Apple opens App Store submissions for apps built with iOS 27, macOS 27 and latest SDKs

Apple has started accepting App Store submissions built with the latest versions of its software development kits, allowing developers to submit apps and games prepared for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27 and watchOS 27.

The change comes as Apple prepares to release its latest operating systems to users worldwide. Developers can now build their apps using the Xcode 27 Release Candidate, test them through TestFlight and submit the resulting builds for App Store review.

App Store Connect now supports uploads created with Xcode 27 RC using the release candidate SDKs for iOS 27.0, iPadOS 27.0, macOS 27.0, tvOS 27.0, visionOS 27.0 and watchOS 27.0. The builds can also be distributed through TestFlight for internal and external testing.

The submission window gives developers an opportunity to release updates that take advantage of features introduced across Apple’s latest operating systems, including Apple Intelligence capabilities, the Foundation Models framework, updated platform designs and new App Store functionality.

Apple is also preparing developers for a more significant SDK requirement next year.

Starting in April 2027, new apps and updates uploaded to App Store Connect will need to meet Apple’s latest minimum SDK requirements. iPhone and iPad apps will have to be built using the iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 SDKs or later, while apps for Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and Apple Watch will need to use the tvOS 27, visionOS 27 and watchOS 27 SDKs or later.

The transition has additional implications for Mac developers. Apple says macOS 26 is the final macOS release to support Intel-based Macs and Rosetta, with macOS 27 becoming Apple silicon-only.

Developers that want to limit their Mac apps to Apple silicon can configure their Xcode build architecture for arm64 only before rebuilding and resubmitting their apps. Apple says removing Intel support can simplify development and allow apps to be optimized specifically for its own processors.

App Store submissions are also being affected by Apple’s updated age-rating requirements.

The company has introduced new Time Allowances, which give parents additional controls over how much time children spend across categories including Entertainment, Games and Social Media. Developers whose apps or games contain social media functionality need to disclose those capabilities through App Store Connect.

Apple previously said responses to its updated age-rating questions would become required beginning in September 2026 when developers submit new apps or updates to the App Store or submit software for notarization for alternative distribution.

Changes are also coming to how developers can present their apps within the App Store.

Apple is preparing new product page headers and search result assets, expanding the types of creative material developers can use to present their apps and games. A new product page preview tool in App Store Connect will allow developers to see how their storefront pages will appear before publication.

The new App Store features are listed as coming soon, with Apple providing updated design guidance and templates for product page headers, search results, screenshots, app previews and In-App Events.

The latest App Store Connect update also adds app preview and screenshot specifications for Apple’s newly announced hardware, including iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12.

Support for uploading dedicated iPhone Duo assets to App Store Connect is expected later this year. The foldable device introduces additional considerations for developers because apps can operate across different display sizes and configurations.

Apple has separately released developer resources explaining how apps should adapt to iPhone Duo’s inner and outer displays. More complete support will depend on additional development tools, including iOS 27.1 and an updated version of Xcode that will allow developers to test layouts using an iPhone Duo simulator.

For developers preparing updates around Apple’s annual operating system transition, App Store Connect’s acceptance of Xcode 27 builds marks the point at which apps using the latest SDKs can move from development and beta testing into the App Store review process.

The April 2027 deadline creates a longer-term requirement. Developers will eventually need to move new App Store submissions onto Apple’s latest SDK generation, while Mac developers face the additional transition away from Intel and Rosetta as macOS 27 shifts the platform entirely to Apple silicon.