Mobile App Publishing Guide: Google Play, App Store and Huawei AppGallery Rules

The most exciting part of mobile app development is the moment the app finally goes live, after months of analysis, coding, design and testing. In recent years, however, Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Huawei AppGallery have all tightened their policies considerably on security, data privacy, user experience, performance and technical requirements.

This guide walks through the current publishing rules step by step and explains some of the core requirements of each app store.

Publishing on Google Play Store

Developer Account and Identity Verification

Google now requires identity verification from every developer, whether the account is personal or corporate.

• If you are publishing as a company, a D-U-N-S number or an official trade registry document is mandatory.
• For personal accounts, a scan of an identity document (passport or ID card) is required.

Fee: the one-off payment of 25 USD for a developer account still applies.

App Content Policies

Google is strict on the following points:

• Collecting user data without the user's permission is now grounds for outright rejection.
• AI-based apps must carry a disclosure statement.
• Apps aimed at children must comply with the "Designed for Families" policy without exception.
• Ad SDKs must come from ad providers verified by Google.

Technical Requirements

• The minimum API level must now be Android 14 (API 34).
• Support for a 64-bit build is mandatory.
• Google Play automatically rejects apps submitted without a Privacy Manifest file.
• Google requires all developers to upload AAB (Android App Bundle) files rather than APKs. AAB is the better approach for performance and size optimisation, and Play Console can generate the necessary APK files automatically.

Beta Testing Before First Release

For developers publishing an app for the first time, Google requires a beta test with at least 12 testers over at least 14 days. Testers must use the app throughout the period and provide feedback. Only at the end of that process can the app be promoted to the production channel.

Post-Release Updates

Google expects active maintenance or a security update at least once every 12 months. Apps left without updates for long periods may be removed from the listing.

Publishing on the Apple App Store (iOS 18 Requirements)

Apple Developer Program Membership

Publishing on the App Store requires an Apple Developer Program membership at 99 USD per year. Developers applying as a company must have a D-U-N-S number. Apple requires apps to be signed with Xcode.

App Privacy and Data Usage Policy

Apple is more exacting than ever on privacy. The current requirements:

• The Privacy Nutrition Label must be submitted in the updated format.
• Apps using AI or machine learning must state clearly which data they process and why.
• An explicit consent mechanism is required for third-party SDKs.

Technical Requirements

• Minimum iOS version: iOS 16
• Must be built with Xcode 16 or later
• The app must run smoothly on devices with 120 Hz ProMotion displays.

Review Process and Release

Apple reviews apps within 24 to 48 hours on average. With the addition of AI content review, approval can take longer for AI-based apps. To avoid rejection, pay attention to the following:

• Running without problems on all test devices (iPhone, iPad)
• Full compliance with In-App Purchase policies
• Conformance with user interface design standards

Publishing on Huawei AppGallery (An Alternative for Devices Without GMS)

Huawei AppGallery has become more active in the European market. It is a strong alternative for Android apps, particularly on devices without Google services.

Developer Account

A Huawei Developer account is free, but a verified company registration is required. Companies based in Türkiye must upload their tax certificate or trade registry documents.

App Compatibility

APK files published on AppGallery must be compatible with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS Core). Integrating services such as Push Kit, Map Kit and Ads Kit is recommended.

Review Process

Huawei generally approves apps within 1 to 3 business days. Apps aimed at children or based on AI are subject to additional review time.

Points That Apply Across All Three Stores

Privacy Policy and KVKK-Compliant Data Management

Data privacy is now one of the most important criteria on every platform, in Türkiye and globally. Your app's website must carry a publicly accessible Privacy Policy page explaining in detail how user data is collected and processed.

Security Certificates

• HTTPS is mandatory.
• Apps without a valid SSL certificate are now rejected.
• Unencrypted data flow in API calls is not accepted.

Trademarks and Copyright

All platforms can block an app if its name or logo belongs to another brand. Automated trademark scanning is now in place, so choose your app name carefully.

Publishing Professionally

In mobile app development, the publishing process demands as much expertise as the technical work. The constant changes in Google, Apple and Huawei policies can be difficult to follow, particularly for developers starting out.

Publishing an app professionally calls for solid knowledge of:

• managing the Google Play Console submission,
• App Store Connect optimisation,
• AppGallery integration and testing processes.

Publishing a mobile app today is no longer a matter of "uploading an APK or IPA". All three platforms put user security, data privacy and technical integrity first. Following these rules both speeds up approval and gives your app a longer life in the store.

With the right strategy and a professional touch, publishing becomes far easier. At ARCA Yazılım we support you not only in building your app, but in publishing it and keeping it successful.

For more information, consultancy or project support, visit www.arcayazilim.com or email info@arcateknoloji.com.