We have a client using our source code. This project includes Apple Watch, but they do not want to build that into their app yet. They removed the Embed App Extensions. They were able to submit to the App Store, but then received an email:
We have discovered one or more issues with your recent delivery for "XXX". To process your delivery, the following issues must be corrected: Invalid WatchKit Support - The bundle contains an invalid implementation of WatchKit. The app may have been built or signed with non-compliant or pre-release tools. Visit developer.apple.com for more information. Once these issues have been corrected, you can then redeliver the corrected binary. Regards, The App Store team
What is the minimum modifications to do to a project that will not include the Apple Watch component, so that it is there for when they want to add it later?
I haven't seen a setting that could be added to info.plist.
Build just the iPhone app and not the watch app by using the correct Scheme in Xcode. Schemes are how you can control which targets to build in Xcode.
When the watch kit target was added, a scheme was created for building both the watch app and the mobile app.
When exporting app for release use just the mobile app scheme that is there and does not include the watch os target.
Scheme editor doc from apple: https://developer.apple.com/library/mac/recipes/xcode_help-scheme_editor/Articles/SchemeDialog.html