Store Setup: Google Play Console + App Store Connect

This skill guides the configuration of both store dashboards so they are ready to receive builds from the CI/CD pipeline.

Google Play Console Setup

Step 1: Create App

1. Go to Google Play Console
2. Click Create app
3. Fill in:

- App name (max 30 chars, appears on Play Store) - Default language - App or Game selection - Free or Paid (cannot change from free to paid later)

1. Accept declarations (developer program policies, US export laws)
2. Click Create app

Step 2: Store Listing

Invoke app-gtm-release:store-listing for detailed asset preparation. At minimum:

Step 3: Content Rating

1. Navigate to Policy > App content > Content rating
2. Complete the IARC questionnaire (takes ~5 minutes)
3. Answer honestly about: violence, sexuality, language, substances, gambling, user interaction
4. Review generated ratings for each region
5. Apply ratings

Content ratings are required before you can publish.

Step 4: Data Safety

1. Navigate to Policy > App content > Data safety
2. Declare data collection and sharing practices:

- Does the app collect or share user data? - Data types: location, personal info, financial info, health, files, contacts, etc. - Purpose of each data type: app functionality, analytics, advertising, etc. - Is data encrypted in transit? - Can users request data deletion?

1. Preview the declaration
2. Submit

This is required and will appear on the store listing.

Step 5: Pricing & Distribution

1. Navigate to Monetization > Products > App pricing
2. Set as Free or Paid
3. Navigate to Reach > Countries and regions
4. Select target countries
5. Set up any managed country pricing if paid

Step 6: App Access

If any features require login or special access:

1. Navigate to Policy > App content > App access
2. Provide login credentials for the review team
3. Explain how to access restricted features

Step 7: Target Audience

1. Navigate to Policy > App content > Target audience
2. Select age groups (impacts content policies)
3. If targeting children under 13: additional compliance requirements apply

App Store Connect Setup

Step 1: Register Bundle ID

1. Go to Apple Developer Portal > Identifiers
2. Click + > App IDs > App
3. Enter description and Bundle ID (explicit, e.g., com.company.appname)
4. Enable required capabilities (push notifications, sign in with Apple, etc.)
5. Click Register

The bundle ID must match ios/Runner.xcodeproj > Runner target > Bundle Identifier.

Step 2: Create App Record

1. Go to App Store Connect
2. Click My Apps > + > New App
3. Fill in:

- Platforms: iOS (and/or macOS, etc.) - Name (max 30 chars, must be unique on the App Store) - Primary language - Bundle ID: select the one registered above - SKU: internal reference (e.g., com.company.appname) - User Access: full access or limited

1. Click Create

Step 3: App Information

1. Navigate to General > App Information
2. Fill in:

- Category: Primary and optional secondary category - Content Rights: Confirm no third-party content issues - Age Rating: Complete the questionnaire (violence, profanity, etc.)

1. Save changes

Step 4: Store Listing (Version)

For each version submitted:

Invoke app-gtm-release:store-listing for screenshot specifications and strategy.

Step 5: App Review Information

1. Navigate to the version page > App Review Information
2. Provide:

- Contact info (name, phone, email) - Demo account credentials (if login required) - Notes for reviewers (explain non-obvious features)

1. This is critical for avoiding review rejection

Step 6: Pricing and Availability

1. Navigate to Pricing and Availability
2. Set price tier (or free)
3. Select availability by country/region
4. Configure pre-orders if desired

Platform Comparison

Common Rejection Reasons

Google Play

• Missing privacy policy
• Incomplete data safety declaration
• Requesting unnecessary permissions
• Misleading app metadata
• Broken functionality or crashes

App Store

• Bugs or crashes
• Incomplete information (placeholder text, missing features)
• Guideline 4.3: spam (too similar to existing apps)
• Login required without demo account provided
• In-app purchases not using StoreKit

Post-Setup Checklist

Before proceeding to testing tracks:

• Google Play: app created, store listing complete, content rating done, data safety submitted
• App Store Connect: bundle ID registered, app record created, app information complete
• Both stores: privacy policy URL accessible
• Both stores: age/content ratings completed
• Both stores: pricing and distribution countries configured