🍏 First-Time iOS App Publishing with Expo EAS (No Mac Required!)

So, you've built a React Native app with Expo and want to publish it to the iOS App Store? Congratulations!

But now you're here, thinking:

“Do I need a Mac? Xcode? What the heck is a provisioning profile?”

Fear not! With Expo's EAS Build + Submit, publishing your iOS app is totally doable—even from a Windows or Linux machine. This guide walks you through EVERY step with edge cases, screenshots, and gotchas.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

✅ An Apple Developer Account
✅ Your Expo project ready (eas build tested on Android/local)
✅ A paid Apple Developer Program (₹8,900/year or $99/year)
✅ An app icon & splash screen
✅ Expo CLI installed (npm install -g expo-cli eas-cli)
✅ Login to Expo: npx expo login

🔧 Step 1: Configure Your App for EAS

In your project root, run:

npx expo install eas-cli
npx eas build\:configure

Choose:

• iOS ✅
• Managed Workflow ✅ (Assuming you're using pure Expo)

This creates an eas.json file with build profiles like development, preview, and production.

Example:

{
  "build": {
    "production": {
      "ios": {
        "buildType": "release"
      }
    }
  }
}

🧾 Step 2: Set Your App Details in app.json or app.config.js

Update your app.json:

{
  "expo": {
    "name": "My First iOS App",
    "slug": "my-first-ios-app",
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "orientation": "portrait",
    "icon": "./assets/icon.png",
    "splash": {
      "image": "./assets/splash.png",
      "resizeMode": "cover",
      "backgroundColor": "#ffffff"
    },
    "ios": {
      "bundleIdentifier": "com.yourname.myfirstapp",
      "buildNumber": "1.0.0",
      "supportsTablet": true
    }
  }
}

🧠 Edge Case: bundleIdentifier Must Be Unique

You cannot reuse the same bundle ID for different apps. Once used, it’s locked forever in Apple land.

🔐 Step 3: Login to EAS and Apple Developer

Login to Expo:

npx expo login

Login to Apple using EAS:

npx eas whoami
npx eas account:login

Then:

npx eas credentials

You’ll be prompted:

• To let Expo handle credentials (YES, let them do the magic)
• To login to Apple Developer (via browser or Apple app password)

🔐 Edge Case: Apple 2FA

Apple might ask for a two-factor code or app-specific password.

• Go to appleid.apple.com
• Generate App-Specific Password if 2FA fails

🏗️ Step 4: Build the iOS .ipa File (Cloud Build)

Let’s build the app for iOS:

npx eas build --platform ios --profile production

This will:

• Upload your code to Expo servers
• Start a cloud build on macOS
• Automatically manage provisioning profile, certificates, and signing

🧠 Edge Case: Bundle Identifier Already Used

If your bundle ID is already taken or previously used:

• Change it in app.json
• Make sure it’s not tied to another app in App Store Connect

Once build finishes, you’ll get a downloadable .ipa file and a link to open the build page.

📦 Step 5: Create App in App Store Connect

1. Go to App Store Connect

2. Click "My Apps" > "+" > New App

3. Fill in:

   • Platform: iOS
   • Name: App name (must be unique)
   • Bundle ID: Select the same one used in app.json
   • SKU: Internal code, like myfirstapp001
   • User Access: Full access

4. Click Create

🚀 Step 6: Submit to App Store

You can now submit the app either via CLI or manually.

Option 1: The Expo Way

npx eas submit --platform ios

You’ll be prompted:

• Use the recent build? ✅
• Login to Apple (again, if not saved)

This uses Apple Transporter under the hood.

Option 2: Manual Upload via Transporter (macOS only)

• Download the .ipa file
• Open Apple Transporter (from Mac App Store)
• Drag-and-drop .ipa and click “Deliver”

🧪 Step 7: Fill Metadata in App Store Connect

• Screenshots for iPhone & iPad (required!)
• Short description, long description
• Keywords
• Support & marketing URL (use dummy if not ready)
• Pricing (free or paid)
• Version details + "What’s New?"

✅ Step 8: Submit for Review

1. Click “Submit for Review”

2. Apple might ask you:

   • “Do you use third-party logins?” → Yes/No
   • “Do you collect user data?” → Select appropriately
   • “Does your app need location, camera, etc.?” → Explain each permission

🕵️‍♂️ Step 9: Review & Approval

• Review usually takes 24–48 hours

• If rejected:

  • Check the email
  • Fix issues (UI bugs, metadata, missing screenshots)
  • Resubmit from App Store Connect

🥳 Step 10: Your App is Live!

Once approved, your app will be live globally (or in the countries you chose)!

• Share your link: https://apps.apple.com/app/idYOUR_APP_ID

🔍 Bonus Tips for First-Time Founders

💡 1. Don’t skip screenshots

Use services like:

• AppLaunchpad
• MockUPhone

💡 2. Add privacy policy

Use Termly or FreePrivacyPolicy

💡 3. Use app.config.js for dynamic builds

Great for white-labeled apps with multiple bundle IDs.

🙌 Final Thoughts

Publishing to the iOS App Store used to require a Mac, Xcode, and some black magic. Now, with Expo EAS, it’s much easier—even for non-Mac users!

So go ahead, ship your dream, impress your friends, and drop that App Store link in your bio! 💪📱

🔗 Useful Links

• Expo EAS Build Docs
• Apple Developer Account
• App Store Connect
• Transporter App