Updated 5th November, 2025

Why App Store Submission Feels So Complex for Creators

If you've built amazing courses and a loyal community, the idea of your own branded mobile app sounds perfect. But the moment you research how to actually submit that app to the Apple App Store or Google Play, you'll quickly feel overwhelmed.

The submission process isn't just about uploading files. Both Apple and Google enforce strict guidelines across safety, performance, design, privacy, and monetization. A single misstep in your metadata, screenshots, privacy policy, or app functionality will delay your launch by days or weeks.

Common App Store Rejection Reasons

Understanding what trips up most creators helps you avoid the same fate. According to Passion's creator guide, Apple reviews 90% of submissions within 24-48 hours, while Google's process typically takes 2-5 business days. Here's what commonly goes wrong:

• Metadata inaccuracies: Misleading app names, prices in screenshots, or descriptions that don't match functionality. Your listing must accurately represent your app right now, not future plans.
• Incomplete or buggy apps: Broken links, crashes, or insufficient content. We recommend at least 5 lessons or one week's worth of content before submission.
• Privacy policy issues: Missing, vague, or inaccessible policies trigger fast rejection. Both stores require clear data-handling disclosures.
• Payment violations: Not using in-app purchase systems for digital goods or unclear trial structures. Apple and Google each retain 15-30% commission on in-app purchases.
• Account problems: Demo credentials that don't work or missing account deletion options.

The Time and Technical Burden

Beyond compliance, the sheer technical steps overwhelm many creators. You need to register for developer accounts (Apple $99/year, Google $25 one-time), configure certificates and provisioning profiles, compile app builds in specific formats, and upload everything correctly.

If you're running a coaching business solo or with a tiny team, learning Xcode or Android Studio is a non-starter. Custom app development often starts at $30k and takes months, which isn't viable for most creators scaling from mid-five-figure MRR.

That's where Passion steps in. Our no-code platform and submission support handle the technical plumbing, so you can focus on what you do best: creating content and building community.

How Passion Simplifies App Store Submission

Passion transforms app store submission from a technical minefield into a guided, supported process. Here's how we help you avoid rejection and launch faster.

Our No-Code Platform Handles the Technical Foundation

You don't need to touch code, certificates, or command-line tools. Passion's drag-and-drop builder lets you upload videos, PDFs, audio, and text, structure lessons into courses, and design your app's look with your logo, colors, and fonts. Behind the scenes, we generate the app builds for iOS, Android, and web, manage hosting, and push automatic updates when we roll out new features.

This means your app stays compliant without you manually rebuilding binaries every time Apple or Google updates their technical requirements. Passion automatically updates your app with new platform features, reducing the risk of rejection due to outdated builds.

"Passion makes building your own e-learning app fast, simple, and stress-free. With their no-code, drag-and-drop platform, I was able to design, build, and launch a fully functional app in just a few hours." - Rob M. on G2

Watch this Passion tutorial walkthrough to see how the platform works.

Step-by-Step Guidance and Checklists

Passion provides detailed pre-submission checklists and guides for both Apple and Google. These resources walk you through:

• Setting up pricing plans within the platform
• Verifying content quality (no placeholder text, testimonials are accurate, videos display correctly)
• Preparing metadata like app name, descriptions, and keywords
• Creating compliant screenshots and feature graphics
• Drafting or linking your privacy policy and support URLs

Our help center article on updating app details explains how to choose categories and configure your app settings. We also guide you to write app descriptions that drive downloads and suggest free ASO tools to identify keywords that improve discoverability.

Dedicated Submission Support (Expand & Plus Plans)

While Launch and Scale tiers include comprehensive documentation, our Expand and Plus plans offer hands-on submission assistance. On the Plus plan, you get white-glove, done-for-you submission support with a dedicated success manager who handles the entire process, from connecting your developer accounts to addressing reviewer feedback.

When rejections happen (and they occasionally do, even for great apps), our support team promptly investigates and guides you through necessary changes, reaching out to you for input only when required. We typically respond within two business days, often sooner, and prioritize quick resolution and resubmission to minimize your launch delay.

Your App Store Submission Journey with Passion

Here's the realistic timeline and steps for launching your app with Passion, broken down week by week.

1. Prepare Your Content and App Details (Week 1-2)

Start by migrating your core content into Passion. We recommend you upload at least 5 lessons or one week's worth of material to ensure your app meets minimum functionality standards. Remove all placeholder text and verify that videos, images, and testimonials display correctly.

Within the Passion builder, set your app name, icon, description, keywords, and category. Draft your privacy policy and add your support URL. Our help center provides guidance on managing your app's privacy options.

"I love that there's an easy to follow system to not only build your App but also your Business." - Emmely C. on G2

2. Set Up Developer Accounts (Week 1-2)

Register for the Apple Developer Program and Google Play Console using Passion's step-by-step guides with screenshots. These accounts connect to the platform so we can manage your app builds and submissions on higher-tier plans.

3. Build and Test Your App on Passion (Week 2-3)

With content in place, customize your app's branding, set up pricing plans (subscriptions, one-time purchases, or freemium tiers), and test the user experience. Passion offers PassionPayments for web checkouts and supports in-app purchases for Apple and Google. Route bundles and higher-ticket offers to your web app to reduce commission costs.

