Recently Apple updated their iTunes Connect portal (http://itunesconnect.apple.com) with a brand new look and feel. It was a very welcomed change since the portal has not been changed in years. You’ll notice that Apple has created icons for everything, it’s much easier to navigate around and it looks really nice when viewing on tablets or phones. At first I didn’t think any functionality changed, just a look and feel, until I went to submit my first update. The distribution process has changed quite a bit and now takes a lot longer.
Distribute Your App
Below is a step-by-step walkthrough on how to distribute your app using the new iTunes Connect portal. Much of it is the same, but the order has changed a little.
- Make sure that you have completed all the configuration the app needs. I.e. New Version and enter all your app details.
- Archive and upload your build using Xcode. Previously you needed to set everything up in iTunes Connect and set the status to “Waiting for Upload”, but now you can upload the binary anytime.
- At this time, you’ll see your build under the Prerelease tab. The status will be “Uploaded”. Now you have to wait for Apple to process your binary. This is where they check for non-public API usage and validate your binary. Note: This could take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour or two.
- If your binary is rejected, you’ll receive an email from Apple just like before about the issues. If it passes, you’ll see a + plus icon beside the Build section under your new version.
- Click the plus sign to select a build. The plus sign appears only if you have not yet selected a build. If you have already selected a build, you can remove it and select a new one.
- A list pops up containing all of the uploaded builds. Select the one you want to set as the current build.
- After you click Done, it appears in the Build section of Versions along with its upload date and time.
- Click Save at the top of the page.
- Next, click the Submit for Review button in the top right part of the page.
- Answer questions about Export Compliance and Content Rights.
- Answer questions about the Advertising Identifier (IDFA). Indicate whether your app uses the Advertising Identifier, and if so, in what way. Read How to use Apple’s Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) for more details about this step.
- Click Submit. iTunes Connect returns to Versions on the App Details page.
