How to Build and Upload a Profitable App to the App Store—Without Writing a Single Line of Code

TL;DR: This guide shows how to build and upload a fully functional iOS app to the Apple App Store without coding, using two AI-powered tools: Base 44 to generate a web app from a text prompt, and Despia to convert it into a native iOS app and handle App Store submission requirements.

• 📹 Watch the Complete Video Tutorial
• Why This Method Changes Everything for Aspiring App Creators
• Meet the Two AI Tools Powering This No-Code Revolution
• Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Begin
• Step 1: Building Your App with Base 44
• Why You Must Clean the Base 44 App Before Moving to Despia
• Disable Login Requirements for App Store Compliance
• Step 2: Setting Up Your Project in Despia
• Uploading Visual Assets in Despia
• Step 3: Connecting Your Apple Developer Account to Despia
• How to Find Your Apple Developer Credentials
• Step 4: Creating Apple Identifiers and App Groups
• 1. Main App Bundle Setup
• 2. OneSignal Push Notification Setup
• 3. App Clip Target Setup
• 4. Share Target Setup
• 5. Smart Widget Target Setup
• Final Step: Link All Groups to Main App Bundle
• Step 5: Creating Your App in App Store Connect
• Step 6: Generating and Submitting Your Build
• Step 7: Creating a Privacy Policy (Required by Apple)
• Step 8: Completing App Store Connect Distribution Details
• App Store Listing Content
• App Review Information
• Step 9: Configuring App Information and Age Rating
• Step 10: Setting Pricing and Availability
• Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
• Real-World Results: The $100K/Month Calorie Tracker
• Why This AI-Powered Approach Is the Future
• Final Checklist Before Submission
• Conclusion: Your App Is Just Hours Away

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover exactly how to build, prepare, and upload a fully functional mobile app to the Apple App Store using only AI-powered tools—no coding experience required. Based on a real-world example of a calorie tracker app generating over $100,000 per month, this step-by-step walkthrough covers every detail: from ideation and AI app generation to Apple Developer configuration, App Store Connect setup, and final submission. If you’ve ever dreamed of launching your own app but thought you needed years of coding or thousands of dollars, this guide will change everything.

Why This Method Changes Everything for Aspiring App Creators

Most people believe that creating a successful mobile app requires either advanced programming skills or a large budget to hire developers. But thanks to cutting-edge AI tools, you can now go from idea to published app in just a few hours. The calorie counter app featured in this process is a real example—earning six figures monthly—yet built entirely with AI. What makes this approach revolutionary is that it eliminates traditional barriers: no Xcode, no Swift, no backend servers, and no months of development.

The key insight? Building the app is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in navigating Apple’s complex submission requirements. This guide solves that by introducing a second AI-powered tool that handles all the technical overhead of App Store compliance.

Meet the Two AI Tools Powering This No-Code Revolution

The entire process relies on two specialized platforms:

• Base 44: An AI app builder that generates a fully functional web app from a simple text prompt.
• Despia: A tool that converts your web app into a native iOS app and automates the App Store submission process.

Both tools work together seamlessly. Base 44 creates the core functionality; Despia wraps it in a native iOS shell, handles certificates, provisioning profiles, and submits directly to App Store Connect. Links to both are typically provided in video descriptions (as noted in the transcript), but you can search for them directly online.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Begin

Before starting, ensure you have the following ready:

• App Icon: A 1024×1024 PNG file.
• Splash Screen: A 1024×1024 GIF file (used as a loading animation).
• Paid Apple Developer Account: Costs $99/year. This is non-negotiable—you cannot publish to the App Store without it.

Without these, you’ll hit roadblocks during the Despia setup phase. Prepare your assets in advance to avoid delays.

Step 1: Building Your App with Base 44

Base 44 is where your idea becomes reality. Here’s how to use it to create a calorie tracker:

1. Go to Base 44 and start a new project.
2. Enter a detailed prompt such as: “Please create a simple calorie tracker application. Make it a mobile responsive app with a modern sleek design. Have the user be able to set their target calories and add food items and set their respective calories and macros.”
3. Wait a few moments—Base 44 generates the entire frontend and basic logic automatically.

Once complete, test the app: set a calorie goal, add food items, and verify that macros and totals update in real time. The result is a working, responsive web app hosted on Base 44’s platform.

Why You Must Clean the Base 44 App Before Moving to Despia

Base 44 includes its own SDK and authentication system, which can interfere with Despia’s build process. To prevent errors, you must remove these components:

1. In Base 44, open a new prompt and type: “Please remove the native Base 44 authentication scripts and remove the Base 44 SDK and related files in the project. Please be thorough and make sure not to break any functionality. Make the data handling of the calorie tracker all local. Do not use any database.”
2. Wait for Base 44 to process the request (usually takes seconds).

