Which route fits your Bolt app?
Most Bolt projects are Vite and React web apps. If yours already runs on a stable domain, a native shell is the fastest option. WebViewGold loads the URL inside a real iOS and Android app and adds push notifications via OneSignal or Firebase, offline handling, camera uploads and biometrics.
Capacitor makes sense when you want to bundle the web code inside the app and reach deeper into device features. If the project was set up in Bolt with Expo, we produce native binaries with EAS Build. A full native rewrite is only worth it when performance or hardware access truly demands it.
From Bolt project to approval
To get the first submission through, we follow a fixed sequence.
- We review code, login and data storage and settle on the technical route.
- You enroll in the Apple Developer Program at 99 USD per year and open a Google Play Console account for a one-time 25 USD; organizations need a D-U-N-S number.
- We produce the builds: an Android App Bundle with Play App Signing and an iOS build for TestFlight.
- App Privacy, the privacy manifest and the Data safety form are completed based on the SDKs the app actually uses.
- For a new personal Google Play account, we run the required closed test with at least 12 testers over 14 days before production release.
Avoiding the usual rejections
Apple frequently rejects apps under guideline 4.2 when they simply show a website, under 2.1 for crashes or missing demo credentials, and under 5.1.1 when users cannot delete their account in the app. Offer Google sign-in and guideline 4.8 also requires a privacy-friendly option such as Sign in with Apple. Digital goods must be sold through in-app purchase under 3.1.1.
For submission and later updates we use appsubmitter.io, which runs signing, store listings and review communication through fastlane-based pipelines in the customer's own account. The process stays documented and repeatable, with or without us.
Frequently asked questions
Will Apple accept a Bolt app in a WebView?
Yes, as long as the app offers clear value beyond the website and behaves like an app. Native navigation, push notifications and sensible offline behavior help satisfy guideline 4.2.
Can I keep developing in Bolt?
Yes. With a WebView app, changes you publish to the web app show up in the app right away. For Capacitor or Expo builds, we set up a workflow that builds and submits new versions from your repository.
Do I need a Mac for the iOS version?
No. Builds run in the cloud, for example on GitHub Actions, Codemagic or Xcode Cloud. All you need is access to your Apple developer account.