Glossary
Short definitions. Not legal advice. Not Apple documentation.
Archive
The Release-build product you generate for distribution. Debug installs are not archives.
Build number
Monotonic integer Connect uses to distinguish uploads. Must increase for a given app.
dSYM
Debug symbols used to turn crash addresses into function names. Keep them with the release log.
Export compliance
Connect questions about encryption use. Answer from a written note, not memory.
Last known good
The last build you would gladly reinstall for testers. Record version, build, SHA, Xcode.
Metadata freeze
Moment after which screenshots, copy, and review notes stop changing except for factual fixes.
Processing
Connect accepting and processing a binary after upload. Not the same as App Review approval.
Provisioning profile
Ties team, App ID, certs, devices/entitlements together for signing.
Ship factory
The single path (local or CI) allowed to produce production candidates.
Ship lane / explore lane
Stable/supported Xcode for production vs beta Xcode for TestFlight exploration.
Store facts
Privacy answers, purpose strings, age rating inputs, and other Connect questionnaires tied to the binary’s behavior.
TestFlight green
Testers can install. Not a certificate that App Store submission will succeed.
What’s New
Customer-visible release notes on the store product page.
Phased release
Gradual rollout of an App Store update. Needs halt criteria — not a set-and-forget parachute.
Hotfix train
Narrow branch from last known good for production blockers only.
Quiet hours
Windows when you refuse irreversible submits because you cannot watch metrics/support.
Sandbox (IAP)
Apple’s test purchase environment. Required before review for paid features.