The Ultimate App Launch Readiness Checklist (2026)

Building the app was the hard part. But submitting it to the App Store and Google Play is where many developers stumble. A single missing asset, an unconfigured privacy policy, or a forgotten metadata field can lead to rejection and delay your launch by days or even weeks.

To make sure you don't miss anything, we have compiled the ultimate pre-launch playbook. You can also use our interactive App Launch Readiness Checklist tool to track your progress as you work through these steps.

This guide focuses on the submission checklist itself, everything Apple and Google check before your app goes live. If you are further out from launch and want the marketing side (waitlists, press, Product Hunt timing), see our pre-launch marketing playbook instead, then come back here once your build is ready to submit.

Why You Need a Launch Checklist

App Store Connect and the Google Play Console are notoriously complex platforms. They require dozens of inputs spread across multiple hidden menus. Apple's review process is particularly stringent, often rejecting apps for minor metadata infractions or missing legal links.

By following a strict checklist, you ensure a smooth review process and set your app up for ASO success on day one.

Phase 1: Visual Assets

Your visual assets are your storefront. Have these prepared in a folder before you even log in to the developer portal.

• App Icon: Ensure you have a 1024x1024 PNG (no transparency) for iOS, and a 512x512 PNG for Android. You can test your icon scaling using our Icon Previewer.
• Screenshots: iOS requires 6.7" and 6.1" displays at minimum. Android requires standard 16:9 phone sizes. Prepare between 3 to 8 screenshots.
• Feature Graphic (Android only): A 1024x500 banner required for Google Play.

Phase 2: Metadata & ASO

This is how users will find you. Use our Character Counter to ensure you don't exceed the strict limits.

• App Name / Title: Max 30 characters. Include your primary keyword.
• Subtitle / Short Description: 30 chars for iOS, 80 for Android.
• iOS Keyword Field: 100 characters, comma-separated, no spaces after commas.
• Description: Up to 4,000 characters. For Android, ensure you check your density with a Keyword Density Analyzer.

Phase 3: Legal & Compliance

Do not skip this phase. Privacy regulations are stricter than ever.

• Privacy Policy URL: Mandatory for both stores. If you don't have one, generate one for free using our Privacy Policy Generator.
• App Tracking Transparency (iOS): If you use tracking SDKs (like Facebook Pixel or certain ad networks), you must implement the ATT prompt.
• Data Safety Form (Android): You must accurately declare what user data your app collects in the Play Console.

Phase 4: Technical Readiness

The final checks before you hit submit.

• Reviewer Credentials: If your app requires a login, you MUST provide a demo account in the review notes, or you will be rejected immediately.
• Sandbox Testing: Test every single in-app purchase and subscription in the sandbox environment.
• Crash Reporting: Ensure Sentry, Crashlytics, or a similar tool is active to catch launch-day bugs.