Everything to validate before you hit submit on the App Store and Google Play.
Launching a mobile app is more involved than publishing a website. Store reviews, device fragmentation and the difficulty of fixing mistakes once users have installed a version all raise the stakes. A disciplined pre-launch checklist saves weeks of pain.
Functionality and stability
- Core journeys tested end to end on real iOS and Android devices.
- Poor network, offline and interrupted-session behaviour handled gracefully.
- Crash reporting and analytics installed and verified.
- Push notifications tested on both platforms, including permission prompts.
Performance
- Cold start time measured on older, lower-end devices.
- Images and assets optimised for app size.
- Battery and data usage checked during long sessions.
Store readiness
- App name, subtitle, description and keywords finalised.
- Screenshots and preview video for every required device size.
- Privacy policy URL and data-collection disclosures completed accurately.
- Demo account credentials prepared for store reviewers.
Accessibility and polish
Check dynamic text sizes, colour contrast and screen-reader labels. Accessibility is increasingly expected by users and reviewers alike, and it makes the app better for everyone.
Users forgive a missing feature far more easily than a crash on first launch.
After you hit submit
Plan for the first two weeks: monitor crashes and reviews daily, respond to feedback quickly and have a fast-follow release ready. The launch version is the beginning of the conversation with your users, not the end.
