Deploying a React Native app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store involves several preparatory steps and considerations specific to each platform. Before launching, developers must have details like app name, description, screenshots, version, bundle ID, and developer profiles ready. For the Apple App Store, additional prerequisites include a 1024x1024 px app icon, keywords, country availability, app categories, copyright information, and a test account for Apple's review. The Google Play Store requires a 512x512 px icon and category selection. Utilizing app store optimization best practices is crucial for enhancing app visibility and download rates. When publishing an Expo app, developers must configure the app.json file correctly before deploying. For building native apps, the process involves running specific Expo commands to generate keystores and distribution certificates, with options to let Expo manage these credentials. Once built, developers receive downloadable .apk and .ipa files, which can be submitted to the respective app stores following standard submission procedures.