Version Management
A version = version number + build number + metadata + screenshots + review notes. Self-check before submitting — adopt the reviewer’s perspective of “how will this be evaluated”.
Version vs Build
| Concept | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Version | User-facing version identifier; must increment | 1.2.3 |
| Build | Internal compile number; must be greater than the previous build | 20260827.1 |
- The build number distinguishes multiple builds under the same version; one version can have multiple builds.
- Upload builds via Xcode, Transporter, or CI (fastlane
pilot).
Creating a New Version
- In the version area of the app detail page, click + and choose a version number (e.g. 2.0.0).
- Fill in that version’s metadata: What’s New, screenshots, review notes.
- Attach the target build (already uploaded and processed).
- Submit for review.
Pre-Submission Checklist
- Metadata complete: description, keywords, privacy policy, support & marketing URLs
- Screenshots/previews: resolution and device requirements match; consistent with actual features
- App Privacy: data collection purposes correct; third-party SDKs declared
- Login apps: test account/password provided; special environments explained
- Usage permissions: camera/mic/location descriptions accurate and specific
- Version/build numbers correct; no known P0 crashes
- IAP/subscriptions purchasable and reproducible in sandbox
App Review Notes are a key lever for passing review. Proactively write down the test path, test account, special-environment notes, and reproducible steps. Reviewers are more willing to approve apps that “spell it out”.
Review & Release
- After submission you can choose Manual Release or Automatic Release.
- You can set phased release (percentage-based gradual rollout) or scheduled release.
- Common rejection reasons: features unavailable, crashes, metadata mismatch, insufficient privacy declarations, IAP unavailable.
Version Updates
- New versions require a fresh “What’s New” and a new attached build.
- For small fixes, you can resubmit with the same version number but a higher build (state the changes clearly).
- After approval, choose immediate release, scheduled release, or phased release.
FAQ
- Build stuck on Processing? Check that signing uses Distribution and export compliance is complete; a few hours of processing is normal.
- Can I resubmit the same version? Yes — resubmit with a higher build number.
- After a rejection? Read the reason in Resolution Center → fix → resubmit; appeal if it is a mistaken rejection.