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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://bilt.me/docs/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

This guide walks you through submitting your Bilt app to the Apple App Store — from setting up your developer account to your first TestFlight build.

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Prerequisites

  • A working Bilt app you’re ready to publish
  • An Apple Developer account ($99/year)
  • App Store Connect access (comes with your developer account)

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Step 1: Set up your Apple Developer account

If you don’t have one yet:
  1. Go to developer.apple.com/programs
  2. Enroll as an individual or organization
  3. Complete identity verification (may take 24-48 hours)

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Step 2: Create an App Store Connect API key

1

Open App Store Connect

Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com → Users and Access → Integrations → App Store Connect API
2

Generate a new key

Click Generate API Key, give it a name (e.g., “Bilt”), and set the role to App Manager or Admin
3

Download the key

Download the .p8 file. Note the Key ID and Issuer ID — you’ll need all three.
The .p8 file can only be downloaded once. Store it securely.

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Step 3: Configure App Store settings in Bilt

In your project, go to Settings → App Store and complete each tab:
TabWhat to configure
API KeyUpload the .p8 file, enter Key ID and Issuer ID
App IDSet your app’s name and bundle ID (e.g., com.yourcompany.appname)
CertificateUpload your iOS distribution certificate
Provisioning ProfileUpload the provisioning profile matching your certificate and app ID
Expo / EASEnter your Expo access token and EAS project details
Status cards at the top of the App Store tab show which steps are complete and which need attention.

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Step 4: Build for iOS

Once all configuration is complete:
  1. Click Build or ask the AI: “Create a release build for iOS”
  2. Bilt triggers a cloud build via Expo/EAS
  3. The build process takes a few minutes — you can monitor progress in the App Store tab

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Step 5: Submit to TestFlight

After the build completes:
  1. Bilt submits the build to App Store Connect
  2. Apple processes the build (usually 15-30 minutes)
  3. Once processed, the build appears in TestFlight
  4. Add testers by email or share a public TestFlight link

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Step 6: Submit for App Store review

When you’re ready to go live:
  1. Complete your App Store listing in App Store Connect (description, screenshots, pricing)
  2. Select your build and submit for review
  3. Apple reviews the app (typically 24-48 hours)
  4. Once approved, your app is live on the App Store

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Common issues

Ensure your distribution certificate matches the provisioning profile, and both match the bundle ID. Regenerate in the Apple Developer portal if needed.
Check the build logs in the App Store tab. Common causes: expired certificate, missing app icon, or unsupported API usage.
Apple provides a reason for rejection. Common fixes: add a privacy policy URL, ensure the app has enough functionality, and remove placeholder content.

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Further reading