Apple announces the 2025 App Store Awards finalists: 49 apps and games recognized for innovation, user experience, design, and cultural impact. Winners will be revealed soon. Developers can review the finalists as quality benchmarks and inspiration.
Apple announces the Mini Apps Partner Program for apps hosting HTML5/JS mini apps. Eligible participants get a 15% commission on qualifying IAPs, provided the app integrates Declared Age Range API and Advanced Commerce API to ensure safe, seamless customer experiences.
Apple updated App Review Guidelines with key changes: creator apps must verify user age and restrict underage access, loan apps capped at 36% APR, developers can't use others' icons/names without permission, HTML5/JS mini apps clarified in scope, crypto exchanges added to regulated fields, and explicit disclosure required for third-party AI data sharing.
Hello Developer (Nov 2025) highlights Apple’s new design and resources to bring it to your apps, updates on the Swift Student Challenge 2026, new on‑demand developer videos, worldwide activities, holiday readiness guidance, and links to the latest news, docs, and Technotes.
From Jan 1, 2026, new Apple Accounts in Texas require age assurance and parental consent. To comply in iOS/iPadOS 26.2 betas: use Declared Age Range (age category + assurance method), PermissionKit Significant Change (gate until consent), StoreKit ageRatingCode, App Store server notifications; test in Sandbox.
Betas of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS 26.2 are available. Confirm your apps work on these releases and build/test with Xcode 26.2 beta to leverage the latest SDKs. Includes links for downloads, beta OS testing guidance, and submitting feedback.
Apple will update App Store app and IAP prices on Nov 17 for Poland, Switzerland, and Türkiye unless those storefronts are your base. Equalized prices update on other stores; auto-renewable subs and manually set prices won’t change. Review upcoming changes in App Store Connect.
App Store Connect adds flexible submissions: send In‑App Events, Game Center features, or a bug‑fix version while another is in review. Create up to 70 custom product pages with keywords. Offer codes now work for all IAP types; IAP promo codes end Mar 26, 2026 (implement via StoreKit).
From Jan 1, 2026, Korea-based developers using Sign in with Apple must provide a server‑to‑server notification endpoint when registering or updating a Services ID. Handle email forwarding changes and deletions promptly, update app/server data, and comply with local laws.
Starting Jan 1, 2026, Texas SB2420 requires age assurance. New Texas Apple Accounts confirm age; minors join Family Sharing and need parental consent for App Store/IAP. Developers should implement Declared Age Range API and support system re-consent.
Apple updated the Developer Program License Agreement: clarified interpreted code rules; requirements for the Location Push Service Extension; added Xcode Cloud and CloudKit terms (EU Data Act); updated Tap to Pay API distributor terms; refreshed Promo/Offer Code policies. Review and accept.
Monthly Apple Developer update: Watch a code-along to use the Foundation Models framework for accessing the on‑device LLM behind Apple Intelligence. Also highlights new games content, updates to App Store Connect, and a spotlight on Paku, an air‑quality app.
On Jan 1, 2026, Bulgaria adopts EUR. App Store prices, subscriptions, and proceeds switch from BGN to EUR at 1.95583 BGN=1 EUR, rounded to supported EUR price points; base‑storefront equalization may update other markets. Lev bank currency auto‑changes Dec 1, 2025. Show BGN+EUR in‑app until Aug 8, 2026. Reports split; refunds in EUR.
Apple released betas of iOS/iPadOS 26.1, macOS/tvOS/visionOS/watchOS 26.1. Verify your app works on these OSes and build/test with Xcode 26.0.1 to use the latest SDKs. Includes links for downloads, beta OS testing guidance, and sending feedback.
App Store submissions are open for iOS/iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. Build with Xcode 26 RC and latest SDKs, test via TestFlight. From Apr 2026, uploads must use the 26 SDKs. Explore Liquid Glass, Foundation Models, and Apple Games.
Get ready for the new design with September’s Hello Developer: explore curated videos, downloads, and docs to polish your apps and games. Book 1:1 sessions to dive into machine learning and AI, and meet the team behind Hello Kitty Island Adventure.
Apple announces a special event on September 9 at 10 a.m. PT. Watch live on apple.com, Apple TV, or YouTube Live.
App Store tax/proceed changes: Brazil IOF 3.5%, Canada DST removed, Estonia VAT 24%, Romania VAT increases, Philippines 12% VAT (foreign devs), Vietnam VAT/PIT/FCT updates. From Sep 8, PH/VN prices auto‑update unless set as base; auto‑renewable subscriptions and manual pricing unaffected. Manage in App Store Connect.
Sign up for new Apple developer workshops worldwide, download Apple UI design kits for Figma and Sketch, and meet the Italy-based team behind Sunlitt. A quick resource roundup; see the Hello Developer August 2025 page for details.
App Store Connect adds 13+, 16+, 18+ ratings plus new required questions (controls, capabilities, medical/wellness, violent themes). Ratings are region-based; you can set a higher minimum age. Consider AI/chatbots. Update by Jan 31, 2026; follow Review Guidelines and COPPA/GDPR.