Publish your Progressive Web App (PWA) live during week 2. This lets you start generating revenue and gathering user feedback while the native mobile apps undergo store review.

4. Submit to Apple App Store and Google Play (Week 3-4)

Once your content is polished and accounts are connected, it's time to submit. On Expand or Plus plans, Passion handles the submission on your behalf. On Launch or Scale, we provide the app bundles and detailed instructions for you to upload to App Store Connect and Google Play Console.

Apple requires 5-10 screenshots per device type and a 1024x1024 px icon. Google needs 2-8 screenshots, a 512x512 px icon, and a 1024x500 px feature graphic. Our platform simplifies asset creation with built-in tools.

Both stores will review your app against their guidelines. Plan a 1-2 week buffer for clarifications or minor revisions.

5. Address Feedback and Launch (Week 4-8)

If your app is approved on the first pass, congratulations. You're live. If you receive feedback requesting changes, our support team helps you implement fixes quickly. Common issues include metadata tweaks, clarifying pricing plans, or adjusting privacy disclosures.

Once changes are made, resubmit and wait for the next review cycle (typically 1-3 days). Total time from initial submission to live app: 3-6 weeks on average, with some creators going live faster.

After launch, Passion automatically rolls out platform updates to your app. For major content or feature changes, check our help center for guidance on when re-submission is necessary.

Passion Plans: What Submission Support You Get

Not all plans include the same level of hands-on submission assistance. Here's what to expect at each tier, based on Passion's 2025 pricing.

• Launch ($119/month or $99/month annually) and Scale ($299/month or $239/month annually) plans include comprehensive documentation, step-by-step checklists, and access to our support team via email and live chat. You'll prepare your app, upload builds, and submit to the stores yourself using our guides.
• Expand ($699/month or $599/month annually) adds guided submission support. Our team assists with connecting developer accounts, preparing metadata, and troubleshooting rejections. Expand also includes unlimited users, products, communities, videos, and push notifications.
• Passion Plus ($10,000-$20,000, scope-dependent) includes white-glove, done-for-you service. A dedicated success manager handles app building, content migration, store submission, and launch. Plus clients also receive advanced analytics, growth coaching, and priority support.

Watch an honest Passion review to see how creators evaluate different plans.

Real Creator Experiences

Passion has helped thousands of creators launch branded apps across fitness, wellness, education, and business coaching. Our case studies showcase creators achieving six-figure months and mid-five-figure MRR, often within 90-180 days of launch.

"Since signing up three days ago, I have had a VIP experience. From the fast response to an earlier question I had about billing to the wonderful welcome call I had with Amanda S., I feel well taken care of." - Deane Falcon on Trustpilot

"Passion team always answers my emails and questions. Running an app as a computer illiterate creator isn't easy but passion makes it simple!" - Dana Martin on Trustpilot

The most common pitfalls? Including prices in screenshots, submitting with placeholder content, skipping your privacy policy, or hiding subscription terms. Passion's pre-submission checklists catch these issues before reviewers see them, and our support team helps you fix any feedback quickly.

Launch Your Branded App with Confidence

You can launch your app in 4-8 weeks with Passion's no-code builder, comprehensive guides, and dedicated support on Expand and Plus plans. No months-long ordeal, no endless rejections.

You'll avoid the most common rejection pitfalls, meet Apple and Google's requirements, and launch a branded mobile experience that increases completion, boosts retention, and shifts your revenue from launch spikes to predictable subscriptions.

Ready to see how it works? Try Passion with a 30-day money-back guarantee (verify current trial status at signup). You can also explore our complete feature guide.

Your branded app is closer than you think. Launch it with confidence.

FAQs

How long does Apple App Store review typically take?

Apple reviews 90% of submissions within 24-48 hours. Plan a 1-2 week buffer for clarifications or minor revisions.

What are the actual developer account costs for launching on both stores?

Apple Developer Program costs $99/year. Google Play Console is a $25 one-time fee.

Can Passion help if my app gets rejected?

Yes. On all plans, our support team investigates rejections and guides you through fixes, typically responding within two business days. Expand and Plus plans include hands-on assistance with resubmission.

Do I need coding experience to submit my app through Passion?

No. Passion's no-code builder and submission guides handle the technical complexity. Expand and Plus plans offer hands-on assistance.

What's the difference between PassionPayments and in-app purchases for fees?

PassionPayments (web checkout) charges 3.9% plus Stripe fees. Apple/Google in-app purchases retain 15-30% commission. Route high-ticket offers to web to save on commissions.

Key Terms Glossary

In-App Purchase (IAP): Purchases made directly within a mobile app, subject to Apple/Google fees of 15-30%.

Push Notifications: Short messages sent to a user's mobile device to drive engagement, even when the app is closed.

Branded App: A mobile application (iOS/Android) and web app customized with a creator's own branding, logo, and content.

Developer Account: Required accounts with Apple ($99/year) and Google ($25 one-time) to publish apps on their stores.

Metadata: Information about an app (title, description, screenshots, keywords) submitted to app stores for listing purposes.

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