Submitting Your React Native App to Android and iOS Stores Using Expo

So, you've developed a fantastic React Native mobile app using Expo, and now it's time to share it with the world. The good news is that Expo simplifies the process of app submission to both the Google Play Store (for Android) and the Apple App Store (for iOS). In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to submit your Expo-based React Native app to both platforms.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the submission process, make sure you've completed the following:

Test Your App: Thoroughly test your app on real devices and simulators/emulators to ensure it functions as expected.
App Icon and Screenshots: Create an appealing app icon and prepare high-quality screenshots that showcase your app's features.
Developer Accounts: Set up developer accounts for both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. This may involve a one-time registration fee for the Play Store and an annual fee for the App Store (as of writing, $25 for Google and $99/year for Apple).

Expo App Configuration

Expo makes the app submission process straightforward by handling most of the complex configurations. Here's what you need to do:

App.json: Ensure your app.json file contains the necessary details like the app's name, version, icon, splash screen, and other configurations.
Privacy Policy: If your app collects user data, create a privacy policy and make it accessible from within the app.
Release Channels (Optional): If you want to release different versions of your app, you can use Expo's release channels to manage deployments.

Submitting to the Google Play Store (Android)

Step 1: Building Your APK

Open your terminal.
Navigate to your project's directory.
Build the APK using the following command:
```
 expo build:android
```
Follow the prompts, which will include generating a keystore (used for signing the APK).
Once the build is complete, you'll receive a URL to download the APK when it's ready.

Step 2: Google Play Console

Go to the Google Play Console.
Log in with your Google account.
Create a new app listing by following the prompts, including app details, screenshots, and descriptions.
Upload the APK you generated in Step 1.
Add other essential details like pricing, content rating, and contact information.
Review your listing and, if everything looks good, click "Publish."

Step 3: Distribution and Monetization (Optional)

Choose the countries or regions where you want your app to be available.
Set up payment details and pricing if you plan to monetize your app.

Submitting to the Apple App Store (iOS)

Step 1: Building Your IPA

Open your terminal.
Navigate to your project's directory.
Build the IPA (iOS App Archive) using the following command:
```
 expo build:ios
```
Follow the prompts, which will include providing your Apple ID.
Once the build is complete, you'll receive an email from Expo with a link to download the IPA.

Step 2: Apple App Store Connect

Go to App Store Connect.
Sign in with your Apple ID.
Click on "My Apps" and create a new app listing by filling in the required details, including app name, version, screenshots, and descriptions.
Prepare other essential information, such as pricing and availability.

Step 3: Xcode

Open your app project in Xcode.
Archive your app and validate it.
Once validated, click "Distribute App."
Follow the prompts to upload your app to App Store Connect.

Step 4: App Review

Submit your app for review.
Apple's review process may take a few days to a week.

Step 5: Release

Once your app is approved, set the app's release date.
Your app will automatically be published to the App Store on the specified date.

Post-Submission

After successfully submitting your app to both stores, don't forget the following:

Monitor User Feedback: Keep an eye on user reviews and ratings on both app stores.
Regular Updates: Continuously improve your app based on user feedback and release updates.
Promote Your App: Promote your app through marketing, social media, and other channels.
Analyze App Performance: Use analytics tools to track user behaviour and app performance.

With Expo's convenience, you've made it through the app submission process, and your app is now available to millions of potential users. Enjoy the journey of app ownership, improvement, and growth.

Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines from both Google and Apple and keep enhancing your app to meet the platform's requirements. Happy app launching!