Apple Developer News

  1. Update on regulated medical device apps in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and United States

    Three icons representing health and wellness: a green running figure, a red medical clipboard with a heart, and a blue stethoscope.

    To provide additional transparency to customers, the App Store will now display whether an app is a regulated medical device on its product page in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or United States. Regulated medical device apps are those that function on their own or as part of a system for a range of medical purposes, including diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, and treatment of diseases and physiological conditions. These apps may require registration or authorization from regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    If you distribute in the EEA, UK, or U.S. and your app meets either of the following criteria, you’ll need to provide a regulated medical device status in App Store Connect, along with relevant regulatory information, such as contact details and safety information:

    • Its primary or secondary category is Health & Fitness or Medical
    • It’s marked as containing frequent references to Medical or Treatment Information in the Age Rating questionnaire in App Store Connect

    Starting today, this status is required for new apps that meet either of the criteria above in order to distribute in these regions. Existing apps distributed in these regions that meet either of the criteria above must provide a status by early 2027. However, if you haven’t declared your app’s status by early 2027, you’ll no longer be able to submit app updates. If your app is not a regulated medical device, you can select No.

    Learn about providing a regulated medical device status

  2. New In-App Purchase and subscription data now available in Analytics

    Analytics in App Store Connect receives its biggest update since its launch, including a refreshed user experience that makes it easier to measure the performance of your apps and games. Updates include:

    • More than 100 new metrics. Now you can access monetization and subscription data in Analytics to better understand the performance of your In-App Purchases and offers.
    • New cohort capabilities. Analyze user behavior based on common attributes — such as download date, download source, offer start date, and more — to measure how a particular group of users performs over time. For example, if you’ve expanded your app to a new region, you can monitor how long it takes users in that region to make a purchase compared to other more established regions. Cohort data is aggregated to ensure user privacy.
    • New peer group benchmarks. Discover how you stack up to peers with two new monetization benchmarks: download-to-paid conversion and proceeds per download. Benchmarks incorporate differential privacy techniques to protect individual developer performance while also providing meaningful and actionable insights.
    • Two new subscription reports. Export these via the Analytics Reports API to perform offline analysis and integrate Analytics into your own data systems.
    • Additional filters. Apply up to seven filters to your selected metrics at once allowing you to drill down further and uncover additional insights.
    • App Store Analytics Guide. This new guide in App Store Connect Help enables you to develop a data-driven strategy and understand App Store tools and features you can use to grow your business.

    Learn about measuring performance with Analytics

    Read the new Analytics guide

  3. WWDC26: June 8-12, 2026

    The WWDC26 logo in a gray-to-white gradient against a black background. The first two letters (WW) are in dark gray, the middle two letters (DC) are in a lighter gray, and the final two numbers (26) are glowing white.

    Join the worldwide developer community online for a week of technology, creativity, and community.

    Be there for the reveal of the latest Apple tools, frameworks, and features. Learn to elevate your apps and games through video sessions hosted by Apple engineers and designers. Engage with Apple experts in labs and connect with the worldwide developer community. All online and free.

    Learn more about WWDC26

  4. Apple Developer is now on bilibili and LinkedIn

    Check out Apple Developer on bilibili and LinkedIn to learn about the latest news, announcements, videos, and events — including the Worldwide Developers Conference and Meet with Apple activities — for the developer community.

    Follow on bilibili

    Follow on LinkedIn

  5. Adjustments to the China storefront of the App Store on iOS and iPadOS

    Apple is making changes to the App Store in China following discussions with the Chinese regulator.

    As of March 15, 2026, changes will be made to the commission rates that apply to the China mainland storefront of the App Store on iOS and iPadOS.

    The commission rate for standard Apple In-App Purchase and paid app transactions will be 25%. Currently, the rate is 30%. The commission rate for qualifying Apple In-App Purchase transactions under the App Store Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program, and for auto-renewals of Apple In-App Purchase subscriptions after the first year, will be 12%. Currently, the rate is 15%.

    Signing the updated terms by March 15 is not required to receive the benefit of these commission rate changes starting that date.

