• Posted On: March 22, 2025
• Posted By: admin

Apple has announced significant updates to its App Store submission requirements, set to take effect on April 24, 2025. These changes will have a profound impact on app development companies worldwide, including businesses operating in the Middle Eastern Market, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Apple’s new policies aim to improve app security, performance, and user experience by enforcing stricter development standards.

For businesses looking to develop or update their mobile applications, understanding these new guidelines is essential. In this blog, we will explore:

• Key changes in Apple’s App Store submission policies
• The impact of these updates on app developers
• How businesses in the Middle Eastern Market can prepare for the transition
• The role of Infin Mobile Solutions in ensuring compliance and optimizing app performance

Key Updates in Apple’s App Store Submission Policy

1. Mandatory Use of Xcode 16 or Later

Apple now requires all app development projects to be built using Xcode 16 or newer. This ensures that apps are optimized for Apple’s latest hardware and software updates. Developers must familiarize themselves with the new Swift frameworks, ensuring compatibility with Apple’s updated SDKs.

2. Updated SDK Requirements

All apps submitted to the App Store must be built using the following updated SDKs:

• iOS 18
• iPadOS 18
• watchOS 11
• tvOS 18
• visionOS 2

For businesses looking to expand in the Middle Eastern Market, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, it is crucial to ensure that apps adhere to these requirements to avoid rejection from the App Store.

3. Deprecation of Outdated APIs & Frameworks

Apple is phasing out older APIs, making it necessary for developers to migrate to modern alternatives. Businesses relying on older app versions must update their applications to prevent performance issues and potential removal from the App Store.

4. Enhanced Privacy & Security Compliance

Apple continues to strengthen its privacy and security policies, requiring developers to:

• Implement App Tracking Transparency (ATT) to obtain user consent before tracking data.
• Submit a detailed App Privacy Report, outlining how user data is collected and stored.
• Adopt secure authentication methods such as Face ID and Touch ID for login functionalities.

These updates are particularly crucial for businesses involved in Messaging App Development in Saudi Arabia, as compliance with Apple’s security standards will be mandatory.

Top 10 Requirements to Publish Your App on the App Store

Publishing your app on the App Store is a major milestone. Here are the top 10 requirements you need to meet:

1. Apple Developer Account: Register for an Apple Developer Account ($99/year) to access Xcode, TestFlight, and developer resources.
2. D-U-N-S Number: If submitting as a company, you’ll need a D-U-N-S Number for business verification.
3. Xcode and iOS SDK: Build your app using Xcode with the latest iOS SDK for compatibility and compliance.
4. App Store Guidelines: Ensure your app follows Apple’s guidelines covering safety, performance, business, and design.
5. Human Interface Guidelines (HIG): Maintain a user-friendly design by following Apple’s design principles.
6. App Metadata: Provide accurate information like app name, description, keywords, screenshots, and app previews.
7. Privacy Policy: Submit a clear privacy policy explaining data collection and usage.
8. App Store Connect Account: Manage your app listing, pricing, and analytics through App Store Connect.
9. Testing and Debugging: Use TestFlight for beta testing and ensure the app is free of crashes or bugs.
10. App Review Process: After submission, Apple will review your app within 24-48 hours. Ensure compliance for approval.

By following these guidelines, you’ll maximize your chances of App Store approval. Best of luck with your app launch!

Cost to Publish an App on the App Store

Publishing an app on the App Store involves several costs, including the Apple Developer Program fee, development, and maintenance expenses. Here’s a breakdown:

• Apple Developer Program Fee:
  • $99 per year for individuals or organizations.
  • $299 per year for the Apple Developer Enterprise Program (for internal-use apps).
• App Development Costs:
  • Simple app: $1,000 – $10,000
  • Medium-complexity app: $10,000 – $30,000
  • Advanced app: $30,000+
• App Maintenance and Updates:
  • Estimated at 15-20% of the app’s development cost per year.
• In-App Purchases and Subscription Fees:
  • Apple takes a 30% commission on all in-app purchases and subscriptions.
  • After one year of continuous subscription, Apple reduces its commission to 15%.
• Additional Costs to Consider:
  • App Design and UI/UX: $2,000 – $10,000
  • Marketing and ASO: $1,000 – $30,000
  • Legal and Compliance: Varies by region
  • Third-Party Integrations: Depends on services used

What Happens If You Don’t Pay the App Costs?

Failing to cover the necessary costs of app publishing and maintenance can lead to several issues:

• App Removal from the App Store: If you don’t renew the $99/year Apple Developer Program fee, your app will be removed from the App Store.
• Limited Functionality for Users: If your app relies on paid third-party services (e.g., APIs, cloud storage, payment gateways) and you don’t pay for them, key features may stop working.
• Security Risks & Performance Issues: Without regular maintenance and updates, your app may become vulnerable to security threats and performance degradation.
• Loss of Revenue & User Trust: If your app is no longer accessible or functional, you risk losing customers and any potential revenue from in-app purchases or subscriptions.
• Legal & Compliance Issues: Some apps require ongoing legal compliance, such as GDPR or HIPAA. Failure to meet these requirements could result in penalties or bans.

Impact on Businesses in Saudi Arabia and Dubai

For Existing Apps:

• Mandatory App Updates: Apps using outdated SDKs will need to be updated before the deadline.
• User Experience Improvements: Apple’s requirements ensure that apps meet modern UI/UX standards, crucial for industries like High-End Retail App Development in Saudi Arabia.
• Security Enhancements: Businesses must strengthen their data privacy policies to align with Apple’s security expectations.

For New Apps:

• Stricter App Store Review Process: New apps must comply with the updated requirements from day one.
• Cost and Development Adjustments: Businesses should budget for additional resources to meet Apple’s new technical standards.
• Better Performance & Accessibility: Apple’s focus on optimization ensures a smoother user experience, benefiting e-commerce, healthcare, and fintech sectors.

How Infin Mobile Solutions Can Help Your Business?

At Infin Mobile Solutions, we specialize in developing cutting-edge mobile applications for businesses in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and across the Middle Eastern Market. With Apple’s new guidelines, we offer comprehensive solutions to ensure your app development projects comply with the latest requirements.

Our Services Include:

App Migration & Upgrades: We update existing apps to meet Xcode 16 and iOS 18 standards.

Code Refactoring & API Modernization: We replace deprecated APIs with the latest Swift frameworks.

Privacy & Security Compliance: We help businesses adhere to Apple’s strict data security regulations.

Custom App Development: Whether you need a messaging app or a high-end retail application, we design scalable, user-friendly solutions tailored for the Middle Eastern Market.

Performance Optimization: We ensure that apps function seamlessly across all Apple devices, providing an unparalleled user experience.

Conclusion

Apple’s new App Store submission guidelines present a challenge for developers but also offer an opportunity to enhance app quality, security, and performance. Businesses in Saudi Arabia and Dubai must act swiftly to update their existing apps or develop new applications that meet Apple’s latest standards.

At Infin Mobile Solutions, we provide expert guidance to ensure your mobile app development projects are compliant and future-proof. Whether you’re looking to update an existing app or develop a brand-new one, our team is ready to help you navigate these changes with ease.

📩 Contact us today to ensure your app remains competitive and compliant in Apple’s evolving ecosystem!