Updating Your iOS App to Keep It Active on the App Store

Introduction

Did you receive a notification from Apple saying that your app needs to be updated? 😬

Don’t worry, in this article we’ll explain how you can generate a new iOS app build and submit an update through App Store Connect.

Apple periodically reviews apps available on the App Store to make sure they are functional, up to date, and compliant with current App Store Review Guidelines. If an app has not been updated for a long time, Apple may flag it as outdated or request that a new version be submitted.

To prevent this, it is important to periodically release updates to your iOS app, even if there are no major changes to the app itself. A routine maintenance update can help keep your app current and reduce the risk of warnings, removal notices, or compliance issues.

This guide walks you through the process of generating a new iOS build using your eDirectory app builder and submitting the updated version through App Store Connect.

When Should You Update Your iOS App?

You should publish an update if:

• You received a warning from Apple about your app being outdated
• Your app has not been updated in several months
• Apple requested a new version to keep the app available on the App Store
• You want to ensure continued compliance with Apple’s current App Store requirements
• You need to publish a routine maintenance update
• You made changes to your eDirectory website that should also be reflected in the mobile app

1. Access Your eDirectory App Builder

Log in to your eDirectory Site Manager and navigate to the Mobile Apps section.

This is where you manage your mobile app configuration and generate new builds.

In the Build your App menu, click on Step 4: Build, then click Build & Submit.

2. Select the iOS Build Option

Inside the eDirectory Mobile App Build area, select iOS to proceed.

You will need to confirm and upload:

• iOS Distribution Certificate
• Provisioning Profile
• GoogleService-Info.plist  
• Google Maps API key for iOS, if requested
• Any other required iOS build information shown in the app builder

If your existing Apple Distribution Certificate and Provisioning Profile are still valid and not expired, you do not need to recreate them. You can simply download them again from your Apple Developer account and upload them into the iOS build settings in the eDirectory app builder.

To retrieve them, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to Apple Developer

Go to the Apple Developer website and log in with your Apple Developer account.

After logging in, access: Certificates

Then:

1. Locate the current Apple Distribution certificate used for your app.
2. Check the expiration date.
3. If the certificate is still valid, click it.
4. Click Download.
5. Save the .cer   file to your computer.

You will upload this .cer   file into the iOS build settings in the eDirectory app builder.

If the certificate is expired, you will need to create a new Apple Distribution Certificate before continuing. Apple certificate files are downloaded as .cer   files. Follow the steps outlined in our iOS app building article: iOS App Building and Submission.

2. Download the Provisioning Profile

Still inside Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles, click Profiles in the left-hand menu.

Then:

1. Locate the provisioning profile connected to your app.
2. Make sure it is the profile for the correct Bundle Identifier.
3. Check the expiration date.
4. If the provisioning profile is still valid, click it.
5. Click Download.
6. Save the .mobileprovision   file to your computer.

You will upload this .mobileprovision   file into the iOS build settings in the eDirectory app builder.

If the provisioning profile is expired or invalid, click the profile, select Edit, then generate it again before downloading the updated file. Apple notes that expired provisioning profiles need to be regenerated before they can be used again. Follow the steps outlined in our iOS app building article: iOS App Building and Submission.

Once all required files and settings are uploaded, check the App Status section in the app builder. If all requirements show as OK, you can proceed with generating the new iOS build.

3. Confirm Apple Developer Access

For the iOS build to be submitted correctly, our team must have the proper access to your Apple Developer account.

Please make sure that the required eDirectory account contatestearca@gmail.com has been invited to your Apple Developer account with the correct permissions.

This access allows the app build to be automatically submitted to your App Store Connect account after the build is generated.

If this access has not been granted, the build may not be submitted automatically, and additional manual steps may be required.

4. Review the iOS App Status

Before starting the build, check the App Status section in the app builder.

If all requirements show as OK, you are clear to proceed with the iOS build.

If any requirement is missing or marked as incomplete, review the item before starting the build. Common missing items include:

• Expired or missing iOS Distribution Certificate
• Expired or missing Provisioning Profile
• Missing GoogleService-Info.plist  
• Invalid Firebase configuration
• Missing Apple Developer access
• Incorrect Bundle Identifier

The Bundle Identifier must match across the app builder, Apple Developer, Firebase, Google Cloud, and App Store Connect.

