App Store Connect Pre-flight Check

Run a comprehensive pre-submission checklist for App Store Connect to catch common rejection reasons before submitting for review.

When to Use

• Before clicking "Add for Review" on a new app version
• After uploading a new build to verify everything is configured
• When preparing an app for initial release
• After receiving a rejection to verify all issues are fixed

Interactive Setup

The skill starts by asking about your app configuration:

1. Monetization model (Free / Paid / Freemium with IAP)
2. Paywall implementation (RevenueCat Paywalls / Custom / None)
3. iPad support (iPhone only / Universal)

Based on your answers, irrelevant checks are skipped. For example:

• Free apps skip IAP and RevenueCat validation
• iPhone-only apps skip iPad screenshot checks
• RC Paywalls users get dashboard validation instead of code analysis

The skill also auto-detects which MCPs are available:

• Claude in Chrome (required for all checks)
• RevenueCat MCP (optional, falls back to browser if unavailable)

Checklist Items

Validates against Apple's App Review Guidelines:

• Guideline 2.3 - Accurate Metadata
• Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase
• Guideline 3.1.2 - Subscriptions
• Guideline 5.1.1 - Data Collection

Version Metadata (Guideline 2.3)

• [ ] App name ≤30 characters
• [ ] Screenshots show app in use (not splash/login screens)
• [ ] Screenshots for all required device sizes
• [ ] Screenshots appropriate for 4+ age rating
• [ ] App previews use only actual app footage
• [ ] Description without trademarked terms or pricing
• [ ] Keywords relevant to app
• [ ] What's New describes changes specifically
• [ ] If IAP: Screenshots/description indicate purchase requirements

In-App Purchases (Guideline 3.1.1)

• [ ] All IAPs in "Ready to Submit" status
• [ ] IAPs SELECTED and attached to this version (common rejection!)
• [ ] Review screenshots uploaded for new products
• [ ] Display names and descriptions appropriate for public
• [ ] No alternative payment mechanisms (license keys, QR codes)
• [ ] Loot box odds disclosed (if applicable)

Subscriptions (Guideline 3.1.2)

• [ ] Subscription period ≥7 days
• [ ] Clear description of what subscriber receives
• [ ] Free trial configured via App Store Connect (if offered)
• [ ] Upgrade/downgrade prevents duplicate subscriptions
• [ ] Consumable currencies do not expire

App Review Information

• [ ] Contact information provided and valid
• [ ] Demo credentials provided if login required
• [ ] Demo credentials actually work
• [ ] All new features described specifically in Review Notes
• [ ] Hidden/advanced features explained

Privacy (Guideline 5.1.1)

• [ ] Privacy policy URL in App Store Connect
• [ ] Privacy policy accessible within app (both required)
• [ ] Privacy labels match actual data collection
• [ ] Age rating answered honestly

Code Verification

• [ ] Restore purchases mechanism implemented
• [ ] No alternative payment bypass patterns
• [ ] Trial duration in code matches ASC config

Instructions

1. Navigate to App Store Connect for the target app
2. Use Claude in Chrome to systematically check each section
3. Report findings as a checklist with pass/fail/warning status
4. Highlight blocking issues that will cause rejection
5. Note optional improvements

Example Output

App Store Connect Pre-flight Check: MyApp v1.0

BLOCKING ISSUES (will cause rejection):
- In-App Purchases: 2 subscriptions not attached to version
- App Review: Sign-in credentials missing (app shows login screen)

WARNINGS (may cause rejection):
- Screenshots: iPad Pro 12.9" 6th gen missing (using 5th gen)
- Metadata: Promotional text empty

PASSED:
- Version metadata complete
- Privacy policy configured
- Age rating set
- Export compliance answered
- Build uploaded and selected
- Contact information provided

Recommendation: Fix blocking issues before submitting.

Navigation Paths

• Version page: /apps/{app_id}/distribution/ios/version/inflight
• Subscriptions: /apps/{app_id}/distribution/subscriptions
• App Information: /apps/{app_id}/distribution/app-info
• Pricing: /apps/{app_id}/distribution/pricing
• App Privacy: /apps/{app_id}/distribution/app-privacy

Model

Use haiku for speed - this is a checklist validation task, not complex reasoning.

Apple Guidelines Reference

• Guideline 2.3 - Accurate Metadata: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#accurate-metadata
• Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#in-app-purchase
• Guideline 3.1.2 - Subscriptions: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#subscriptions
• Guideline 5.1.1 - Data Collection: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#data-collection-and-storage