Shipaton 2025 - Day 27 - Release Submitted to Google Play

Introduction

Welcome back to my daily updates on Shipaton 2025! Today was all about doing the unglamorous but essential work to push the app over the finish line. Instead of writing features, I buttoned up the Google Play release checklist - the set of tasks that turns a build into a real, reviewable release. The submission is in and the app is now under Google Play review. Only one step away from going live!

The Release Checklist: What I Finalized

Today’s focus was precision and completeness. Here’s what I wrapped up before hitting “Submit” in Play Console:

✅ Signed Android App Bundle - Generated and verified the release-signed AAB to ensure integrity and a clean install path for users.

✅ Versioning and Changelog - Bumped the version code and wrote a concise, user-facing “What’s New” that clearly sets expectations for v1.

✅ Data Safety and Privacy Policy - Completed the data safety form and validated it against my actual data flows. Also, linked a clear, hosted privacy policy that matches how the app handles data.

✅ Content Rating Questionnaire - Filled out the rating form carefully to avoid unnecessary restrictions and ensure the correct age rating.

✅ Store Listing Copy - Finalized the title, short description, and full description with tight messaging: value first, features second, no fluff.

✅ Screenshots - Captured and uploaded a consistent set that reflects the current UI and highlights the core value.

✅ Rollout Settings - Configured a staged rollout plan to mitigate risk, monitor metrics, and respond quickly if anything unexpected surfaces.

🚀 Result - All changes were submitted for Google Play review!

Why This Step Matters

Releases aren’t just about uploading a file - they’re about trust, clarity, and compliance:

✔️ A properly signed AAB guarantees the build users receive is authentic and secure.

✔️ Accurate versioning and changelogs help users understand what changed and when.

✔️ Honest data safety disclosures and a transparent privacy policy build credibility from day one.

✔️ Correct content rating prevents surprise distribution limits and keeps the app accessible to the right audience.

✔️ Polished store copy and screenshots drive first impressions, conversions, and ultimately retention.

✔️ A thoughtful staged rollout gives me a safety net so I can measure, learn, and iterate without exposing every user at once.

Together, these pieces increase the odds of a smooth review, a clean launch, and a strong first cohort of users.

Awaiting Google Play Review

So, what’s the result of today’s efforts? I’ve submitted the changes and are now officially one step away from going live! The waiting game has begun as I put our faith in Google Play’s review process. It’s a mix of apprehension and excitement - will everything I worked on be accepted without a hitch, or will I face unexpected hurdles?

This experience has been a lesson in persistence and attention to detail. Each day leading up to today has been filled with late nights, brainstorming sessions, and a determination to create an incredible app. If you’re on a similar journey, just remember that each checkbox ticked brings you one step closer to your goal. Here’s to hoping my Android app goes live soon and that my hard work pays off in the best way possible!