5. Generate a New iOS App Build

Once the app status is correct, click Start Build.

The system will begin generating a new iOS build.

💡 Even if no major changes were made to the app, generating and submitting a new build can be used as a routine maintenance update for Apple.

6. Wait for the Build to Complete

The build process may take some time.

Please wait until the progress bar is complete and the build status confirms that the iOS app was successfully generated.

7. Confirm the Build Was Sent to App Store Connect

After the iOS build is completed, it should be automatically uploaded to your App Store Connect account, provided that the Apple Developer access was configured correctly.

Log in to your App Store Connect account: https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/apps

Then select your app.

8. Create a New App Version in App Store Connect

In App Store Connect, open your app and create a new version.

You will need to enter a new version number.

For example, if the current version is: 1.0  

You can create a new version such as: 1.0.1  or 1.1  

This new version will be used to submit the updated app build to Apple for review.

9. Update App Information

In the new version page, review the app information and make sure the required fields are complete.

Depending on your app and Apple’s current requirements, you may need to review or update:

• App name
• Subtitle
• Promotional text
• Description
• Keywords
• Support URL
• Marketing URL, if applicable
• Screenshots
• App Review information
• Contact information
• Privacy Policy URL

If this is only a routine maintenance update, you usually do not need to rewrite the entire app description unless Apple requests changes.

10. Update “What’s New in This Version”

In the What’s New in This Version section, add a short release note.

Examples:

Routine update and maintenance improvements.

Minor updates to improve compatibility with the latest iOS versions.

General performance and stability improvements.

Keep it simple. This section is required, but it does not need to be detailed if no major app features were changed.

11. Select the New Build

Scroll down to the Build section in the App Store Connect version page.

Click Add Build or the build selection option.

Select the newest iOS build that was uploaded from the eDirectory app builder.

If you do not see the build yet, wait a few more minutes and refresh the page. Apple may still be processing it.

12. Review App Privacy and Pricing

Before submitting the update, check the required App Store Connect sections.

App Privacy

Go to the App Privacy section and confirm that the privacy information is complete.

If your app does not collect data directly, you may be able to indicate that no data is collected. However, please make sure the answer reflects how your app and website actually operate.

Also confirm that your website’s Privacy Policy URL is added correctly.

Pricing and Availability

Go to Pricing and Availability and confirm that the app’s pricing and country availability are correct.

If the app is free, make sure the price is set to zero.

13. Submit the App for Review

Once all required information is complete and the new build has been selected, click Submit for Review or Add for Review, depending on the current App Store Connect interface.

Apple will review the submitted version before publishing it on the App Store.

14. Monitor the Review Status

After submission, monitor the app status in App Store Connect.

Apple may approve the update, reject it, or request additional information.

If Apple needs clarification, they will contact you through App Store Connect and may also send an email notification. Please respond as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Once approved, the update will be published according to your selected release settings.

Best Practices to Avoid iOS App Inactivity Issues

To keep your iOS app in good standing, we recommend the following:

• Update your app periodically, even if it is only a maintenance update
• Keep your Apple Developer Program membership active
• Monitor emails from Apple regularly
• Keep your App Store Connect information up to date
• Make sure your app’s Privacy Policy URL remains valid
• Keep Firebase and Google Maps configurations active
• Avoid letting certificates or provisioning profiles expire
• Review Apple notices as soon as they are received

Important Notes

Apple’s review process and requirements may change over time. Because of this, some screens, labels, or required fields may look different from the examples described in this article.

If you receive a specific warning from Apple or are unsure how to proceed, please contact support@edirectory.com and include a screenshot or copy of the message you received from Apple.

This will help our team better understand the issue and guide you through the next steps.

Conclusion

Keeping your iOS app updated is an important part of maintaining your presence on the App Store.

Even if your app does not require new features, submitting a routine maintenance update can help keep it compliant with Apple’s current requirements and reduce the risk of outdated app warnings or removal notices.

By following this process regularly, you can keep your app active, updated, and available to users on the App Store.