Apple now accepting App Store submissions built for iOS 27, macOS 27, more
Developers can now submit apps built for iOS 27 and every other new Apple operating system, marking the final step before the public release. The announcement came alongside the availability of the Xcode 27 Release Candidate, giving developers a narrow window to get their software approved.
The Surprise and Shine Event and Launch Date
During yesterday's Surprise and Shine event, Apple confirmed that iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27 will all launch next Monday, September 14. This simultaneous release across all platforms is a key milestone for Apple's ecosystem, ensuring feature parity and consistency.
Developers now have until the public launch to submit their apps for review. Apple typically processes submissions quickly, but the short timeline means developers should prioritize final testing and compliance checks.
The September 14 date represents a coordinated rollout across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro, and Apple Watch. This alignment allows users to update all their devices on the same day, simplifying the upgrade process.
Apple's event name, Surprise and Shine, hinted at the new features and design changes coming to the operating systems. While the event focused on user-facing innovations, the developer announcement is equally critical for the ecosystem's health.
Xcode 27 Release Candidate and Submission Details
Apple has made the Xcode 27 Release Candidate available for download starting today. This version includes the latest SDKs for every new OS, allowing developers to build apps that take advantage of the newest APIs and features.
With the RC installed, developers can compile their projects and submit them to App Store Connect for approval. Apple specifically mentioned that both apps and games are eligible for submission, covering the full range of software categories.
The Xcode 27 Release Candidate is expected to be the final pre-release build before the official Xcode 27 version ships with the OS launches. Developers should treat it as the production-ready tool for submission, as it includes all necessary frameworks and tools.
Submissions can now be made for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27 simultaneously. This unified approach means developers no longer need to manage separate submission processes for each platform.
Apple encourages developers to take advantage of the new SDKs to implement features that rely on the latest system capabilities. The RC build ensures that all compiled binaries are compatible with the final OS versions that will be released on September 14.
macOS 27: The End of Intel Support
Apple delivered a critical reminder to developers about the upcoming transition away from Intel processors. macOS 26 is the final release that supports Intel Macs and Rosetta translation, while macOS 27 will be Apple silicon only.
To comply, developers must set their Xcode build architecture to arm64 only and then rebuild and resubmit their applications. This change removes the need for universal binaries, simplifying the build process and allowing for optimization specifically for Apple silicon.
This decision marks a definitive break from the Intel era, and developers who still support Intel Macs will need to plan for a dual-release strategy or drop Intel support entirely. Apple's rationale is that focusing exclusively on Apple silicon enables better performance, security, and energy efficiency.
The arm64 architecture requirement applies to all new builds and updates submitted for macOS 27. Developers who fail to adjust their build settings will find their apps incompatible with the new operating system, potentially leaving them unable to run on the latest Macs.
Apple explicitly stated that macOS 26 is the final release supporting Rosetta, the translation layer that allows Intel-based apps to run on Apple silicon. Once macOS 27 ships, any remaining Intel-only apps will no longer function on supported hardware.
App Store Listings and Age Rating Questions
Apple also reminded developers to answer the new age rating questions that are now required for features such as Time Allowances. These questions help App Store reviewers classify content accurately, especially for parental controls and screen time management.
The age rating system has been updated to reflect new capabilities introduced in the OS versions. Developers must provide precise responses to ensure their apps are appropriately labeled, avoiding potential rejection or user confusion.
In addition to age ratings, developers should prepare their App Store product pages for the new product page headers and search result assets. Apple has released updated design guidance and templates for product pages, screenshots, app previews, and In-App Events to ensure a consistent visual experience across the new OS versions.
These updates are part of Apple's ongoing effort to modernize the App Store interface and improve discoverability. Developers who fail to update their metadata may see reduced visibility or potential rejection during review.
The new product page headers are designed to be more prominent and visually engaging, while search result assets are optimized for better performance in App Store search. Apple's design templates provide specific dimensions and style requirements to help developers create compliant listings.
Future Minimum SDK Requirements from April 2027
Apple reaffirmed that starting April 2027, all apps and games uploaded to App Store Connect must meet specific SDK minimums. For iOS and iPadOS, the requirement is the iOS 27 & iPadOS 27 SDK or later.
Similarly, tvOS apps must be built with the tvOS 27 SDK or later, visionOS apps require the visionOS 27 SDK or later, and watchOS apps must use the watchOS 27 SDK or later. This mandate ensures that all new submissions are compatible with the latest system features and security patches.
This is a forward-looking policy that gives developers nearly two years to update their toolchains. However, it also means that legacy apps built with older SDKs will no longer be accepted for new submissions, though existing apps may continue to receive updates if they meet other criteria.
The April 2027 deadline applies to all app categories, including free and paid apps, as well as in-app purchases and subscriptions. Apple's goal is to maintain a high baseline of quality and security across the App Store, leveraging the advanced capabilities introduced in the 27 SDKs.
Developers should plan their development cycles accordingly, ensuring that any long-term projects are aligned with these SDK requirements well before the cutoff date. Apple will likely provide additional reminders as the deadline approaches, but early adoption is strongly advised.
Developer Resources and Full Guidance
Apple's complete blog post on its Developer portal contains additional details, including technical notes and step-by-step instructions. Developers are encouraged to follow the provided link for the full rundown on submission requirements, design updates, and the Intel-to-Apple silicon transition.
The post also highlights the availability of updated templates and assets for product pages, ensuring that developers have the tools they need to create visually compelling listings. By following these guidelines, developers can streamline their submission process and avoid common pitfalls.
With the public launch just days away, developers must act swiftly to take advantage of the submission window. The combination of new SDKs, the Intel drop, and upcoming minimum requirements represents a significant shift in Apple's development landscape, and early preparation is essential for success.
Apple's developer portal also includes release notes for the Xcode 27 Release Candidate, detailing changes to APIs, frameworks, and build tools. Developers are advised to review these notes to understand any breaking changes or new features that may affect their code.
The transition to Apple silicon only for macOS 27 is a monumental change that will ripple through the developer community. Those who have already adopted Apple silicon will find the transition seamless, while others will need to invest time in