    We strive for iOS and iPadOS to be the best app ecosystem and a great business opportunity for developers in China. We are committed to terms that remain fair and transparent to all developers, and to always offering competitive App Store rates to developers distributing apps in China that are no higher than overall rates in other markets.

    The Apple Developer Program License Agreement has been revised to support updated policies. You can sign in to your account to accept the updated terms.

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

  6. Hello Developer: March 2026

    A series of light-blue icons against a darker blue background. The icons include a large game controller, surrounded by a smaller iPhone, iMac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, and iPad.

    In this edition:

    • Join Apple at GDC.
    • Get tips on privacy and security in a new developer activity.
    • Dive deep on coding intelligence in Xcode 26.
    • Learn how the Speechify team is going all in on AI.
    • Catch up on the latest news and updates.

    Read now

  7. Age requirements for apps distributed in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana

    Today we’re providing an update on the tools available for developers to meet their age assurance obligations under upcoming U.S. and regional laws, including in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana. Updates to the Declared Age Range API are now available in beta for testing.

    Brazil

    Developers who are distributing apps in Brazil can use the updated Declared Age Range API to obtain a user’s age category. Age categories for users in Brazil will be shared when the user or a parent or guardian (where relevant) agrees to share the age category with you. The API will also return a signal from the user’s device about the method of age assurance.

    Apps rated 18+ in Australia, Singapore, and Brazil

    Starting February 24, 2026, Apple will block users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore from downloading apps rated 18+ unless they have been confirmed to be adults through reasonable methods. The App Store will perform this confirmation automatically. However, developers may have separate obligations to independently confirm that their users are adults. To assist with this, the Declared Age Range API—available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS—provides developers with a helpful signal about a user's age.

    For developers distributing their apps in Brazil, if you identify your app as containing loot boxes through the age rating questionnaire, the age rating of your app on the Brazil storefront will be updated to 18+.

    Utah and Louisiana

    For users with new Apple Accounts in Utah as of May 6, 2026, and in Louisiana as of July 1, 2026, age categories will be shared with the developer’s app when requested through the Declared Age Range API. The tools we previously announced have been expanded to help developers meet compliance obligations for Louisiana and Utah, including:

    Declared Age Range API

    Significant Change API under PermissionKit

    New age rating property type in StoreKit

    App Store Server Notifications

    New signals are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if the user is required to share their age range. The API will also let you know if you need to get a parent or guardian's permission for significant app updates for a child.

    Developers can use the Declared Age Range API to present significant update notifications to adults in these states through the Significant Update Action, now in beta. When releasing a significant update, developers must follow the Human Interface Guidelines and provide users with a meaningful description of the update.

    Age assurance frameworks Q&A

    Design safe and age‑appropriate experiences for your apps and games

  8. Get ready with the latest beta releases

    The beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4, and watchOS 26.4 are now available. Get your apps ready by confirming they work as expected on these releases. And make sure to build and test with Xcode 26.4 beta to take advantage of the advancements in the latest SDKs.

    View downloads and release notes

    Learn about testing a beta OS

    Learn about sending feedback

  9. Updated App Review Guidelines now available

    The App Review Guidelines have been revised to clarify that apps with random or anonymous chat are subject to the 1.2 User-Generated Content guideline.

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

  10. Swift Student Challenge submissions are now open

    Swift programming language logo (orange bird icon) inside a colorful gradient orb, with the number 26 in the background, representing Swift in 2026.

    The Swift Student Challenge is here! Submissions are now open through February 28, and students from all over the world are invited to submit their app playgrounds.

    Learn more about the Challenge

    Key things to know

    • No prior experience is needed. The Challenge is open to students of all levels who meet the eligibility requirements.
    • The Challenge is free to enter — all you need is access to a Mac or iPad with Xcode or Swift Playground.
    • Your app playground can be on any topic of your choice. The best app ideas come from subjects or experiences that you're passionate about.
    • Your app playground should be experienced within 3 minutes or less.
    • The Swift Student Challenge is a great opportunity for students to build their skills and create something great.

