The Process of Submitting an App to App Stores: Time and Cost Breakdown

Today, developers aiming to distribute their applications to a wide range of users need to submit their apps to various app stores. This process involves a series of steps, each with its specific time frame and cost implications. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved, the time required, and the costs for popular app stores such as the Android Play Store, Apple App Store, and Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Preparing Your App for Submission

The first step in the app submission process is ensuring that your app is ready for distribution. This includes:

Compliance with store guidelines and policies Optimizing the app's performance and user experience Preparing marketing materials and screenshots Creating a comprehensive app description that includes keywords for better visibility

This preparatory step can take an estimated 1-3 days depending on the complexity of the app and the amount of optimization work required.

Step 2: Submitting Your App to the App Store

Once your app is ready, you can start the submission process for each app store. The steps vary slightly depending on the store:

Android Play Store

Cost: $25 one-time fee for individual developers. Again, this fee may vary. Submission Time: About 1-2 days after the app upload. The app store typically reviews the app in under 3 working days.

Apple App Store

Cost: $99.99 per year (renewal required annually). Submission Time: Up to one week to approve your app before it goes live on the store. The approval process can be longer or shorter depending on the complexity of the app and any revisions required.

Microsoft Store

Individuals: $19 one-time fee. Companies: $99 per year. Submission Time: Approximately 1-2 days after the app upload. The app store will review the app within 3-5 working days.

Additional note for developers: Windows also offers a Dreamspark program, which allows for free submission of apps, but the requirements and processes may differ and are subject to change.

Step 3: Post-Submission

After submission, the app stores will review your app to ensure it meets all guidelines and policies. Once approved, your app will be published and available for download. This process is crucial to ensure the quality and security of the applications available on each platform.

It's important to understand that while the costs mentioned above are relatively low, the overall time and effort required can vary. Each app store has its unique requirements and processes, so thorough research and following their guidelines are essential for a successful submission.

Additional Options for Free App Stores

While most popular app stores require fees, there are some free options available as well:

Opera Store: Offers free submission with no ongoing fees. Nokia X Store: Supports Windows Phone apps, offering free submission for individual developers. Amazon Appstore: Also offers a free submission option for selective developers.

These stores cater to specific audiences or operating systems, so it’s worth exploring them if your target market aligns with their user base.

In conclusion, submitting an app to different app stores involves a series of steps, each with its specific time frame and cost. While the process can be lengthy and require some fees, the rewards of reaching a broader user base make it worthwhile for developers. By understanding the steps and costs involved, developers can ensure a smoother and more efficient submission process.