Deadline
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App Store
Who is concerned
Everyone who uploads to App Store Connect: iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS and watchOS apps and games.
What changes
- Since April 28, 2026: apps must be built with Xcode 26 or later using an SDK for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26 or watchOS 26.
- Since September 9, 2026: iOS and iPadOS apps uploaded to App Store Connect must target iOS 13 or later.
- April 2027: built with the iOS and iPadOS 27 SDK or later, with the tvOS 27, visionOS 27 and watchOS 27 SDKs for those platforms, and iOS and iPadOS apps must target iOS 15 or later.
- Apple announced the April 2027 requirement on September 9, 2026, when submissions opened for iOS 27 and the Xcode 27 Release Candidate was available.
| Date | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Since April 28, 2026 | Built with Xcode 26 or later, SDK for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26 or watchOS 26 | In force |
| Since September 9, 2026 | iOS and iPadOS apps must target iOS 13 or later | In force |
| April 2027 (day not published) | Built with the iOS and iPadOS 27 SDK or later (tvOS, visionOS and watchOS 27 SDKs for those platforms), iOS and iPadOS apps must target iOS 15 or later | Announced |
What to do
- Install Xcode 27 and build the app with the iOS 27 SDK. Apple’s submission page links the download.
- Check your app’s iOS target: Apple’s submission page says iOS and iPadOS apps must target iOS 15 or later from April 2027.
- Test with the latest OS releases and TestFlight before you submit.
- Watch Apple’s Upcoming Requirements page for the exact day. For the 2026 requirement Apple announced the day, April 28, 2026, on February 3, 2026.
What happens after the date
Apple’s pages describe these as minimum requirements for uploads to App Store Connect. They do not describe what happens to an upload that does not meet them, so check the messages in App Store Connect when you upload.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact April 2027 date?
Apple’s news post of September 9, 2026 and its submission page say “Starting April 2027”. At the verification date Apple’s Upcoming Requirements page lists no 2027 entry and no day.
Which Xcode do I need today?
Xcode 26 or later, with an SDK for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26 or watchOS 26, since April 28, 2026.
Does it apply to updates?
Apple’s wording is “apps and games uploaded to App Store Connect”, which covers new apps and updates alike.
Is the iPhone Duo screenshot rule the same requirement?
No. It is a separate April 2027 rule about product page assets. See the App Store iPhone Duo screenshots page.
Official sources
Every date and rule on this page comes from the official pages below, read on 2026-11-02. We do not estimate dates or predict enforcement.
- Apple news, September 9, 2026: App Store submissions now open for the latest OS releases 2026-11-02
- Apple: Submit your apps and games 2026-11-02
- Apple: SDK minimum requirements (since April 28, 2026) 2026-11-02
- Apple: iOS and iPadOS minimum system requirements (since September 9, 2026) 2026-11-02
- Apple news, February 3, 2026: Upcoming SDK minimum requirements 2026-11-02
- Apple Developer: Upcoming Requirements 2026-11-02