    Learn more

  11. Hello Developer: February 2026

    A MacBook with Xcode on the screen.

    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.

    Read the full story

  12. Upcoming SDK minimum requirements

    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

  13. Price updates for apps, In-App Purchases, and subscriptions

    The App Store is designed to make it easy to sell your digital goods and services globally, with support for 43 currencies across 175 storefronts.

    From time to time, we need to adjust prices or your proceeds due to changes in tax regulations or foreign exchange rates. These adjustments are made using publicly available exchange rate information from financial data providers to help make sure prices for apps and In-App Purchases stay consistent across all storefronts.

    As of January 29:

    Your proceeds from the sale of eligible apps and In‑App Purchases have been modified in:

    • Bhutan: Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduction of 5%
    • Finland: Reduced value‑added tax (VAT) rate decrease from 14% to 13.5% for news, magazines, books, and audiobooks
    • Ghana: Removal of 2019 COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy
    • Kazakhstan: VAT rate increase from 12% to 16%
    • Lithuania: Reduced VAT rate decrease from 9% to 5% for news, magazines, books, and audiobooks
    • Mauritius: VAT introduction of 15%
    • Russia: VAT rate increase from 20% to 22%
    • Türkiye: Digital sales tax (DST) rate decrease from 7.5% to 5%
    • Zimbabwe: VAT rate increase from 15% to 15.5%

    Exhibit B of the Paid Applications Agreement will be updated to indicate that Apple collects and remits applicable taxes in Bhutan and Mauritius.¹

    Beginning February 16:

    Pricing for apps and In-App Purchases will be updated for Mauritius if you haven’t selected Mauritius as the base storefront for your app or In‑App Purchase.² This update considers the VAT introduction listed in the tax updates section above.

    If you’ve selected Mauritius as the base storefront for your app or In-App Purchase, prices won’t change. On other storefronts, prices will be updated to maintain equalization with your chosen base price.

    Prices won’t change in any region if your In‑App Purchase is an auto‑renewable subscription. Prices also won’t change on the storefronts where you manually manage prices instead of using the automated equalized prices.

    The Pricing and Availability section of Apps has been updated in App Store Connect to display these upcoming price changes. As always, you can change the prices of your apps, In‑App Purchases, and auto‑renewable subscriptions at any time.

    Learn more about managing your prices

    View or edit upcoming price changes

    Edit your app’s base country or region

    Pricing and availability start times by country or region

    Set a price for an In-App Purchase

    Learn more about your proceeds

    View payments and proceeds

    Download financial reports

    ¹ Translations of the updated agreement will be available on the Apple Developer website within one month.

    ² Excludes auto-renewable subscriptions.

  14. Hello Developer: January 2026

    A woman wearing a gray sweater stands on stage in front of a large screen showing lines of code.

    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.

    Read the full story

  15. Update on age requirements for apps distributed in Texas

    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.

  16. Changes to iOS in Japan

    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.

  17. Updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement now available

    The Apple Developer Program License Agreement has been revised to support new features, updated policies, and to provide clarification. Please review the changes and sign in to your account to accept the updated terms.

    • Section 3.3.3(A): Specified requirement on recordings and privacy.
    • Section 3.3.3(J): Specified requirements for launching voice-based conversational apps via the side button on iPhone.
    • Definitions, section 3.3.3(P): Specified terms for use of the Declared Age Range API and Significant App Topic Update API.
    • Definitions, section 3.3.8(J): Specified requirements for use of the Wi-Fi Infrastructure Framework.
    • Attachment 12: Specified terms for iOS apps in Japan, including alternative distribution, alternative payments and out-of-app offers, and the Core Technology Commission.
    • Schedules 2 and 3, section 3.4: Specified the right to offset or recoup amounts owed to Apple.
    • Schedules 2 and 3, section 5.4: Clarified requirements for consumer protection.

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

  18. New Requirements for Social Media Apps in Australia

    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

  19. Hello Developer: December 2025

    A top-down view of several people working at a table assembling colorful objects that evoke the new design and Liquid Glass.

