Mobile Communications App: Mandatory deployment setup with Fastlane

This article discusses new mandatory guidelines for all users of Mobile Communications App to complete an automated setup process with Fastlane that will allow us to update your app faster in the App Store and in Google Play.

***Removal Warning
Without completing this deployment, your Mobile Communications App can no longer be updated and your app will be removed from the app store. 

In this Article


Who does this affect?

Mobile Communications App clients.

Why do I need to do this?

Once you complete this process, we’ll be able to simplify and push out automated deployments using the Fastlane® open source platform, and you’ll be able to receive future updates. This process is mandatory in order to receive any future updates to your app.

What is the deadline for completing this update?

Date to be announced.

Where do I start?

To get the latest and greatest features and functionality, you’ll need to complete this mandatory, setup process found below.

You will be setting up two areas: Apple Developer and Apple App Store. 

Pre-setup questions

  1. Do you have at least 10 minutes to complete this process?
  2. Can you log in to your Apple Developer account?
  3. Do you have administrator access to the Apple App Store?

Setup instructions

Step 1: Apple Developer

  1. Log in to Apple Developer.
  2. An Action Box will appear immediately after you log in. Click on the box and follow the prompts to completion. Two common items that need to be renewed or accepted are: 
    • Membership: If your membership has expired, enable auto-renew or renew.
      membership has expired.png
      Your Apple Developer membership must be active for your app to be live on the App Store. Watch this instructional video, "Verify Apple Developer Membership." 
    • Apple Developer Agreement: Accept to continue.    
      accept apple developer agreement.png
  3. Once you have completed all of your tasks, the screen should look like this:
    nothing pending.png
  4. Log in to Apple Accounts Monthly. Is all of your information correct?
  5. Create a calendar event to remind you of your Developer Membership Expiration date. Your app will be removed until it is renewed.

Step 2: Apple App Store

  1. Log in to App Store Connect.
  2. An Red or Yellow banner will appear immediately after you log in. Click on the box and follow the prompts to completion. Two common items that need to be renewed or accepted are: 
    • Free Apps Agreement: If your membership has expired, enable auto-renew or renew.
      • Select Business to review each pending agreement.
      • Click the Blue Link for your Organization Name.
      • On the Free Apps line, click on View Terms on the far right and follow prompts through to completion. 
    • Paid Apps Agreement*:
      (*This may be an optional step depending on what Apple is requiring for your individual account.) 
      • Click on Business to review each pending agreement.
      • Click the Blue Link for your Organization Name.
      • On the Paid Apps line, click on View Terms on the far right and follow prompts through to completion. 
      • Check the box to indicate you've read the terms and conditions and accept the agreement.

        business on app store connect window.png

      • When it has been successfully completed, the statuses should say:
        • Free Apps: Active
        • Paid Apps: Pending User Information

Important Note

You do not need to add in any banking information. Apple is in the process of updating this agreement and depending on how old your agreement is will determine if it needs to be rejected / accepted. 

Step 3: iOS / API

1. Generate the API key for iOS:

2. Create a new App Store Connect API Key

  1. Visit App Store Connect and sign in using the account holder role.
  2. Go to Users and Access, then select the blue Integrations (formerly "Keys") tab.
  3. Select Request Access and submit.
  4. Select the Generate API key or use the Add (+) button.
  5. Create a name for the key. This name is for your reference only and not part of the key itself.
  6. Navigate to Access, then select Admin for the role.
  7. Select Generate.
  8. Just above the "Active" Section is the "Issuer ID". Click the "Copy" button and save it to a note. (see image below)
  9. In the line for "Active" API's, underneath the "Key ID" section click "Copy Key ID" and save it to a note. (see image below)

IssuerandKeyISD_2.png

3. Download the newly created API Key file (.p8)

Select the Download API Key link. The download link appears only if the private key has not yet been downloaded, and Apple does not keep a copy of the private key.

4. Upload it into the Communications Web Interface

  1. Sign in to your Mass Notifications / Communications Web.
  2. Navigate to SETTINGS → App Config → Global App Settings → Certificates tab.
  3. Under iOS Secrets sessions, enter the Issuer ID, Key ID and upload the .p8 file.
  4. Select Submit.

Step 4: Email the Mobile App Team

Once you have followed all of the setup instructions, email the mobile app team to confirm you have completed the process at appstoremaintenance@finalsite.com. In order for your app to be added to the next batch to receive updates, the app team must be notified.

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