App Store Submission Walkthrough

Once you've approved your app, the last step before launch is getting it published on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Here's the good news: you don't need to do anything for this part. We handle the entire submission and review process for you. This guide explains what happens behind the scenes, how long it usually takes, and what it means if a platform asks for revisions (which is common for cannabis apps, and nothing to worry about).

You're Hands-Off for This Step

There are no forms to fill out or store dashboards for you to manage here. We prepare everything your app needs to go live and submit it to both stores on your behalf. From here, your main job is to sit tight while the stores review it, we'll keep you posted along the way.

What Happens After You Approve

1. We prepare your store listing. That includes your app's name, icon, screenshots, description, age rating, and the compliance details each store requires.
2. We submit to both stores. Your app goes to the Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) and Google Play (for Android).
3. Each store reviews it. Apple and Google each check the app against their own guidelines. Cannabis apps tend to get extra scrutiny, so this step can take a little longer than a typical app.
4. Your app goes live. Once a store approves it, your app is published and customers can download it.

How Long It Takes

Review times vary by store and change over time, and the two stores run on their own schedules, so it's normal for one to approve before the other.

As a general guide, plan for 2 to 4 weeks. Keep in mind that cannabis apps often take longer than average, and if a store requests changes (see below), each round adds some time. First-time submissions can also run a bit longer.

If a Store Requests Changes

This is the part worth understanding up front: rejections are common for cannabis apps, and they're a normal part of the process, not a sign that anything is wrong. Both Apple and Google apply strict, and sometimes inconsistent, rules to cannabis, so even a well-built app can come back with requested changes.

Here's how we handle it:

• We review the store's feedback and figure out exactly what they're asking for.
• We make the needed adjustments and resubmit. Sometimes it takes a round or two of back-and-forth to land approval.
• You don't need to do anything. We'll keep you informed and keep resubmitting until your app is approved.

Cannabis apps most often get flagged for things like age verification, how ordering is presented, specific wording in the listing, or region restrictions, all areas we know well and handle as part of the process.

After Approval

Once both stores approve your app, it's live and ready for customers to download. From there, we'll schedule a meeting with you to get everything prepared, so you launch with all the tools you need and feel confident managing everything day to day from DopeHub.