# Submit to Apple App Store

> Launch Llama directory submission tracker review — last reviewed 2026-08-25

- **Canonical:** https://tools.launchllama.co/tools/launch-directories/apple-app-store
- **Markdown twin:** https://tools.launchllama.co/directory-spokes/apple-app-store.md
- **Directory:** Apple App Store (apps.apple.com)
- **Submit URL:** https://apps.apple.com
- **DR:** 78
- **Pricing:** Paid
- **Category:** General Directory (#80 of 276 by DR in this category)
- **Referral traffic:** Very High
- **Backlink quality:** Very Strong
- **Link type:** Mixed — apps.apple.com app pages with outbound developer website links; Apple marketplace listings with platform-controlled attributes

## Quick verdict

iOS app marketplace — DR 78, paid submission required. Worth it for native iOS apps; skip if you only ship web SaaS without an App Store build.

**Best for:** Native iOS apps seeking install discovery on iPhone and iPad · Consumer and prosumer apps with App Store Optimization assets ready

## Approval & timeline

- **Time-to-live:** App Review typically takes 24–48 hours per submission; first apps and policy edge cases take longer.
- **Review:** Apple App Review team tests builds against App Store Review Guidelines — functionality, privacy, payments, and content policies.
- **Common rejections:** Crashes, placeholder content, guideline violations, missing privacy nutrition labels, or in-app purchase policy breaches.
- **Reputation:** Apple rejection cycles are common for first submissions — budget extra days before marketing launch dates.

## Pros

- DR 78 domain with Very High traffic from iOS users searching apps
- Very Strong backlink rating on public app pages at apps.apple.com
- Built-in payment infrastructure via in-app purchase and subscriptions
- Featured placement and editorial picks drive massive install spikes

## Cons

- Pricing is Paid — Apple Developer Program costs $99/year minimum
- Strict review guidelines — rejections delay coordinated launch weeks
- iOS only — requires separate Google Play strategy for Android
- Apple commission on in-app purchases reduces margin on mobile revenue

## What you need before you submit

- Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year) enrolled
- App Store Connect app record with bundle ID and signing certificates
- App icons, screenshots, preview videos per device size requirements
- Privacy nutrition labels and privacy policy URL completed accurately
- TestFlight beta completed — build stable enough to pass App Review

**Gotchas:**

- Web-wrapper apps with minimal native value often get rejected under guideline 4.2
- External payment links for digital goods violate IAP rules — use Apple’s system
- Metadata keywords and subtitle fields matter for App Store Optimization (ASO)

## Submission mechanics

- **Account:** Apple Developer account — submit builds via App Store Connect and Xcode or CI pipeline.
- **Categories:** Pick primary and secondary App Store categories accurately — miscategorization hurts browse and search ranking.
- **Anchor text:** App name as listing title; developer website URL in App Store Connect metadata.
- **Link placement:** Dedicated apps.apple.com/app/id{app_id} page — indexed marketplace listing with install CTA.

## FAQ

### How much does the Apple App Store cost?

The Apple Developer Program is Paid at $99/year. Listing apps is included; Apple takes commission on in-app purchases and subscriptions.

### How long does App Review take?

Most submissions review within 24–48 hours. First apps and guideline edge cases often need resubmission cycles adding days.

### Does the App Store help SEO?

App pages on apps.apple.com have Very Strong backlink ratings and rank for app name queries — valuable for branded search.

### Can I submit a web SaaS to the App Store?

Only if you ship a native iOS app meeting Apple’s guidelines. Thin web wrappers without native functionality are commonly rejected.

## Related

- [Directory Submission Tracker](https://tools.launchllama.co/tools/launch-directories)
- [General Directory directories](https://tools.launchllama.co/tools/launch-directories?category=general-directory)
- [Directory backlink service](https://tools.launchllama.co/launch#directory-submissions)
- [llms.txt](https://tools.launchllama.co/llms.txt)