Nova8

Deploying to TestFlight & App Store

Last updated May 3, 2026 [email protected]

Deploying a Nova8-built app to the App Store has three phases: Apple setup (one-time), App Store Connect record (per app), and build & submit (per release).

Phase 1 — Apple Developer account (one-time)

  1. Sign up at developer.apple.com/programs/enroll ($99/year, paid to Apple, not Nova8).
  2. Verify your identity. For individuals, this is a quick form. For an LLC, Apple needs a D-U-N-S number (free, takes 1–5 days).
  3. Confirm in App Store Connect that your Membership shows Active. An expired membership breaks IAP even if everything else is correct.

Phase 2 — App Store Connect record

  1. In App Store Connect, click My Apps → + → New App.
  2. Pick a unique SKU, your Bundle ID (must match the one set in Nova8 Settings), and a Primary Language.
  3. Copy the numeric Apple ID from the App Information page. You will paste it into Nova8 during the wizard.
  4. Generate an App-Specific Password at appleid.apple.com for Transporter to upload builds.

Phase 3 — Build & submit (per release)

  1. From the project workspace, click Ship → TestFlight.
  2. The wizard collects: app name, bundle ID, Apple ID, App-Specific Password, optional Expo access token.
  3. Nova8 triggers an EAS Build. iOS builds take 8–15 minutes for the first one, faster on subsequent runs because dependencies are cached.
  4. The signed .ipa uploads automatically to App Store Connect.
  5. Apple processes the build (5–30 minutes), then it appears in TestFlight.

App Store Launch Kit

Pro and Studio plans include the Launch Kit: marketing screenshots in all required device sizes, listing copy, age-rating questionnaire answers, App Privacy answers, and review notes. Generate them from the project workspace under Launch Kit.

Submitting for App Store review

Once a TestFlight build is approved internally, the same wizard will Submit for Review with the metadata you have filled out. Apple review typically takes 24–48 hours for first submission.

Common reject reasons we pre-screen for: default placeholder text in App Store Connect fields, missing privacy policy URL, missing review screenshot for paywall, or App Tracking Transparency wording mismatches. Nova8’s preflight audit flags these before you submit.

Custom domain (optional)

If your app has a marketing site or web companion, Pro plans let you point a custom domain at the generated web app. CNAME setup walkthrough is in the Settings → Domain tab.