This ensures your app runs independently without external dependencies.

Disable Login Requirements for App Store Compliance

By default, Base 44 apps often require users to log in before accessing content. However, Despia cannot build apps locked behind login screens. To fix this:

1. In the Base 44 dashboard, click Publish (upper right corner).
2. Find the Require Login option and click Edit.
3. Turn this feature OFF and save changes.
4. Publish the app again and test to confirm it works without login.

Once verified, copy the public project URL—this link connects Despia to your app.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Project in Despia

Despia transforms your web app into a native iOS application. Here’s how to configure it:

1. Go to Despia’s website and create a new app project.
2. Name your project (e.g., “Nutri Track App”).
3. In the Web App Start URL field, paste the public Base 44 link you copied earlier.
4. Click Create Project.

Despia now treats your Base 44 app as the core of your mobile experience.

Uploading Visual Assets in Despia

Branding is critical for App Store approval and user trust. In Despia’s dashboard:

1. Go to App Icon and Branding (left sidebar).
2. Under iOS Icon, upload your 1024×1024 PNG app icon.
3. Go to Splash Screen Layout and upload your 1024×1024 GIF splash screen.

These assets appear on users’ home screens and during app launch, giving your app a polished, professional feel.

Step 3: Connecting Your Apple Developer Account to Despia

This is a mandatory step for iOS publishing. Follow these instructions carefully:

1. In Despia, go to Build History (right panel) and click Deploy Build.
2. Scroll to Build Configuration and click Development Team > Add Team.
3. You’ll need three pieces of information from your Apple Developer account:

How to Find Your Apple Developer Credentials

Here’s exactly where to get each required item:

Back in Despia:

• Paste the Key ID into its field.
• Upload the downloaded .p8 file.
• Click the purple Link with Apple button.

Once linked, select your team in the Build Configuration panel. Your Apple Developer account is now connected.

Step 4: Creating Apple Identifiers and App Groups

Apple requires precise identifiers for every component of your app. Despia lists several “targets” that must be mirrored in your Apple Developer account. Below is the complete setup for each.

1. Main App Bundle Setup

1. In Despia, note your App Bundle ID.
2. In Apple Developer → Identifiers → + Add → App IDs → App.
3. Paste the Bundle ID, set description to “Nutri Track App”.
4. Enable these capabilities:
   • App Attest
   • App Groups
   • Associated Domains
   • HealthKit
   • iCloud (with CloudKit)
   • Push Notifications (with Broadcast)
   • Sign in with Apple
   • Siri
5. Click Continue → Register.

2. OneSignal Push Notification Setup

For push notifications via OneSignal:

1. Copy the Push Bundle ID from Despia (under OneSignal target).
2. Create a new App ID in Apple Developer:
   • Type: App
   • Bundle ID: Paste from Despia
   • Description: “Nutri Track App OneSignal”
   • Capabilities: App Groups, Associated Domains, Push Notifications
3. Click Register.
4. Now create an App Group:
   • Identifier: Copy Push App Group ID from Despia
   • Description: “Nutri Track App OneSignal App Group”
5. Link the App Group to the OneSignal App ID:
   • Edit the OneSignal App ID → App Groups → Configure → Select your new group → Save.

3. App Clip Target Setup

1. Copy Clip Bundle ID from Despia.
2. Create new App ID in Apple Developer:
   • Type: App Clip
   • Parent App ID: Select your main bundle
   • Product Name: “clip”
   • Description: “Nutri Track App Clip”
   • Capabilities: App Groups, Associated Domains, Push Notifications
3. Create matching App Group:
   • Identifier: Copy Clip App Group ID from Despia
   • Description: “Nutri Track App Clip App Group”
4. Link group to App Clip ID via Configure → Save.

4. Share Target Setup

1. Copy Share Bundle ID from Despia.
2. Create App ID:
   • Type: App
   • Bundle ID: Paste from Despia
   • Description: “Nutri Track App Share Target”
   • Capabilities: App Groups only
3. Create App Group with ID from Despia.
4. Link group to Share App ID.

5. Smart Widget Target Setup

1. Copy Widget Bundle ID from Despia.
2. Create App ID:
   • Type: App
   • Description: “Nutri Track App Widget”
   • Capabilities: App Groups
3. Create matching App Group.
4. Link group to Widget App ID.

Final Step: Link All Groups to Main App Bundle

1. Open your main App Bundle ID in Apple Developer.
2. Scroll to App Groups → Edit.
3. Select all four groups:
   • OneSignal App Group
   • App Clip App Group
   • Share Target App Group
   • Widget App Group
4. Click Save.

