A Complete Guide to Publishing Your iOS App on the App Store

Creating a mobile app for your Shopify store is an exciting step toward expanding your brand’s digital presence. But once the app is built, the most important part is making it available to your customers on the App Store. This process can feel complicated, especially if you’ve never gone through it before. To make things easier, here’s a step-by-step guide to publishing your iOS app successfully.

At HulkApps, we’ve helped hundreds of merchants launch their apps using the Hulk Mobile App Builder, and we know the ins and outs of Apple’s publishing process. This article walks you through every stage—from setting up developer accounts to final submission—so you can launch your app with confidence.

1. Get the Necessary Developer Accounts

Before you can publish, Apple and Google require that apps be submitted through official developer accounts. This ensures that apps meet their security, quality, and ownership standards.

a. Apple Developer Program Membership

To publish an app on the Apple App Store, you’ll need an active Apple Developer Program membership. This membership unlocks the tools you’ll need to build, test, and distribute your iOS app.

👉 Join here: Apple Developer Program Enrollment

Requirements for an Apple Developer Account

  • D-U-N-S Number: Apple requires a D-U-N-S number to verify your business as a legal entity. This is a unique nine-digit identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet.

  • Organizational Account: While Apple allows personal accounts, it is highly recommended (and often required for businesses) to set up an organizational developer account. This allows your app to be published under your business name, not a personal one.

👉 Apply for a D-U-N-S Number here: Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number Registration

⚠️ Note: Getting a D-U-N-S number can take a few days, so it’s smart to apply early in the process.

b. Google Play Console (For Android Apps)

Even though this article focuses on iOS, many Shopify merchants release both Android and iOS versions for maximum reach. For Android, you’ll need a Google Play Console account.

👉 Sign up here: Google Play Console Enrollment

Like Apple, Google also requires organizational accounts to ensure your business name is shown as the app publisher. The setup process is straightforward, and there’s a one-time $25 fee for creating a Google developer account.

2. Install the Hulk Mobile App Builder

Once your developer accounts are in place, it’s time to build your app. The fastest and most efficient way to do this is by using the Hulk Mobile App Builder, available on the Shopify App Store.

👉 Install it here: Hulk Mobile App Builder on Shopify

The Hulk Mobile App Builder is designed to help Shopify merchants quickly transform their online stores into fully functional mobile apps. With drag-and-drop design tools, customizable themes, and integrations with Shopify features, you can create an app that reflects your brand identity without needing any coding skills.

Key features include:

  • Customizable layouts and themes

  • Push notifications to re-engage your customers

  • Seamless checkout integrations

  • Support for multi-language and multi-currency

  • Easy connection with third-party apps and custom APIs

This builder saves time, reduces development costs, and gives you full control over your app’s design and functionality.

3. Design and Customize Your App

With the builder installed, you’ll want to design the app so it matches your store’s branding and customer experience. This includes:

  • Adding your logo and brand colors

  • Designing the homepage banners and collection displays

  • Configuring navigation menus

  • Setting up push notification campaigns

  • Enabling customer accounts and wishlists

If you’re not comfortable handling design on your own, the HulkApps team can assist in creating an engaging, conversion-focused mobile app for your store.

4. Submit the App Publish Form

After your design is finalized, you’ll need to complete the App Publish Form within the Hulk Mobile App Builder backend. This form gathers essential details such as:

  • App name

  • App icon

  • Description

  • Contact information

  • Screenshots for the App Store listing

Having accurate and consistent information here is crucial, as this is exactly what customers will see when they discover your app in the App Store.

5. Invite HulkApps as Admin to Your Developer Accounts

To help you through the submission process, you’ll need to invite the HulkApps team as an Admin to both your Apple Developer and Google Play Console accounts.

👉 Use this email: mobile@shopcircle.co

This access allows us to publish the app under your business accounts, ensuring everything is compliant with Apple and Google’s requirements.

6. Submission and Review Timeline

Once your app is submitted, here’s what you can expect:

  • Apple App Store: The review process generally takes 2–7 business days. Apple is known for its strict guidelines, so it carefully checks for performance, design, and security compliance.

  • Google Play Store: Reviews typically take 2–3 business days, but in some cases can be quicker.

After approval, your app will be live and available for your customers to download worldwide.