Why Your iOS Build May Not Be Visible in App Store Connect

Why Your iOS Build May Not Be Visible in App Store Connect

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

When you upload an iOS app build to App Store Connect, it’s not uncommon to encounter delays or issues that prevent the build from appearing in the “Versions” tab. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to test in-app purchases or other features. Here’s a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue efficiently.

Understanding the Processing Phase

Once you upload your app build using Xcode, it enters a “Processing” phase. During this time, the build is visible under the “Prerelease” tab but not yet under “Versions”. The duration of this phase depends on the size of your app. For instance, a 10MB app might take approximately 5 minutes to process. If your build remains in this state for an extended period, it may indicate a problem.

Common Issues and Their Solutions

  • Check Your Email: Apple often sends emails detailing issues with your build. Look for emails with subjects like “Your app has one or more issues”. These emails may point out missing usage descriptions for privacy-sensitive data, such as the NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription key in the Info.plist file.
  • Ensure Proper Usage Descriptions: Starting with iOS 10, it’s mandatory to include usage descriptions for accessing sensitive data. Make sure your Info.plist file contains all necessary keys with appropriate descriptions.
  • Foreground Uploading: Some users have found success by ensuring that the Organizer window in Xcode is not minimized during the upload process.
  • Check the Activity Tab: After uploading your build, monitor the “Activity” tab in App Store Connect for progress updates. Once the “Processing” label disappears, your build should be available for use.

Additional Considerations

If your build still does not appear after addressing the above points, consider the following:

  • Ensure you’re uploading the build in the correct mode (release, not debug).
  • Verify that your Xcode and Application Loader are updated to the latest versions.
  • Sometimes, simply waiting a day can resolve the issue, as build validation might take longer than expected.

Streamlining Your Testing Process with Repeato

For developers seeking to automate testing across iOS, Android, and web apps, Repeato offers a robust solution. As a no-code test automation tool, Repeato simplifies the process of creating, running, and maintaining tests. Its use of computer vision and AI ensures quick and accurate test recording, editing, and execution.

Unlike traditional tools that may rely on specific scripting languages, Repeato supports command line scripts and JavaScript code, making it flexible for complex tasks. Additionally, all tests and workspace data are saved in text and JSON formats, facilitating easy version control.

Whether you’re facing issues with iOS builds or need a reliable testing framework, Repeato provides a practical alternative to other tools, offering efficiency and ease of use for developers.

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