Apple will require all App Store submissions to be built with iOS 26 SDK or later starting April 28, 2026, affecting iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS apps.
Apple has announced significant changes to its App Store submission requirements, informing developers that starting April 28, 2026, all apps submitted to the App Store must be built with the iOS 26 SDK or later. This update affects apps across all Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS, marking a substantial shift in the company's development ecosystem requirements.
New Minimum SDK Requirements
The updated requirements specify that:
- iOS and iPadOS apps must be built with the iOS 26 & iPadOS 26 SDK or later
- tvOS apps must be built with the tvOS 26 SDK or later
- visionOS apps must be built with the visionOS 26 SDK or later
- watchOS apps must be built with the watchOS 26 SDK or later
In practical terms, this means developers will need to build their apps using Xcode 26 or later, as the SDK version is tied to the Xcode release cycle. This requirement ensures that all apps in the App Store are built using the latest development tools and APIs provided by Apple.
Impact on Developers and Users
For developers, this change represents a significant deadline to update their development environments and potentially their codebases. Apps that haven't been updated to use the newer SDKs will need to be rebuilt and potentially modified to work with the latest APIs and frameworks.
However, it's important to note what this change does not mean. Despite the requirement to build apps with the iOS 26 SDK, this does not automatically mean that apps will require iOS 26 or later to run. Developers retain the flexibility to set their own minimum deployment targets, allowing them to support older iOS versions if they choose to do so.
This distinction is crucial for both developers and users. Developers can take advantage of the latest development tools and APIs while still maintaining compatibility with older devices, and users with older devices can continue using their favorite apps without being forced to upgrade their operating system.
Technical Implications
The SDK requirement ensures that apps are built with the most current under-the-hood features and optimizations. Each new SDK release includes updated APIs, frameworks, and resources specifically designed to run on the corresponding system version. By requiring the iOS 26 SDK, Apple is ensuring that all apps benefit from the latest performance improvements, security enhancements, and system integrations.
This approach also helps maintain a consistent quality standard across the App Store. Apps built with older SDKs might miss out on important optimizations or security updates that are included in newer SDK versions, potentially leading to performance issues or vulnerabilities.
Design Considerations
One common question among developers is whether this change will automatically apply the new Liquid Glass design language to all apps. The answer is no - while apps built with the iOS 26 SDK will apply the Liquid Glass look to native UI components by default, developers can explicitly take steps to prevent this from happening if they prefer to maintain their existing design aesthetic.
This gives developers control over their app's appearance while still ensuring they're using the latest development tools. Those who want to embrace the new design language can do so easily, while those who prefer their current look can maintain it with minimal effort.
Preparation Timeline
With the April 28, 2026 deadline, developers have approximately 15 months to prepare for this transition. This timeline provides ample opportunity for:
- Updating development environments to Xcode 26
- Testing apps with the new SDK requirements
- Making necessary code modifications
- Ensuring compatibility with existing features
- Planning for any design changes
Broader Context
This move aligns with Apple's ongoing efforts to keep the App Store ecosystem current and secure. By setting minimum SDK requirements, Apple ensures that all apps meet certain standards for performance, security, and compatibility with the latest system features.
Similar requirements have been implemented in the past, though this particular update represents one of the more significant jumps in required SDK versions. The iOS 26 SDK likely includes substantial improvements and new capabilities that Apple wants all developers to leverage.
Resources for Developers
Apple has published detailed information about these updated minimum requirements in its Developer News portal. Developers can find comprehensive documentation, migration guides, and technical specifications to help them prepare for the transition.
The company typically provides extensive support during these transitions, including sample code, best practices, and direct developer support channels to address any issues that arise during the migration process.
Looking Ahead
As the April 2026 deadline approaches, developers should begin planning their migration strategies now. This includes evaluating which apps need updates, assessing the impact on existing codebases, and ensuring development teams are prepared for the transition to Xcode 26 and the iOS 26 SDK.
For users, this change will likely result in apps that are more optimized, secure, and feature-rich, as developers take advantage of the latest tools and APIs provided by Apple's newest SDK versions.
The update represents Apple's continued commitment to maintaining a modern, secure, and high-quality app ecosystem, while giving developers the flexibility to support a range of device versions and maintain their preferred design aesthetics.
Comments
Please log in or register to join the discussion