Understanding Target and App Store Submission for Duplicate Apps

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As a developer, releasing multiple apps on the App Store can be an effective way to monetize your intellectual property or offer diverse features within a single app. However, duplicating an existing app and submitting it as a new app requires careful consideration of various technical aspects. In this article, we will delve into the process of configuring a duplicate target for an app on Xcode, understanding the requirements for App Store submission, and exploring the necessary steps to ensure successful deployment.

Background: Understanding Target and App Store Terminology

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, it’s essential to understand some fundamental terms:

• Target: In Xcode, a target represents an app or a project. When you create a new project, you typically create one target.
• Scheme: A scheme is a copy of your target that can be used for testing and debugging purposes. Schemes allow you to duplicate your target with different settings, such as simulator or device targets.
• Bundle Identifier: This is a unique string assigned to an app by Apple, which identifies it on the App Store.
• Executable File: The name of the file that contains the compiled code for an app.
• Product Name and Product Version: These values are used in your app’s metadata, such as the App Store listing.

Configuring a Duplicate Target

When duplicating a target in Xcode, you’ll notice two main changes:

1. A new file is created under the Products group with a name similar to the original target, but suffixed with “copy.”
2. The scheme name becomes identical to the original target.

To duplicate your target and create a copy of the Info.plist file with a different name, follow these steps:

1. Open Xcode and select your project.
2. Click on the Editor menu at the top left corner and choose Duplicate Target…
3. In the Duplicate Target window, enter a new name for your duplicate target in the Product Name field. Make sure to use a unique value that will distinguish it from the original target.
4. Click OK to create the duplicate target.

Next, you’ll need to modify the Info.plist file to provide a distinct product name and version:

1. Open the copy-myApp-info.plist file in Xcode’s Editor menu.
2. In the Product Name field, update the value with your desired app name (e.g., “MyNewApp”).
3. Similarly, update the Product Version field to provide a unique version number for your new app.

Creating a New App ID in the Developer Portal

Before you can submit your duplicate app to the App Store, you’ll need to create a new app ID:

1. Log in to your developer account on the Apple Developer portal.
2. Click Certificates, Identifiers & Privacy, and then select App IDs from the left-hand menu.
3. Click + at the top right corner of the screen to create a new app ID.
4. Enter your desired bundle identifier, which should be unique and follow the format com\.yourcompany\.yourappname.
5. Create the app ID by clicking Create.

Creating Provisioning Profiles

Provisioning profiles are essential for signing and deploying apps to devices:

1. In Xcode, navigate to Window > Devices & Simulators, or press Cmd+Shift+D on your keyboard.
2. Select the device you want to deploy your app to (e.g., a physical iPhone).
3. Click Create Provisioning Profile… and then select Create App ID for App Distribution.
4. Enter your desired bundle identifier and click Continue.
5. Follow the prompts to create a new provisioning profile, which will be used to sign your app.

Updating Code Signing Profiles

To ensure that your duplicate app uses a distinct code signing identity:

1. In Xcode, navigate to Product > Signing, or press Cmd+Shift+K on your keyboard.
2. Select the profile you created earlier (e.g., “Your App ID - Provisioning Profile”).
3. Update the Code Signing Certificate field with a unique value that distinguishes it from the original app.

Testing and Submitting Your Duplicate App

With all these changes made, your duplicate app is ready for testing:

1. Run your app on an iPhone or simulator using Xcode.
2. Test the app thoroughly to ensure there are no issues with the new bundle identifier or provisioning profile.
3. Once you’re satisfied that everything works correctly, submit your app for review through the App Store Connect portal.

By following these steps and understanding the intricacies of target duplication and App Store submission, you can successfully release multiple apps under a single developer account.

Last modified on 2024-08-20