Itunes connect requires Xcode to submit .ipa?

I am following the steps here: https://docs.expo.io/versions/latest/guides/building-standalone-apps.html

However after I create my app build and .ipa I can’t seem to figure out how to submit it to itunes connect to finish my review submission. The build is prompting me to submit the build through Xcode. Is there a way to just upload the .ipa, or do I need to go through Xcode, archive and submit it through there? If so, I’m not sure how to get the my CRNA repo into Xcode correctly.

first open your xcode >choose ‘Open developer Tool’ >then choose ‘Application loader’, and i think that is exactly what you are looking for

Yes, you can use application loader: do CMD+SPACE, type application loader and it will come up. You can also use fastlane for things like test flight.