Mobile Publishing
As the gateway for publishing mobile apps to the University of Michigan’s official accounts on the App Store and Google Play Store, Innovation Partnerships publishes a variety of mobile apps developed by U-M faculty, staff and graduate students. These 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.
Before Publishing
- Involve Innovation Partnerships early in the process. When you have an idea, talk to us to walk through requirements and potential considerations.
- Develop a privacy policy. Innovation Partnerships can provide a template if desired.
- Determine if IRB, FDA, or HIPAA compliance applies. Mobile apps deemed likely to meet the definition of an FDA-regulated medical device can only be published under IRB or similar oversight.
- Obtain a U-M branding review if you plan to use U-M branding in your app. Innovation Partnerships can provide you with contact information.
- U-M branding information can be found at https://brand.umich.edu/.
- Michigan Medicine branding information can be found at https://med.umich.edu/branding/index.html.
- Consider accessibility as you develop your app. Some resources can be found at
- End User Licensing Agreements (EULAs). Innovation Partnerships can assist in evaluating licensing considerations.
- While U-M typically uses the standard Apple and Google EULA, you may want to consider using a custom agreement.
- Custom EULAs are typically required for medical apps, apps that involve HIPAA regulation, or apps entailing FDA regulation.
Royalty and Revenue Distributions
Apple and Google receive a commission (30% and 15%, respectively) on the net sales for all apps. Royalty and revenue distributions are handled using the standard Innovation Partnerships process on the remaining amount.
Publishing Process Overview (iOS and Android)
Innovation Partnerships and U-M Information and Technology Services (ITS) work together to submit your source code and other required assets for publication to the App Store and Google Play Store.
Generally, three types of submissions can be made:
New app
The primary elements required for publishing a new app are the app’s
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- Source code
- Graphics assets (screenshots, icons, etc.)
- Metadata
- Privacy policy.
App update
The primary elements required for updating an existing app are the app’s
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- Updated source code
- Release notes (what’s new)
- Updated graphics assets (screenshots, icons, etc.), if applicable
- Updated metadata and privacy policy, if applicable.
Beta testing
Both iOS and Android apps can be submitted for beta testing prior to release to the stores. The primary elements required for testing is similar to that for new apps and app updates:
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- Source code
- Graphics assets (screenshots, icons, etc.) – required for Android only
- Metadata
- Privacy policy
- Information for testers on what to test
- List of testers’ email addresses.