# Pre-Submission Checklist for BaoLife Complete this checklist before submitting to the App Store to ensure a smooth review process. --- ## Quick Overview **Estimated Time:** 2-4 hours **Goal:** Verify all submission requirements are met **Result:** Confident, ready-to-submit app --- ## 1. Technical Requirements ### Code & Build - [ ] **App builds successfully** without errors - [ ] **No compiler warnings** (or all warnings addressed) - [ ] **Correct bundle ID** (com.baolife.app) - [ ] **Version number set** (1.0.0 for launch) - [ ] **Build number incremented** from previous uploads - [ ] **Code signing configured** with distribution certificate - [ ] **App icon set** in Xcode (all sizes) - [ ] **Launch screen configured** and displays correctly - [ ] **No test/debug code** in production build - [ ] **No console logging** in production build - [ ] **Archive validated** in Xcode without errors ### Performance - [ ] **App launches in <3 seconds** on oldest supported device - [ ] **Smooth 60 FPS** during normal gameplay - [ ] **No memory leaks** (tested with Instruments) - [ ] **Memory usage <200 MB** during typical use - [ ] **Battery drain acceptable** (<5% per hour of gameplay) - [ ] **Network requests complete** within 10 seconds - [ ] **Handles poor connectivity** gracefully - [ ] **No UI freezing** or unresponsive interactions ### Stability - [ ] **No crashes** in 30 minutes of continuous use - [ ] **Crash rate <0.1%** from TestFlight data - [ ] **All features tested** and working - [ ] **Edge cases handled** (no internet, low battery, etc.) - [ ] **State restoration works** (app resume, backgrounding) - [ ] **Data persists** correctly between sessions - [ ] **Handles interruptions** (calls, notifications) ### Device Compatibility - [ ] **Tested on iPhone 8** (or oldest supported device) - [ ] **Tested on iPhone 15 Pro Max** (latest device) - [ ] **Tested on iPad** (if supported) - [ ] **Portrait orientation** works correctly - [ ] **Landscape orientation** disabled (if not supported) - [ ] **Safe area insets** respected (notch, home indicator) - [ ] **Dynamic Type** respects user's text size settings - [ ] **Dark Mode** works correctly (or disabled) ### iOS Version Support - [ ] **Minimum iOS version** set appropriately (iOS 14+) - [ ] **Tested on minimum iOS version** - [ ] **Tested on latest iOS version** (iOS 17+) - [ ] **No deprecated APIs** throwing warnings - [ ] **API usage compatible** with minimum iOS version --- ## 2. App Store Connect ### App Information - [ ] **App name entered** (BaoLife - Life Simulator) - [ ] **Subtitle entered** (Live a lifetime in your pocket) - [ ] **Primary category selected** (Games > Simulation) - [ ] **Secondary category selected** (Games > Role Playing) - [ ] **Privacy policy URL working** (https://baolife.app/privacy) - [ ] **Privacy policy accessible** from any browser - [ ] **Privacy policy complete** and accurate - [ ] **Terms of service URL working** (https://baolife.app/terms) - [ ] **Support URL working** (https://baolife.app/support) - [ ] **Support page has FAQs** and contact info - [ ] **Marketing URL set** (optional, https://baolife.app) - [ ] **Age rating completed** (12+) - [ ] **Age rating accurate** for content - [ ] **Copyright information entered** (2025 BaoLife) ### Version Information - [ ] **App description written** (4000 char max) - [ ] **Description proofread** (no typos) - [ ] **Description compelling** and clear - [ ] **Keywords entered** (100 char max, no spaces after commas) - [ ] **Keywords optimized** for search - [ ] **Promotional text entered** (170 char max) - [ ] **Promotional text engaging** with call to action - [ ] **What's New entered** for version 1.0 - [ ] **What's New formatted** with bullets and emojis - [ ] **Screenshots uploaded** for 6.7" display - [ ] **Screenshots uploaded** for 6.5" display - [ ] **Screenshots uploaded** for 5.5" display - [ ] **Screenshots in order** (best first) - [ ] **Screenshots show key features** - [ ] **Screenshots have captions** (if desired) - [ ] **App icon uploaded** (1024x1024 PNG) - [ ] **App icon high quality** (no pixelation) - [ ] **App icon no alpha channel** (fully opaque) - [ ] **App icon no rounded corners** (Apple adds them) - [ ] **App preview video uploaded** (optional) ### Pricing & Availability - [ ] **Price set to Free** (or appropriate tier) - [ ] **All territories selected** (or specific regions) - [ ] **Pre-order disabled** (for initial launch) - [ ] **Release option selected** (automatic or manual) ### App Privacy - [ ] **Privacy questionnaire completed** - [ ] **Data types accurately listed** - [ ] **Data usage purposes correct** - [ ] **Third-party data sharing disclosed** (OpenAI, Firebase) - [ ] **Data deletion process described** - [ ] **Privacy information published** ### In-App Purchases - [ ] **Diamond pack 1 created** (com.baolife.app.diamond1) - [ ] **Diamond pack 2 created** (com.baolife.app.diamond2) - [ ] **Diamond pack 3 created** (com.baolife.app.diamond3) - [ ] **IAP names clear** and descriptive - [ ] **IAP descriptions detailed** - [ ] **IAP prices set** correctly - [ ] **IAP screenshots uploaded** (optional) - [ ] **IAP status: Ready to Submit** - [ ] **Subscription created** (if applicable) - [ ] **Subscription group configured** (if applicable) ### App Review Information - [ ] **Contact name entered** - [ ] **Contact phone entered** (reachable during review) - [ ] **Contact email entered** (support@baolife.app) - [ ] **Sign-in required: Yes** selected - [ ] **Demo account created** and tested - [ ] **Demo account username entered** (reviewer@baolife.app) - [ ] **Demo account password entered** (ReviewPass2025!) - [ ] **Demo account works** (tested by you) - [ ] **Demo account has content** (pre-populated character) - [ ] **Review notes written** with clear instructions - [ ] **Review notes mention AI** content filtering - [ ] **Review notes provide context** for app purpose - [ ] **Notes mention IAP testing** instructions - [ ] **Available during review** (next 48-72 hours) ### Build - [ ] **Build uploaded** to App Store Connect - [ ] **Build processed** (shows in list) - [ ] **Build selected** for version - [ ] **Export compliance answered** (No - standard encryption only) - [ ] **Build version matches** version info (1.0.0) - [ ] **No missing compliance** warnings --- ## 3. Content & Legal ### Privacy & Terms - [ ] **Privacy policy complete** - [ ] **Privacy policy matches app behavior** - [ ] **Privacy policy mentions third parties** (OpenAI, Firebase) - [ ] **Terms of service complete** - [ ] **Terms cover acceptable use** - [ ] **Terms cover IAP policies** - [ ] **Terms cover account termination** - [ ] **Support page has FAQs** - [ ] **Support page has contact email** - [ ] **Support page has refund policy** ### Content Rating - [ ] **No graphic violence** - [ ] **No sexual content** - [ ] **No profanity** (or filtered appropriately) - [ ] **AI content filtered** for inappropriate responses - [ ] **Character names validated** against offensive terms - [ ] **Age-appropriate content** (12+) - [ ] **COPPA compliant** (not directed at children under 13) ### Intellectual Property - [ ] **No copyrighted content** without permission - [ ] **No trademarked names** without permission - [ ] **Original artwork** (or licensed) - [ ] **Music/sounds licensed** (or original/free) - [ ] **No third-party brands** depicted without permission - [ ] **OpenAI terms followed** for API usage --- ## 4. Functionality ### Core Features - [ ] **Character creation works** smoothly - [ ] **Tutorial completes** without issues - [ ] **AI conversations generate** correctly - [ ] **AI responses appropriate** and filtered - [ ] **Time progression works** - [ ] **Energy system balanced** - [ ] **Activities selectable** and complete correctly - [ ] **Relationships develop** based on interactions - [ ] **Dating system works** - [ ] **Career progression functional** - [ ] **Achievements unlock** properly - [ ] **Statistics track** accurately - [ ] **Character aging works** - [ ] **Death/restart flow** works ### User Account - [ ] **Account creation works** - [ ] **Login works** - [ ] **Logout works** - [ ] **Password reset works** (if applicable) - [ ] **Account deletion works** (GDPR) - [ ] **Data export works** (GDPR) - [ ] **Progress saves** to server - [ ] **Progress loads** correctly - [ ] **Cloud sync works** across devices (if applicable) ### In-App Purchases - [ ] **Store displays** correctly - [ ] **Purchase flow initiates** properly - [ ] **Sandbox purchases work** (tested) - [ ] **Purchase completes** successfully - [ ] **Diamonds credited** to account - [ ] **Receipt validated** by server - [ ] **Restore purchases works** - [ ] **Multiple purchases work** - [ ] **Purchase states clear** (pending, failed, success) - [ ] **No duplicate purchases** possible ### Notifications - [ ] **Push notifications registered** (if using) - [ ] **Notifications request permission** appropriately - [ ] **Notifications delivered** successfully - [ ] **Notification taps open** app correctly - [ ] **Notification settings respected** - [ ] **Can disable notifications** in app or iOS settings ### Error Handling - [ ] **No internet shows message** (not crash) - [ ] **Server errors handled** gracefully - [ ] **Failed requests retryable** - [ ] **Invalid inputs validated** with clear messages - [ ] **Edge cases handled** (0 energy, max stats, etc.) - [ ] **Empty states shown** (no relationships, no activities) --- ## 5. User Experience ### Onboarding - [ ] **First launch clear** and welcoming - [ ] **Tutorial skippable** (or very short) - [ ] **Tutorial teaches** core mechanics - [ ] **Permissions requested** at appropriate time - [ ] **Value of permissions explained** - [ ] **Onboarding completion** tracked ### UI/UX - [ ] **Navigation intuitive** - [ ] **Buttons clearly labeled** - [ ] **Actions have feedback** (haptics, animations) - [ ] **Loading states shown** (spinners, progress) - [ ] **Empty states shown** (no data yet) - [ ] **Error messages helpful** (not technical jargon) - [ ] **Confirmation dialogs** for destructive actions - [ ] **Text readable** (contrast, size) - [ ] **Touch targets >44x44 pt** (Apple HIG) - [ ] **No UI overlapping** or clipping - [ ] **Consistent design** throughout app ### Accessibility - [ ] **VoiceOver labels set** for all buttons/images - [ ] **Dynamic Type supported** (or reasonable fallback) - [ ] **Color not sole indicator** (consider color-blind users) - [ ] **Sufficient contrast** ratios (WCAG AA) - [ ] **Animations respect** reduced motion setting --- ## 6. Backend & Infrastructure ### Server - [ ] **Production server live** (wss://lichun.app/wss/) - [ ] **Server stable** (no crashes) - [ ] **Server handles load** (tested with TestFlight) - [ ] **Database optimized** (no slow queries) - [ ] **WebSocket connections stable** - [ ] **Automatic reconnection works** - [ ] **Server errors logged** for debugging - [ ] **Monitoring in place** (uptime, errors) ### API Integration - [ ] **OpenAI API key valid** - [ ] **OpenAI rate limits sufficient** - [ ] **OpenAI content filtering active** - [ ] **Firebase configured** (if using) - [ ] **Analytics tracking** properly - [ ] **Crash reporting working** (Crashlytics, etc.) ### Data & Security - [ ] **HTTPS/WSS only** (no unencrypted connections) - [ ] **User data encrypted** in transit - [ ] **User data encrypted** at rest - [ ] **Passwords hashed** (not plain text) - [ ] **Session tokens secure** - [ ] **SQL injection protected** (parameterized queries) - [ ] **XSS protected** (input validation) - [ ] **GDPR compliant** (data export/deletion) - [ ] **Backup system in place** --- ## 7. Documentation & Support ### Internal Documentation - [ ] **README up to date** - [ ] **Build instructions documented** - [ ] **Environment variables documented** - [ ] **API endpoints documented** - [ ] **Database schema documented** ### User-Facing - [ ] **FAQ page complete** (common questions) - [ ] **Support email monitored** (support@baolife.app) - [ ] **Response process defined** (SLA, templates) - [ ] **Refund policy clear** (through Apple) - [ ] **Privacy policy accessible** - [ ] **Terms of service accessible** --- ## 8. Marketing & Launch Prep ### App Store Optimization - [ ] **App name optimized** for search - [ ] **Subtitle compelling** and relevant - [ ] **Keywords researched** and strategic - [ ] **Description persuasive** and clear - [ ] **Screenshots tell story** of app value - [ ] **Icon eye-catching** and recognizable ### Launch Planning - [ ] **Launch date selected** - [ ] **Manual release chosen** (for coordinated launch) - [ ] **Social media prepared** (Twitter, Reddit, etc.) - [ ] **Press kit ready** (screenshots, description, etc.) - [ ] **Landing page live** (if applicable) - [ ] **Email list prepared** (if applicable) - [ ] **App Store link ready** (from App Store Connect) ### Post-Launch - [ ] **Monitoring plan** (crash rate, reviews, support) - [ ] **Update schedule** planned (bug fixes, features) - [ ] **Response templates** for reviews - [ ] **Feedback collection** process defined - [ ] **Analytics dashboard** setup (App Store Connect) --- ## 9. Team Readiness ### Availability - [ ] **You're available** for next 48-72 hours (review period) - [ ] **Support team ready** to respond to issues - [ ] **Developer available** for emergency fixes - [ ] **Backend monitored** during review ### Communication - [ ] **Phone available** (App Store Connect contact) - [ ] **Email monitored** (support and personal) - [ ] **Response templates** prepared - [ ] **Escalation process** defined (if issue arises) --- ## 10. Final Review ### Test Again - [ ] **Full playthrough** from fresh install - [ ] **Test on real device** (not simulator) - [ ] **Test all features** one more time - [ ] **Test purchase flow** in sandbox - [ ] **Test with demo account** (same as reviewer) ### Double-Check Metadata - [ ] **Read description aloud** (catch typos) - [ ] **View screenshots** in App Store Connect preview - [ ] **Check all URLs** open in browser - [ ] **Verify IAP prices** in all currencies - [ ] **Review age rating** questionnaire answers ### Mental Checklist - [ ] **Confident in quality** of app - [ ] **Proud to launch** this version - [ ] **Ready for feedback** (positive and negative) - [ ] **Prepared for support** requests - [ ] **Excited to share** with users --- ## Submission ### Final Steps 1. [ ] **Save all changes** in App Store Connect 2. [ ] **Review summary page** one last time 3. [ ] **Click "Submit for Review"** 4. [ ] **Answer additional questions** (IDFA, export compliance) 5. [ ] **Confirm submission** 6. [ ] **Receive confirmation email** ### After Submission - [ ] **Status: "Waiting for Review"** confirmed - [ ] **Notification preferences set** (email alerts) - [ ] **Calendar marked** (check status in 24-48 hours) - [ ] **Team notified** of submission - [ ] **Next steps planned** (if approved or rejected) --- ## Common Rejection Reasons Before submitting, ensure you've addressed these common rejection reasons: ### 1. Crashes and Bugs - [ ] No crashes during review - [ ] All features work as described - [ ] No dead-end screens ### 2. Incomplete Information - [ ] All metadata fields filled - [ ] Demo account works - [ ] Screenshots accurate ### 3. Misleading Metadata - [ ] Screenshots show actual app - [ ] Description accurate - [ ] No fake features ### 4. Privacy Policy - [ ] URL accessible - [ ] Covers all data collected - [ ] Matches privacy questionnaire ### 5. Age Rating - [ ] Accurate for content - [ ] AI content flagged - [ ] Mature themes disclosed ### 6. Design Issues - [ ] Follows Human Interface Guidelines - [ ] Professional appearance - [ ] Clear navigation ### 7. IAP Issues - [ ] Clear what user gets - [ ] Restore purchases works - [ ] No consumable confusion ### 8. Account Required - [ ] Demo account provided - [ ] Account creation clear - [ ] Value explained --- ## Emergency Contacts ### If Issues Arise During Review **Apple Developer Support:** - Phone: 1-800-633-2152 (US) - Website: https://developer.apple.com/support/ **BaoLife Team:** - Email: support@baolife.app - Emergency: [Your phone number] --- ## Submission Timeline **Expected Timeline:** 1. **Submission:** Day 0 2. **Waiting for Review:** 0-3 days 3. **In Review:** 2-6 hours 4. **Decision:** Day 1-3 5. **If Approved:** Live in 24 hours (or manual release) 6. **If Rejected:** Fix and resubmit (add 1-2 days) --- ## Confidence Check ### Rate Your Readiness (1-10) - **Technical Quality:** ___/10 (aim for 9+) - **Metadata Complete:** ___/10 (aim for 10) - **Content Quality:** ___/10 (aim for 9+) - **Team Readiness:** ___/10 (aim for 9+) - **Overall Confidence:** ___/10 (aim for 9+) **If any score <8:** Review that section before submitting. **If overall confidence <9:** Consider additional testing or review. --- ## Final Thought Take a deep breath. You've worked hard to get here. If you've checked off everything above, you're ready! **Good luck with your submission!** 🚀 --- ## After Submission Move on to `submission-guide.md` for what to expect during and after review.