Here on Earth, we're going to knock on some famous application store doors: Google Play and App Store.
There are specific rules for organizing an installation file (.apk) and application design rules for each application store. Certification testing confirms that the application meets the requirements of the stores for which it is intended.
Let's look at the basic criteria for application standards. The standards are different for Google Play and the App Store.
Android - Google Play Requirements#
- The installation file (.apk) meets the uploading requirements
- The app meets UI/UX guideline (UIG) requirements
- There are no viruses in the application - Google Play checks applications for viruses semi-automatically and can block your account if viruses are detected
- You must follow the correct order of version control when publishing an updated version of your application
Please note: Your request for uploading the application to the store can be under review for several hours.
iOS - App Store Requirements#
- The app meets the requirements of the App Store Review Guidelines
- The application must have a unique name
- You need to provide a link to contact the developer (the feedback link)
- The application must be placed in a specific category
- The application does not contain prohibited materials, unforeseen performance delays, or features that repeat existing App Store functionality
- Be careful with screenshots - there were cases where an app in the App Store was blocked because of an Android inscription visible in a screenshot
Please note: App Store checks the application for compatibility, and your app review can take several weeks.
Why Certification Testing Matters#
Skipping certification testing before submission wastes time and delays your release. A rejection from either store means going back through the review queue, which can cost days or weeks.
A dedicated certification testing phase before submission helps you:
- Catch technical issues in the .apk or .ipa that would cause automatic rejection
- Verify compliance with platform UI guidelines before a human reviewer sees your app
- Confirm version control is handled correctly to avoid publishing errors
- Review all screenshots and metadata for any content that could trigger a rejection
If you don't want to deal with the certification process on your own, working with an experienced QA team can save you the headache and get your app through the door on the first attempt.