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University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
Licensing

U-M Mobile App Publishing – Transitioning to Self-Service

If you’re looking to publish a mobile app under the University of Michigan Developer account, you’ve come to the right spot. Mobile apps range from campus life apps geared towards students, to health and educational apps for the public, to apps integral to clinical research studies. Take a look at the U-M apps available on the App Store and on the Google Play Store.

Management Transition

Effective July 1, 2026, management of U-M’s official App Store and Google Play Store accounts transitions from Innovation Partnerships to ITS for a more streamlined approach.

Self-Service Publishing

Primary responsibility for mobile app publishing transitions to you and your team, offering greater access, autonomy and a streamlined publishing process.

Direct Control

You’ll have direct access to submit builds, troubleshoot rejections, update metadata in real time, access analytics and manage policy declarations.

What This Means for You

The transition to Self-Publishing is a significant positive benefit improving efficiency, timeliness and control. Prior to the provisioning of publishing credentials each App Manager is required to sign-off and understand key policy and compliance requirements associated with publishing on the University of Michigan storefront. Each App Manager is required to review and accept responsibility for application compliance in these critically important areas which ensure consistency in brand appearance, protection of human subjects in research and security of Michigan technical infrastructure.

Responsibilities as a Self-Publisher

Prior to publishing, you are required to complete the following:

  • Submit an Invention Disclosure Form
  • Complete the Mobile App Publishing Responsibility Agreement
  • Check off with the following U-M teams to ensure your app is aligned with U-M standards, compliance oversight and security requirements:

U-M Branding

Review guidelines for designing your app icon if using the block M logo.

→ Learn more about U-M Brand Guidelines

ITS Information Assurance

Security screening must be completed prior to publishing for production environments.

→ Learn more about ITS Information Assurance

IRB and IRB MED

Required for human subjects research apps only to ensure ethical compliance.

→ Learn more about IRB    → Learn more about IRB MED

ITS Accessibility

Ensure your app meets accessibility standards and requirements.

→ Learn more about ITS Accessibility

Benefits of Self-Publishing

Submit Build Files

Ability to submit build files for review and approval directly to the app stores.

Real-Time Updates

Update metadata in real time without waiting for intermediaries.

Policy Management

Manage and update future policy declarations from Apple or Google, including data safety and health app requirements.

 

Direct Communication

Troubleshoot submission rejections and correspond directly with App Review Team Members.

Analytics Access

Access data analytics including downloads, crashes, and user engagement metrics.

Full Control

Complete autonomy over your app’s lifecycle and updates.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Process

1. Send Email Request with your Mobile App Information

Email [email protected] with your app name, required capabilities (e.g., push notifications), pricing model (Free or Paid), and commercialization plans.

2. Submit Invention Disclosure Form

List all inventors who made material contributions to the app’s conception, development and reduction to practice. This becomes the Apple SKU number.

3. Designate Team Roles

Let us know who the U-M app owner is along with the app manager and developer(s) (internal or external to U-M).

4. Sign Publishing Agreement

Review and sign the Mobile App Publishing Responsibility Agreement sent from Innovation Partnerships.

5. ITS Creates User Accounts

Send email addresses and assigned roles to [email protected] for App Store Connect and Google Play access setup.

  • App Store Connect: Ensure your umich account is setup as your Apple ID. If not, submit an ITS 4Help Ticket to get it configured.
  • Google Play: Provide either your personal Gmail account OR create a new Gmail account specifically for your app.

 

 

 

 

 

For new apps and next steps, check out our Self-Service Guide here.

 

Team Roles and Requirements

App Owner

Must be a U-M employee

  • Responsible for requesting an app to support U-M research or to support a U-M community, events or specific groups

App Manager

Internal or External to U-M

  • Serves as main point of contact and project manager
  • Oversees the app in the storefronts
  • Coordinates team activities and updates

Developer

Internal or External to U-M

  • Signs and uploads build files
  • Handles technical implementation
  • Manages code and app functionality

Innovation Partnerships' New Role

Commercialization Support

Innovation Partnerships will still receive disclosure forms and serve as a checkpoint for commercialization interests. They can assist with licensing considerations and the process.

Digital Discovery Program

If your app is merely an idea, Innovation Partnerships can help through their Digital Discovery Program, moving your concept from a rough sketch to an articulate vision that can be clearly presented and actioned.

Need More Information?

For detailed guidance, consult online resources from Apple and Google. Contact [email protected] with any questions about the publishing process.