    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.

    Read the full story

  20. App Store Award winners announced

    A blue App Store Award set against a deep blue background.

    Join us in celebrating the outstanding work of these developers from around the world.

    Meet the winners

  21. App Store Award finalists announced

    A white App Store logo set against a deep blue background

    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

  22. Introducing the App Store Mini Apps Partner Program

    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

  23. Updated App Review Guidelines now available

    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.

  24. Hello Developer: November 2025

    A collage of elements that represent and illustrate the new design, including text input boxes and a search button. The collage appears over a gray grid background.

    In this edition: Catch the new design in the wild, and let Apple experts show you how to quickly and easily bring it to your apps. Plus, get the latest on the Swift Student Challenge 2026, and check out new developer videos available on demand.

    Also, explore new activities all over the world, get your apps and games ready for the holidays, and browse the latest news, documentation, and Technotes.

    Read the full story

  25. Next steps for apps distributed in Texas

    Today we’re releasing more details about the tools we’re making available for developers to help them meet their compliance obligations under upcoming U.S. state laws, including SB2420 in Texas. While we’re providing these tools to help developers navigate the evolving legal landscape, Apple remains concerned about the potential implications of laws like SB2420 in Texas. Specifically, we worry they could undermine the privacy of all users by requiring the collection of sensitive personal information just to download an app – even those that simply provide weather forecasts or sports scores.

    Starting January 1, 2026, new Apple Accounts in Texas will be subject to new requirements. This includes age assurance and parent or guardian consent on behalf of minors under the age of 18 for downloads, purchases, and significant changes associated with an app. Parents or guardians will also be able to revoke their consent for any app they previously approved.

    To meet their obligations under the law, developers may need to adopt new capabilities to receive age category information, trigger consent for a significant change, and learn when a parent or guardian revokes their approval for a child or teen to use their app. Developers can use the following APIs available in the beta versions of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 to help them meet their obligations. Sandbox testing is also available to help test the user experience when implementing these APIs to comply with Texas state law.

    Age category information

    Developers can use the updated Declared Age Range API to obtain a user’s age category, which is defined by Texas state law as under 13, 13-15, 16-17, or over 18. Age categories for users with new Apple Accounts in Texas as of January 1, 2026, will be shared with a developer’s app when they request it. The API will also return a signal from the user’s device about the method of age assurance, such as credit card or government ID, and if consent is required when there’s a significant change to an app.

    Obtaining consent for significant changes

    Certain types of changes to an app may be considered significant changes under age assurance laws, such as Texas SB2420. It’s the developer’s responsibility to determine when there’s a significant change to their app.

    When a developer determines they have made a significant change to their app, they’ll need to use the Significant Change API under the PermissionKit framework to ask the parent or guardian to provide consent for the child or teen to continue using the app or new feature within the app. When the API is called, the child or teen user will see a system dialog to request parental consent and developers can restrict access until consent is obtained.

    Texas state law considers a change in the age rating of an app to be a significant change, and developers should keep their age rating selections current in App Store Connect. When a developer updates their app’s age rating, the rating is updated on all user devices once the version is live. Developers can use a new property type in StoreKit to automatically check when their app’s age rating has changed on a user’s device and then use the Significant Change API to request parental consent.

    App consent revocation

    A parent or guardian in Texas can withdraw consent for any app, which will block launching of the app on the child or teen’s device. The App Store will provide a server notification that developers can configure to receive notifications that the parent or guardian has withdrawn consent for their app on a child or teen’s device.

    Sandbox testing

    Sandbox testing is now available for the Declared Age Range API and Significant Change API in the beta versions of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.

    Next steps

    1. Review documentation and implement the following:
    1. Use Apple’s sandbox testing environment to validate that the APIs have been implemented correctly.
    2. When the Release Candidates of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 become available, submit your apps to App Store Connect so users can update their devices with your updated apps with the customer releases.
    3. Stay tuned for additional communication about future tools to help developers meet upcoming legal obligations in Utah, Louisiana, and Brazil.