---
title: How to follow publishing guidelines for Apple App Store and Google Play
description: Updated publishing checklist to help your app comply with Apple and Google’s latest safety, content, monetization, and regional policies.
---

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# How to follow publishing guidelines for Apple App Store and Google Play

## Updated publishing checklist to help your app comply with Apple and Google’s latest safety, content, monetization, and regional policies.

This guide provides the most current best practices to improve your app’s approval chances across both platforms.

---

### **Requirements**

- Apple Developer and Google Play developer accounts
- Completed app listing with all required metadata, screenshots, and privacy links

---

### **How to follow publishing guidelines for Apple App Store and Google Play**

1. Log in to your Buildfire account
2. Review **Safety** requirements:

     - Ensure your app is free of offensive, misleading, or harmful content
     - Add a **valid support URL** that links to a webpage (emails are not accepted)
     - Verify all content complies with current [App Store](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and [Play Store](https://play.google/howplayworks/the-latest/?content=latest-2025-q1&section=latest-drawer&utm_source=chatgpt.com) content policies
3. Check **Performance** standards:

     - Remove placeholder text or empty content before submission
     - Test your app thoroughly on physical devices to catch crashes or UI errors
     - Include a **demo login** if authentication is required for review
     - Ensure all **in-app purchases** are active and tested
4. Confirm **Monetization and Business** compliance:

     - Clearly explain your app’s functionality and purchasing flow
     - Avoid deceptive pricing or review manipulation
     - For Apple:

           1. **U.S. App Store** – External purchase links are permitted.
           2. **EU App Store** – Multiple links allowed; new fee structures start **January 1, 2026**
     - For Google Play:

           1. Apps must use **Billing Library v7+** for all in-app purchases
           2. Keep your payment integrations compliant with updated billing APIs
5. Refine **Design and UX**:

     - Maintain a clean, native interface that fits the platform’s design patterns
     - Limit **Web Views** to 2–3 per app to avoid resembling a mobile browser
     - Avoid replicating external websites or loading most content via frames
6. Review **Legal and Privacy** obligations:

     - Only use content you own or are licensed for
     - Include a **privacy policy** and required **legal disclosures** in both the app and store listing
     - For Google Play:

           1. Apps that collect **sensitive health data** must provide explicit justification and obtain user consent
7. Apply **Platform-Specific Updates**:

     - **Google Play**:

           1. All new apps and updates must **target API 35** by **August 31, 2025**
           2. Existing apps must at least target **API 34** to remain visible
           3. Google has launched a **quality crackdown**, removing low-quality and fraudulent apps
           4. Use **pre-review checks** to fix privacy or credential issues before manual review
8. Follow **Security**, **Tagging**, **Purchase**, and **Analytics** best practices in your store setup:

     - Verify privacy settings and permissions
     - Ensure purchase flows are validated and secure
     - Track performance and usage through App Store and Play Console analytics

---

### **Pro tips**

- **Region-specific compliance:** Use separate builds or flags for U.S., EU, and other regions to manage fees and linking permissions.
- **Stay API-compliant:** Always target the latest API (Android 15) and update billing libraries regularly.
- **Pre-submission checks:** Use Play Console’s **pre-review** feature to identify and fix policy violations early.
- **Prioritize quality:** Avoid cloned or spammy apps — both Apple and Google prioritize original, high-quality apps for visibility.

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