01Give the app a reason to exist
Identify what people need to do repeatedly and why a website is insufficient. Camera use, notifications or a task performed away from a reliable connection may influence the product. A requirement to install an app can also introduce friction, so compare the benefit with a well-designed mobile website.
Define the first useful journey and the devices it needs to support. A field worker taking photographs and a customer checking a booking have different access, usability and privacy requirements. A prototype can test the journey without committing to every planned feature.
02Decide accounts and data handling early
Map sign-in, permissions, account recovery and deletion requirements. Ask whether a device feature is essential before requesting access to it. The interface should explain a permission at the point the user understands its purpose. Use realistic test scenarios without putting production customer data into an unmanaged test build.
For connected products, specify which server or external API supplies information, what happens offline and how changes are synchronised. Do not silently assume the app is the system of record.
03Prepare for testing and App Store review
Acceptance testing should cover supported screen sizes, accessibility, interrupted connections, denied permissions and account recovery. Confirm who owns the Apple developer account, certificates, store listing, privacy disclosures and review communications. App Store approval and its timing are controlled by Apple.
Consult Apple’s App Review Guidelines during planning rather than discovering an incompatible requirement immediately before launch. Platform requirements can change, so check the current version when preparing a release.