release

App Store Production Release

Submit the iOS app to App Store Connect for review and release.

Pre-flight Checks

• Fastlane installed: !fastlane --version 2>/dev/null | grep "fastlane " | head -1 || echo "✗ Not installed - run: brew install fastlane"
• Fastfile exists: !ls fastlane/Fastfile 2>/dev/null && echo "✓ Found" || echo "✗ Not found - run /setup-fastlane first"
• App-specific password: ![ -n "$FASTLANE_APPLE_APPLICATION_SPECIFIC_PASSWORD" ] && echo "✓ Set" || echo "⚠️ Not set - export FASTLANE_APPLE_APPLICATION_SPECIFIC_PASSWORD='xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx'"

Arguments: ${ARGUMENTS:-none}

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What This Does

fastlane release (Submit Existing Build)

1. Selects latest TestFlight build already uploaded
2. Submits for App Store review
3. Ideal when you've already tested a beta build

fastlane release_full (Full Pipeline)

1. Syncs certificates via Match (appstore type) — only once you've run the match skill; the base setup-fastlane lane skips this
2. Bumps version number (if version: provided)
3. Increments build number
4. Builds release archive with gym
5. Uploads to App Store Connect
6. Submits for review
7. Auto-releases after approval (if auto_release:true)

Scope: release / release_full upload the binary + app-level metadata/screenshots. They do not upload in-app-purchase / subscription assets (per-IAP Review Information → Screenshot, 1024² Image (Optional) promos) — those are managed by hand in App Store Connect. See the snapshot skill for screenshot upload details (deliver layout, RGB/no-alpha, what it does and doesn't cover).

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Commands

Submit Existing TestFlight Build

Run from your project directory (where fastlane/ lives):

fastlane release

Full Release with Version Bump

fastlane release_full version:"1.1.0"

Full Release with Auto-Release

fastlane release_full version:"1.2.0" auto_release:true

This will automatically release to the App Store once Apple approves the build.

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Workflow Recommendation

1. Test first: Run fastlane beta to upload to TestFlight
2. Verify in TestFlight: Ensure the build works correctly
3. Submit for review: Run fastlane release to submit the tested build
4. Or full pipeline: Use fastlane release_full for a fresh build + submit

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Troubleshooting

"No value found for 'username'"

Set your Apple ID in fastlane/Appfile:

apple_id("your@email.com")

"Please sign in with an app-specific password"

1. Go to https://account.apple.com → Sign-In & Security → App-Specific Passwords
2. Generate a password named "Fastlane"
3. Export it:

export FASTLANE_APPLE_APPLICATION_SPECIFIC_PASSWORD='xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx'

"The provided entity includes an attribute with a value that has already been used"

The version number already exists. Increment the version:

fastlane release_full version:"1.0.1"

Build rejected or needs changes

1. Address Apple's feedback
2. Increment build number and re-upload:

fastlane beta

3. Submit again:

fastlane release

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After Submission

• Review time: Typically 24-48 hours (can be longer)
• Check status: App Store Connect → My Apps → Your App → App Store
• If rejected: Review feedback, fix issues, increment build, resubmit
• If approved with auto_release: App goes live immediately
• If approved without auto_release: Manually release in App Store Connect