nextnative

Intermediate90 minutesUpdated October 2025

How to Deploy Your Next.js App to the App Store

Learn how to prepare, build, and submit your Next.js mobile app to the Apple App Store. This guide covers everything from app icons to App Store Connect configuration.

📋 Prerequisites

  • Completed Next.js iOS app
  • Apple Developer account ($99/year)
  • App tested on real iOS device
  • App icons and screenshots ready

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • Prepare your app for production
  • Create app in App Store Connect
  • Generate production build
  • Upload to App Store Connect
  • Submit for review
  • Handle app review process

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Prepare App Metadata

Gather all required information for your App Store listing before you begin.

Required information:
- App name (30 characters max)
- Subtitle (30 characters max)
- Description (4000 characters max)
- Keywords (100 characters, comma-separated)
- Support URL
- Marketing URL (optional)
- Privacy Policy URL
- App category
- App icon (1024x1024px PNG)
- Screenshots for all device sizes
2

Add App Icon

Add your 1024x1024px app icon to the Xcode project assets.

1. Open your project in Xcode: npx cap open ios
2. Navigate to App → App → Assets.xcassets
3. Click on "AppIcon"
4. Drag your 1024x1024px icon to the "App Store iOS 1024pt" slot

💡 Note: Your icon should be a PNG with no transparency and no alpha channel.

3

Update App Version and Build Number

Set your app version and build number in Xcode.

1. Select your project in Xcode
2. Select the "App" target
3. Go to "General" tab
4. Set Version to "1.0.0"
5. Set Build to "1"

💡 Note: Version uses semantic versioning (1.0.0). Build number must increment with each upload.

4

Create App in App Store Connect

Create a new app listing in App Store Connect.

1. Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com
2. Click "My Apps" → "+" → "New App"
3. Select iOS platform
4. Enter app name (must be unique)
5. Select primary language
6. Enter Bundle ID (must match Xcode)
7. Enter SKU (unique identifier, use bundle ID)
8. Click "Create"
5

Configure App Store Information

Fill in all required app information in App Store Connect.

1. Add app subtitle and description
2. Upload screenshots (required for all device sizes)
3. Upload app preview videos (optional)
4. Enter keywords
5. Set support and privacy URLs
6. Choose app category and subcategory
7. Set content rights and age rating

💡 Note: Use Apple's App Store Connect Help for screenshot dimensions.

6

Create Archive in Xcode

Build an archive of your app for distribution.

1. In Xcode, select "Any iOS Device (arm64)" as destination
2. Go to Product → Archive
3. Wait for archive process to complete
4. Xcode will open the Organizer window

💡 Note: Make sure you're building for 'Generic iOS Device' and not a simulator.

7

Upload to App Store Connect

Distribute your archive to App Store Connect.

1. In Organizer, select your archive
2. Click "Distribute App"
3. Select "App Store Connect"
4. Click "Upload"
5. Select your distribution options
6. Review and upload
7. Wait for upload to complete (5-30 minutes)

💡 Note: Apple will process your build. You'll receive an email when it's ready (30-60 minutes).

8

Submit for Review

Once your build is processed, submit your app for review.

1. Go back to App Store Connect
2. Open your app
3. Go to "App Store" tab
4. Scroll to "Build" section
5. Click "+" and select your uploaded build
6. Fill in "What's New in This Version"
7. Add app review information (test account, notes)
8. Click "Submit for Review"
9

Monitor Review Status

Track your app's review status and respond to any feedback.

💡 Note: Review typically takes 24-48 hours. Apple may request changes or clarifications. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

🚀 Next Steps

  • Set up TestFlight for beta testing
  • Prepare marketing materials
  • Plan your launch strategy
  • Monitor user reviews and ratings
  • Prepare updates and bug fixes

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