Chapter 1: Preface

Building an app is easier than ever. Turning it into a product that people can download and pay for, is where many first-time builders get stuck.

This guide walks you through the entire process, from creating an iOS app with Replit to connecting it to RevenueCat, adding in-app purchases, testing your app, and submitting it to the App Store.

It’s written for first-time builders, so you don’t need experience with mobile development, payments, or app publishing. We’ll explain what to do, why each step matters, and how to check that everything is working. You can also ask the Replit Agent for help with any step along the way.

By the end, you’ll have a working iOS app with monetization set up, ready to submit to the App Store.

Use this guide with your AI assistant

Want some help as you build? Download the Markdown version of this guide and add it to your AI assistant of choice. You can then ask it to walk you through the guide one section at a time, explain anything you’re unsure about, or help troubleshoot when you get stuck.

Try starting with:

Use this guide as the primary source for helping me build and monetize my iOS app. Walk me through it one section at a time. Don’t move on until I confirm I’ve completed the current step. If something isn’t covered in the guide or may have changed, tell me rather than guessing.

Building for Shipaton 2026?

Replit is sponsoring Shipaton 2026’s $30,000 Idea to Income category, rewarding builders who use Replit to turn an idea into a shipped, monetized app.

You can follow this guide to build your entry with Replit and RevenueCat, set up monetization, and get your app ready for the App Store.

Additional resources:

From Idea to Published App - Shipaton 2026 Livestream (August 2026)

Make Your First Dollar in the App Store - Replit Livestream (April 2026)