This is part of a series of posts on building mobile apps with React Native and AWS services. You can read the parent post here.

How to build and publish apps on Google Play and Apple App Store

Enable USB debugging

In order to enable usb debugging for your Android and iOS devices you can follow these steps:

  • On Android
    • Go to the “Settings” app on your Android device.
    • Scroll down and tap on “About phone” or “About device.”
    • Locate the “Build number” or “Build version” option and tap on it seven times quickly. This action enables Developer options on your device.
    • Go back to the main “Settings” menu and find and tap on “Developer options.”
    • Look for the “USB debugging” option and toggle it on.
    • A confirmation dialog will appear; select “OK” to enable USB debugging.
  • On iOS
    • USB debugging is not available on iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. Instead, iOS provides a feature called “Developer mode” or “Developer options” which allows you to enable certain debugging and development features. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of direct USB debugging as Android.
    • To enable Developer mode on iOS:
      • Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
      • Launch Xcode on your Mac.
      • In Xcode, go to “Window” > “Devices and Simulators.”
      • Select your connected iOS device from the list.
      • Click on the “Use for Development” button.
      • Follow the prompts to trust your computer on your iOS device.
      • Once the device is trusted, you can use Xcode and other development tools for debugging and - - - testing your iOS applications.

Running on Device

React Native has a very useful article about Running on Device that covers all the basics.

Creating a package

Before creating a package, make sure to test/debug your app throughly and ensure it works as expected.

  • For Android
    • In Android Studio, select “Build” from the top menu, then choose “Generate Signed Bundle/APK.”
    • You will have two package type options: APK and Android App Bundle (AAB). Either works. AAB is the newer format and size wise should be smaller that APK.
    • Follow the prompts to create a new signing key or use an existing one. Make sure that you memorize the password you chose for your key. You will need to enter your password any time that you create a new version of your package.
    • Build the signed APK/AAB, which will be ready for upload to Google Play.
  • For iOS
    • For iOS things are slightly different. You will need an Apple developer account before you’d be able to build and publish your package. You can create one at https://developer.apple.com.
    • In Xcode, go to the “Signing & Capabilities” tab for your target.
    • Ensure you have a valid Distribution Certificate and create an App Store Distribution Provisioning Profile.
    • Set the correct Bundle Identifier for your app.

Publishing your package

  • For Android

    • Go to the Google Play Console website https://play.google.com/apps/publish/ and sign in with your Google account.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new developer account and provide the required information, including a one-time registration fee.
    • In the Google Play Console, click on “Create Application” and enter the default language and title for your app.
    • Fill in the store listing details, including app description, screenshots, icons, categorization, and any other required information.
    • Ensure that your store listing complies with the Google Play guidelines.
    • In the Google Play Console, navigate to the “App Releases” section.
    • Select the “Production” tab and click on “Create Release.”
    • Choose the option to upload your APK file and follow the prompts to upload the signed APK generated earlier.
    • Fill in release notes and provide any other necessary information.

  • For iOS

    • Open App Store Connect (https://appstoreconnect.apple.com) and sign in with your Apple Developer account.
    • Click on “My Apps” and then the “+” button to create a new app.
    • Fill in the required information, such as the app name, primary language, bundle ID, version number, and app icon.
    • Provide a compelling app description, keywords, screenshots, and other metadata required for the app listing.
    • In Xcode, go to the “Organizer” window.
    • Select your app’s Archive and click on “Distribute App.”
    • Choose the “App Store Connect” option and follow the prompts to upload your app to App Store Connect.
    • Provide the necessary details, including version information, pricing, and availability dates.
    • Once your app is uploaded to App Store Connect, navigate to the “App Store” tab.
    • Review all the app details and ensure everything is accurate and complete.
    • Click on the “Submit for Review” button to submit your app for review by Apple’s App Review team.

Prepare images for your app

Both Google Play and Apple App Store have certain mandatory requirements for the images associated with your app:

  • Google Play
    • App Icon:
      • Dimensions: 512x512 pixels
      • Format: 32-bit PNG with alpha
      • No rounded corners or transparency
    • Feature Graphic (for the main header image):
      • Dimensions: 1024x500 pixels (landscape orientation)
      • Format: JPEG or 24-bit PNG (no alpha)
      • No text, buttons, or device frames
      • Should represent the app’s core features and visual identity
    • Screenshots:
      • Dimensions: At least 320 pixels wide
      • Format: JPEG or 24-bit PNG (no alpha)
      • No device frames, status bar, or additional graphics
      • Should accurately represent the app’s user interface and features
      • A maximum of 8 screenshots per type (phone, tablet, Android TV, Wear OS)
  • Apple App Store
    • App Icon:
      • Dimensions: Varies (required sizes include 1024x1024 pixels for App Store Connect, and additional sizes for different devices)
      • Format: PNG with transparency
      • No rounded corners or transparency for App Store Connect icon
      • Follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines for icon design and sizes for different devices
    • Screenshots:
      • Dimensions: Required sizes for different devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, etc.)
      • Format: JPEG or PNG
      • No additional graphics, device frames, or status bar
      • Show the app’s actual user interface, features, and functionality
      • Up to 10 screenshots per device type and localization
    • App Preview Videos:
      • Format: H.264 and QuickTime (.mov)
      • Recommended resolution: 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) or 4K (3840x2160 pixels)
      • Up to 30 seconds in length
      • Demonstrate the app’s core features and user experience

Do not under-estimate the amount of effort required to create these images. Seek professional help if needed. In my case, I created all images for my apps myself. If you need a free, yet powerful tool for your graphics requirements, I would strongly suggest using Gimp.