked.

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Method

How this is calculated

Store rules come from Apple's App Review Guidelines and upcoming requirements, and Google Play's target API, Data safety, account deletion and testing pages, each checked on the date shown.

Items marked 'Store rule' cite those pages. 'Good practice' items are OceanLab's launch habits, not store requirements.

Pick the stores you are launching on; your ticks are saved in this browser only. Export them as Markdown or print the page.

Sources

Apple App Review Guidelines · checked 2026-10-25
Apple upcoming requirements · checked 2026-10-25
Google Play target API level requirements · checked 2026-10-25
Google Play Data safety section · checked 2026-10-25
Google Play account deletion requirements · checked 2026-10-25
Google Play testing requirements for new personal accounts · checked 2026-10-25

FAQ

Questions about this tool

Which SDK do I need in 2026?

Apple: Xcode 26 with the iOS 26 SDK for uploads since 28 April 2026. Google Play: target API 36 for new apps and updates from 31 August 2026.

Do I need in-app account deletion?

Yes on both stores if people can create an account. Google Play also asks for a web link where people can request deletion.

Why is my new Play account asked for a closed test?

Personal developer accounts created after 13 November 2023 must run a closed test with at least 12 testers for at least 14 days in a row before production access.

Does this guarantee approval?

No. Store review decides. The list covers the rules most likely to block a first submission.

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