This ensures all components share data securely within your app ecosystem.

Step 5: Creating Your App in App Store Connect

Now that identifiers are ready, create the app listing:

1. Go to App Store Connect → My Apps → + New App.
2. Platform: iOS
3. Name: “Nutri Track App” (if taken, add descriptor like “Calorie Tracker”)
4. Language: English
5. Bundle ID: Select your main bundle
6. SKU: “NUTRITRACKAPP” (all caps)
7. Click Create.

Once created, copy the Apple ID (found on the App Information page) and paste it into Despia’s App Store App ID field (right panel).

Step 6: Generating and Submitting Your Build

With everything configured:

1. In Despia, click Publish Project.
2. Despia packages your app and uploads it directly to App Store Connect.
3. Wait 2–10 minutes (depending on app size).
4. Check TestFlight in App Store Connect—your build should appear as “Ready to Submit.”

Your app is now in Apple’s review system.

Step 7: Creating a Privacy Policy (Required by Apple)

Apple mandates a privacy policy URL. Here’s how to generate one for free:

1. Visit privacypolicygenerator.info.
2. Select App as the platform.
3. Answer questions honestly:
   • For a basic calorie tracker with no data collection, select No to all data-related questions.
4. Generate and publish the policy.
5. Copy the URL—you’ll need it in App Store Connect.

Step 8: Completing App Store Connect Distribution Details

Fill out your app’s public-facing information:

App Store Listing Content

• Screenshots: Upload 3+ iPhone and iPad screenshots showing key screens.
• Promotional Text: “Advanced calorie tracker”
• Description: “Nutri Track is a simple calorie tracking application designed to help you monitor your daily caloric intake and macros efficiently. Set your target goals, add food items, and track your progress with ease.”
• Keywords: fitness, calorie tracking, health, nutrition, macros
• Support URL: Your privacy policy link
• Version: 1.0.0 (must match your build)
• Copyright: Nutri 2025

App Review Information

• If your app doesn’t require login, uncheck “Sign-in required.”
• Click Save (top right).

Step 9: Configuring App Information and Age Rating

1. Subtitle: “Track your calories and macros” (appears under app name)
2. Primary Category: Health & Fitness
3. Content Rights: No
4. Age Rating: Answer “No” to all content questions (no explicit material, user-generated content, etc.)
5. Click Save.

Step 10: Setting Pricing and Availability

1. Go to Pricing and Availability.
2. Click Add Pricing.
3. Select $0 to make your app free.
4. Choose regions where your app will be available (default: all).

Making your app free initially maximizes downloads and user feedback—critical for a new tool like a calorie tracker.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Based on the transcript, here are critical mistakes to prevent:

• Skipping Base 44 cleanup: Failing to remove Base 44 SDK causes Despia build failures.
• Leaving login enabled: Despia rejects apps behind login walls.
• Missing Apple identifiers: Every Despia target must have a matching Apple ID and App Group.
• No privacy policy: Apple will reject your app without this link.
• Incorrect bundle ID matching: Despia and Apple must use identical IDs.

Real-World Results: The $100K/Month Calorie Tracker

The app showcased in this guide isn’t hypothetical—it’s a live, revenue-generating product. Key success factors include:

• Simple, focused functionality: Tracks calories and macros—nothing more.
• Massive food database integration (implied by transcript).
• Zero development cost: Built entirely with AI tools.
• Fast time-to-market: From idea to App Store in hours, not months.

This proves that niche utility apps can thrive without complex features or big budgets.

Why This AI-Powered Approach Is the Future

Traditional app development is slow, expensive, and technical. This method flips the script:

• Democratizes publishing: Anyone with an idea can build and launch.
• Reduces risk: Test ideas cheaply before investing in custom development.
• Scales effortlessly: Once the pipeline is set, you can build multiple apps using the same workflow.

As AI tools evolve, expect even more automation—making “build app upload” a routine task for entrepreneurs.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Conclusion: Your App Is Just Hours Away

You now have a complete, battle-tested blueprint to build, prepare, and upload a profitable app to the App Store without writing code. By leveraging Base 44 for rapid development and Despia for seamless publishing, you bypass years of learning curves and thousands in costs. The $100,000/month calorie tracker proves this isn’t theory—it’s a working model anyone can replicate.

Take action today: Gather your assets, sign up for the tools, and follow this guide step by step. In less than a day, your app could be in Apple’s review queue—on its way to becoming your next income stream.

How to Build and Upload a Profitable App to the App Store—Without Writing a Single Line of Code

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