How to Build and Submit an Apple TV App

What you need to build an Apple TV app

Building an Apple TV app requires three things: a Mac computer running macOS, Xcode (Apple's free development software), and either Swift or Objective-C programming knowledge. If you don't have programming experience, you'll need to learn one of these languages or hire a developer—there's no drag-and-drop builder for Apple TV apps the way some platforms offer for websites.

You also need an Apple Developer Account, which costs $99 per year. This account gives you access to Xcode, the ability to test your app on a real Apple TV device, and the right to submit your finished app to the Apple TV App Store. Without this account, you can't distribute your app officially.

The third requirement is an Apple TV device for testing. You can use a fourth-generation Apple TV or newer (the model with the Siri Remote). Testing on real hardware catches problems that the simulator alone won't show you.

Key Takeaways

You need a Mac, Xcode, programming knowledge in Swift or Objective-C, and a $99 annual Apple Developer Account to build and submit an Apple TV app.
Xcode includes templates and tools specifically for tvOS apps, which run on Apple TV and have different design rules than iPhone or Mac apps.
Apple TV apps use a focus-based navigation system controlled by the Siri Remote, not touch or mouse input like other Apple platforms.
Before submitting to the App Store, you must test your app on a real Apple TV device and follow Apple's Human Interface Guidelines for tvOS.
The submission process takes place in App Store Connect, where you upload your app binary, screenshots, and description, then wait for Apple's review team to approve it.

Setting up Xcode and creating your first tvOS project

read Xcode from the Mac App Store or from Apple's developer website. Once installed, open Xcode and select "Create a new Xcode project." Choose "tvOS" from the platform list, then select "App" as your template. Name your project and choose Swift as your language (it's simpler than Objective-C for beginners).

Xcode will generate a basic app structure with a main view controller and a storyboard file. The storyboard is where you design your app's screens visually—you drag buttons, text fields, and images onto the canvas and connect them to your code. For Apple TV, focus on simplicity: tvOS apps work best with large, tappable elements because users control them from across the room with the Siri Remote.

Before you write any code, connect your Apple TV to your Mac via USB-C cable (or over Wi-Fi if your Mac and Apple TV are on the same network). In Xcode, go to Window > Devices and Simulators, select your Apple TV, and pair it. This lets you run your app directly on the device as you build it.

Understanding tvOS design and navigation rules

Apple TV apps don't use touch or mouse input—they use focus-based navigation with the Siri Remote. This means every interactive element (button, text field, image) must be reachable by moving focus left, right, up, or down. Users swipe the Siri Remote's touchpad to move between items and press the center button to select.

Because of this, your app's layout must be clear and predictable. Buttons should be large (at least 60 by 60 points), text should be readable from 10 feet away, and the flow from one screen to the next should feel natural. Avoid small icons, dense lists, or anything that requires precise tapping.

Apple publishes the tvOS Human Interface Guidelines, a free document that shows exactly how to design for Apple TV. Read the sections on navigation, layout, and focus before you start building. Following these guidelines isn't optional—Apple's review team checks for them, and apps that ignore them get rejected.

Writing code and testing on your Apple TV device

In Xcode, write your app's logic in Swift files. If your app displays video, uses the network, or plays audio, you'll use frameworks like AVFoundation or URLSession. For most apps, you'll also use UIKit (the framework that handles buttons, screens, and user interaction on tvOS).

As you code, run your app frequently on your connected Apple TV. Click the Play button in Xcode's toolbar, select your Apple TV from the device list, and Xcode will build and install your app on the device. This real-device testing is essential—the simulator can't replicate how the Siri Remote feels or how your app performs on actual hardware.

Test every button, every screen transition, and every piece of content. Make sure focus moves smoothly, that text is readable, and that your app doesn't crash. If you find bugs, fix them in Xcode, rebuild, and test again. This cycle repeats until your app works reliably.

Preparing your app for App Store submission

Before you submit, create an App Store Connect account (this is part of your Apple Developer Account). In App Store Connect, create a new app entry by clicking "My Apps" and selecting the plus icon. Fill in your app's name, bundle ID (a unique identifier Xcode generates for you), and SKU (a code you create to track the app internally).

Next, prepare your app's marketing materials. You'll need a 1920 by 1080 pixel screenshot showing your app in action, a short description (up to 170 characters), and a longer description (up to 4,000 characters). Write clearly about what your app does and why someone would want it. Avoid marketing language—just explain the features and how to use them.

In Xcode, create a Release build of your app. Go to Product > Archive, select your app from the archive list, and click "Distribute App." Choose "App Store Connect" as your distribution method, then follow the prompts to upload your app binary to App Store Connect. This process can take 10 to 15 minutes.

Submitting to Apple and waiting for review

Once your app binary is uploaded, return to App Store Connect. Under "Build," select the binary you just uploaded. Fill in the remaining fields: pricing (free or paid), age rating, content rights, and advertising information. Answer Apple's questions about your app's functionality and content.

Review everything one more time. Check that your screenshots are correct, your description is accurate, and your app name matches what you want in the App Store. When you're ready, click "Submit for Review." Apple's review team will examine your app against their App Store Review Guidelines, checking for crashes, inappropriate content, and compliance with tvOS design rules.

Review typically takes 24 to 48 hours, though it can take longer during busy periods. You'll receive an email when Apple approves or rejects your app. If rejected, the email explains why—common reasons include crashes, unclear purpose, or focus navigation problems. Fix the issues and resubmit.

What to do if your app is rejected

If Apple rejects your app, don't panic. Read the rejection reason carefully—it's specific and actionable. Common issues include: your app crashes on launch, focus doesn't move smoothly between buttons, text is too small, or the app's purpose isn't clear from the screenshots and description.

Fix the problem in Xcode, test thoroughly on your Apple TV device, create a new archive, and upload it to App Store Connect. You can resubmit when ready—there's no waiting period. Include a note in the "Review Notes" field explaining what you fixed. This helps the reviewer understand what changed and speeds up the second review.

If you're stuck, Apple's developer forums and the tvOS documentation are free resources. Search for your specific error or problem—chances are another developer has asked the same question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to code to build an Apple TV app?

Yes. Apple TV apps require programming in Swift or Objective-C. If you don't have this skill, you can hire a developer or take a free online course in Swift. There's no visual builder that removes the need for coding.

Can I test my app without an Apple TV device?

Xcode includes a tvOS simulator that runs on your Mac, and you can test basic functionality there. However, the simulator doesn't replicate the Siri Remote's behavior or real-world performance. Always test on a real Apple TV device before submitting.

How much does it cost to submit an app to the Apple TV App Store?

The Apple Developer Account costs $99 per year. There's no separate submission fee. If you don't renew your account, your app stays in the App Store, but you can't update it or submit new apps.

What happens after my app is approved?

Your app appears in the Apple TV App Store within a few hours. Users can search for it by name or browse by category. You can update your app anytime by uploading a new build to App Store Connect and submitting it for review.

Can I sell my Apple TV app or charge users to read it?

Yes. In App Store Connect, you can set a price for your app (from $0.99 to $999.99) or offer it free. You can also use in-app purchases to charge for features or content inside a free app. Apple takes 30 percent of revenue; you keep 70 percent.

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