Category: Apple Developer News

In this edition: Big news about agentic coding in Xcode. Plus:

• Join us for an online code-along about coding intelligence.
• Get your Swift Student Challenge submissions ready.
• Browse new developer activities on SwiftUI, the new design, security, and more.
• Catch up on the latest updates.

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Starting April 28, 2026, apps and games uploaded to App Store Connect need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• 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

Learn more about submitting

We‘re hitting the ground running in 2026. In this edition:

• A special SwiftUI activity in Cupertino.
• More ways to connect with us about Liquid Glass.
• A snappy video recap of Apple design resources.
• All-new Develop in Swift Tutorials.
• A new article about taking full advantage of foundation models.

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A recent injunction issued by a district court suspended enforcement of Texas state law SB2420, which introduced age assurance requirements for app marketplaces and developers. In light of this ruling, Apple will pause previously announced implementation plans and monitor the ongoing legal process.

The tools we previously announced to help developers meet their compliance obligations will remain available for sandbox testing, including:

These tools can also be used to help developers with their obligations under laws coming into effect in Utah and Louisiana in 2026. The Declared Age Range API remains available worldwide for users on iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26, or later.

To comply with the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), Apple is introducing changes to iOS that create new options for developers’ apps in Japan. Beginning with iOS 26.2, developers can distribute apps on alternative app marketplaces, operate alternative app marketplaces, process app payments for digital goods and services outside of Apple In-App Purchase in iOS, and more.

The new options for downloading apps from alternative app marketplaces and making app payments open new avenues for malware, fraud, scams, and privacy and security risks. Apple has worked with Japanese regulators to introduce protections from these new threats — with a special emphasis on the safety of younger users. Those protections include Notarization for iOS apps, an authorization process for app marketplaces, and requirements that help protect children from inappropriate content and scams.

By March 17, 2026, all current members of the Apple Developer Program will need to agree to the latest update to the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, which includes new terms that allow for these options in Japan.

Learn more about the updates

You can also request a 30-minute online appointment to ask questions about these changes.

Beginning December 10, 2025, a new Australian law will require certain social media platforms operating in Australia to prevent people under 16 from having a social media account. Impacted developers are responsible for making sure they follow the requirements of the new law, including deactivating any existing accounts for users under 16 and monitoring new signups.

Apple provides several tools to help meet the requirements of this law:

Declared Age Range API

The new Declared Age Range API helps developers provide age-appropriate experiences for their users. Developers can choose to request the age range that is most relevant to their use case, such as an age range of under 16, and modify app behavior based on this information.

App description on the App Store

When making an app available on the App Store, developers must include a description that helps users determine whether the app is appropriate for them. Developers can use this app description field to indicate information that may not be captured in other areas of the product page, such as social media age restrictions for people under a certain age.

In-app controls on the App Store product page

This year, Apple updated the age ratings questionnaire that is required for all apps. The update included adding new questions about in-app controls, such as the presence of age assurance and parental controls. Apps using age assurance methods — such as the Declared Age Range API — to comply with the law and prevent users under 16 from creating accounts can indicate the presence of this capability on their App Store product page.

Higher minimum age rating

With our recent update to age ratings, developers can set a higher age rating than the one generated by their responses to the age ratings questionnaire in App Store Connect. Developers can view the age rating for each of their apps and select a higher rating if they wish, in the App Information section in App Store Connect.

Age Suitability URL

When updating an app’s age rating, developers have the option to include an Age Suitability URL that links to a developer-hosted website with details about the app and its age-related content. When enabled, this URL appears on the App Store product page under the age ratings details section. Developers can use this URL to provide region-specific information and requirements, such as the prohibition in Australia of people under 16 having a social media account.

Learn more about the Declared Age Range API

Learn more about updating your app’s age rating

Learn more about an app’s product page

In this edition:

• Meet the 2025 App Store Award winners.
• Sign up for new design and Liquid Glass activities in the new year.
• Check out the latest additions to our ever-expanding video library.
• Meet the team behind the sticker-centric language-learning app CapWords.
• Browse new documentation and HIG updates.

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Every year, the App Store Awards celebrate exceptional apps and games that improve people’s lives while showcasing the highest levels of technical innovation, user experience, design, and positive cultural impact. This year, the App Store Editorial team is proud to recognize 49 outstanding finalists. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks.

Learn about the finalists

Today, we’re introducing the Mini Apps Partner Program, which expands on the App Store’s ongoing support for apps that offer mini apps. Mini apps are self-contained experiences that are built using web technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript. This program is designed to help developers who host mini apps grow their business and further the availability of mini apps on the App Store — all while providing a great customer experience.

Participating developers may benefit from a reduced commission rate of 15% on the sales of qualifying In-App Purchases. To be eligible for this reduced commission rate, participating apps must support certain App Store technologies, including the Declared Age Range API and the Advanced Commerce API in order to help provide a safe and seamless experience for customers of all ages.

Learn more about the Mini Apps Partner Program and eligibility

The App Review Guidelines have been revised to support updated policies and to provide clarification. Please review the changes below:

• 1.2.1(a): This new guideline specifies that creator apps must provide a way for users to identify content that exceeds the app’s age rating, and use an age restriction mechanism based on verified or declared age to limit access by underage users.
• 2.5.10: This language has been deleted (“Apps should not be submitted with empty ad banners or test advertisements.”).
• 3.2.2(ix): Clarified that loan apps may not charge a maximum APR higher than 36%, including costs and fees, and may not require repayment in full in 60 days or less.
• 4.1(c): This new guideline specifies that you cannot use another developer’s icon, brand, or product name in your app’s icon or name, without approval from the developer.
• 4.7: Clarifies that HTML5 and JavaScript mini apps and mini games are in scope of the guideline.
• 4.7.2: Clarifies that apps offering software not embedded in the binary may not extend or expose native platform APIs or technologies to the software without prior permission from Apple.
• 4.7.5: Clarifies that apps offering software not embedded in the binary must provide a way for users to identify content that exceeds the app’s age rating, and use an age restriction mechanism based on verified or declared age to limit access by underage users.
• 5.1.1(ix): Adds crypto exchanges to the list of apps that provide services in highly regulated fields.
• 5.1.2(i): Clarifies that you must clearly disclose where personal data will be shared with third parties, including with third-party AI, and obtain explicit permission before doing so.

Translations of the guidelines will be available on Apple Developer website within one month.