DiaryDad, an AI-powered journaling app, was live on the Apple App Store and Google Play 14 days after kickoff. The client arrived with designs, which let us move quickly into building. We built the app with React Native and Expo, submitted it to both stores, and both approved it on the first attempt. We cannot promise store approval within 2 weeks, but this is what happened, day by day.
Written by Ganesh Ghatti · Founder, Squirrel Technologies
Updated
We went through the client's designs with them and agreed the first version: journaling, the AI reflections on entries, and sign-in. Anything that did not serve the daily journaling habit went on the post-launch list.
Because the designs already existed, these days went into turning them into a screen-by-screen plan, confirming the user journey, and checking the requirements both stores would review, such as privacy details and account deletion.
We built one React Native codebase for iOS and Android with Expo, the backend, and the AI layer that analyses entries and surfaces reflections. EAS Build produced the iOS and Android builds.
We created the production builds and submitted them to the Apple App Store and Google Play.
We tested on real devices through TestFlight and Google's internal testing and made the last fixes. Both stores approved the app on the first attempt, and DiaryDad was live and downloadable on Day 14.
The first version of DiaryDad.
Technologies we use for this
DiaryDad followed our standard process, with store submission on Day 10.
Day 1
We reviewed the client's designs and agreed the first version: journaling, AI reflections, and sign-in.
Days 2–3
We turned the designs into a screen-by-screen plan and checked store requirements.
Days 4–9
One React Native and Expo codebase for both platforms, plus the backend and AI layer.
Day 10
Production builds created and submitted to the App Store and Google Play.
Days 11–14
Device testing and fixes. Both stores approved on the first attempt; the app was live on Day 14.
Want the detail behind each day? Read Can You Really Build an MVP in Two Weeks?
Built an iOS and Android AI journaling app with React Native and Expo from the client's designs. Both stores approved it on the first attempt, and it was live 14 days after kickoff.
App Stores Deployed
Kickoff to Live on Both Stores
Attempt Approval: App Store & Google Play
An AI journaling app for iOS and Android with sign-in and AI reflections on entries, live on both stores on Day 14.
The client's designs, which let us skip most of the design phase.
Work that did not serve the daily journaling habit was moved to the post-launch list so the launch date held.
The app went live for users to download, and we continued with the launch-fix period. After launch we refined the experience using how people actually used the app.
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