Fixing Invalid Info.plist Settings and Incorrect Icon Configuration for Apple Watch Apps

Apple Watch App Fails Submission: Invalid Info.plist and Icon

Submitting an Apple Watch app to the App Store can be a straightforward process, but sometimes, unexpected issues arise. In this article, we will delve into the world of Apple Watch development and explore why your app may be failing validation due to invalid Info.plist settings and incorrect icon configuration.

Understanding the Role of Info.plist in Apple Watch Apps

Info.plist is a crucial file in any iOS or macOS project, including Apple Watch apps. It contains metadata about the app, such as its name, version, and author. In the context of Apple Watch apps, Info.plist plays a vital role in specifying the icons, launch images, and other visual elements that will be displayed on the watch face.

The Problem with CFBundleIcons

One of the common issues faced by developers when submitting their Apple Watch apps is related to the CFBundleIcons key. This key is used to specify the icons for different platforms, including watchOS.

// Info.plist example
<key>CFBundleIcons</key>
<dict>
    <key>CFBundlePrimaryIconType</key>
    <string>AppIcon</string>
    <key>CFBundlePrimaryIconFile</key>
    <string>iPadIcon.png</string>
</dict>

In the provided Stack Overflow question, it is mentioned that the CFBundleIcons key in the Info.plist file for the watch app never shows up. This could be due to a few reasons:

The CFBundleIcons key is not being included in the Info.plist file.
The CFBundlePrimaryIconType and CFBundlePrimaryIconFile keys are missing.

Dealing with Invalid Icon Names

Another issue that may cause problems during validation is invalid icon names. Apple Watch apps require specific icon sizes and formats, and using incorrect or mismatched icons can lead to errors.

For example:

// Incorrect icon name
<key>CFBundlePrimaryIconType</key>
<string>InvalidIconName</string>

In this case, the CFBundlePrimaryIconType key is set to an invalid value (InvalidIconName). This could cause the app to fail validation.

Resolving the Issue

So, how can you resolve the issue and get your Apple Watch app submitted successfully?

The answer lies in editing the Info.plist file directly. When using Xcode, it’s essential to understand that some settings are not accessible through the project navigator. In this case, we need to edit the WATCH info.plist file.

To access the WATCH info.plist file:

Open your project in Xcode.
Go to Product > Archive.
Select the archived project and click on Distribute App….
Choose Export for Development under Distributing Apps Using ITunes Connect.
Under Export, select Info.plist file.

Once you have accessed the WATCH info.plist file, look for the row containing the error message The key ‘CFBundleIcons~ipad’ in bundle iPrayed.app/PlugIns/iPrayed WatchKit Extension.appex/iPrayed WatchKit App.app is invalid.

To resolve this issue:

Select the problematic row.
Delete the entire line.

By deleting this line, you will reset the CFBundleIcons key to its default value, allowing your app to submit without issues related to icon configuration.

Conclusion

Submitting an Apple Watch app to the App Store can be a complex process, but understanding the role of Info.plist and dealing with invalid icon names can make all the difference. By following these steps and making sure you have accurate and correctly formatted icons for your watch app, you should be able to resolve common issues that may arise during validation.

Troubleshooting Additional Issues

While deleting the problematic line in the WATCH info.plist file resolved the issue mentioned in the Stack Overflow question, there are other potential sources of problems when submitting an Apple Watch app. Here are a few additional troubleshooting tips:

Check for typos or formatting issues in your Info.plist file.
Verify that all required icons and launch images are included in your project.
Make sure you have the correct version numbers for your app, as specified in the CFBundleShortVersionString key.

By double-checking these potential sources of problems, you can ensure that your Apple Watch app is submitted correctly and without any issues related to Info.plist or icon configuration.

Last modified on 2024-05-23