From April 2026, watchOS apps submitted to App Store Connect must include 64‑bit support and be built with the watchOS 26 SDK. Use Xcode’s Standard architectures to build a single 64‑bit binary. Test ARM64 in Xcode Simulator or on Series 9/10 or Ultra 2 with watchOS 26 beta.
Apple UI design kits for iOS and iPadOS 26 are now available for Figma and Sketch. Download from Apple Design Resources to design and prototype interfaces that align with the latest system look and behavior.
EU DMA changes: Apps may promote offers and direct users to buy via web or alternative channels. New fees apply (initial acquisition, store services, CTC). CTF will be replaced by CTC in the EU. iOS/iPadOS 18.6 update UX; API coming to start alternative downloads.
Final day of WWDC25 featuring group labs on HTTP Live Streaming and immersive video/spatial audio technologies. Highlights include revisiting key conference moments, upcoming worldwide Meet with Apple events this summer, conference feedback survey, and closing message. Provides links to session highlights playlist and registration for final group labs with Apple engineers.
WWDC25 Day 4 newsletter highlighting Apple Intelligence and machine learning sessions. Features group labs on SwiftUI, ML/AI frameworks, Apple Intelligence technologies, and accessibility. Showcases new Foundation Models framework, App Intents improvements, and ML framework updates. Includes links to video sessions covering these technologies and encourages developer participation in labs and community discussions.
WWDC25 Day 3 focuses on Apple's broadest design update ever, introducing Liquid Glass - a new material combining optical glass qualities with responsive fluidity. Covers group labs for UI frameworks, design, visionOS, and watchOS. Features comprehensive resources including Human Interface Guidelines updates, Icon Composer tool, and video sessions on implementing the new design system in SwiftUI apps across Apple platforms.
WWDC25 Day 2 guide: join group labs (Developer Tools, Swift, Metal/game tech, Camera/Photos), watch the Platforms SOTU recap, and stream What’s New sessions for Swift, SwiftUI, and Xcode. Explore update guides, request one‑on‑one labs, and connect with the community.
Brief update pointing to Apple’s What’s New hub: highlights fresh features across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS, plus major updates to languages, frameworks, tools, and services. Encourages exploring platform changes to build better apps and games.
Apple updated the Developer Program License Agreement and App Review Guidelines. Changes cover privacy, ID Verifier and Declared Age Range APIs, TestFlight policy, Foundation Models usage, and removal of Bitcode language. Sign in to accept; review IAP and financial app rules.
WWDC25 Day 1: Watch the welcome video, start sessions on Apple Intelligence, Swift, Xcode, and Metal, and register for tomorrow’s group labs (Dev Tools, Swift, Metal/game tech, Camera & Photos). One‑on‑one labs open; rewatch Keynote; opt in to notifications.
Brief Apple Developer update: WWDC25 is days away. Announces and links to the 2025 Apple Design Award winners and finalists; invites developers to get ready for the conference. Purely informational — no code samples, APIs, or technical guidance.
Apple announces the 2025 Apple Design Award winners and finalists, featuring a wildlife-themed puzzler, an ML-powered translation app with stickers, and a hit card game. Browse the full list for design inspiration for your next iOS project.
WWDC25 is almost here. This brief update points to details on how to watch the Keynote and Platforms State of the Union on Monday, June 9. Takeaway: mark your calendar and use the link for streaming info and schedule.
App Store tax/price updates: May 16—Brazil adds 10% CIDE tax, changing proceeds for foreign developers. June 2—prices auto‑update in Brazil/Kazakhstan unless that storefront is base or pricing is manual. Aug 4—subscription hikes in Austria/Germany/Poland require consent.
Apple Design Award–winning The Wreck explores a time‑shifting, memory‑driven narrative on iPhone/iPad. They blend cinematic, storyboard‑like scenes with rewind/fast‑forward memories and floating text, iterating via playtests to cut distracting mechanics and keep immersion central.
Apple’s May 2025 Hello Developer spotlights resources to help you make apps more accessible, refreshed learning Pathways, and a feature on the Apple Design Award–winning game The Wreck. A brief roundup pointing to curated lessons and inspiration to improve user experience.
Apple updated the App Review Guidelines to comply with a U.S. court decision, clarifying rules for in‑app buttons, external links, and other calls to action. Changes apply to apps on the U.S. App Store (Guidelines 3.1.1, 3.1.1(a), 3.1.3, 3.1.3(a)).
Monthly roundup inviting developers to revisit foundational sessions, dive into SwiftUI, and explore an Apple Design Award–winning app. Emphasizes learning resources and modern UI practices; follow the full article for more details.
Apple Design Award winner Rooms blends game and tool: users build voxel 3D spaces and share code. Tech: Lua scripting in C++ inside Unity on iOS; each room is a Unity instance. The team prioritized mobile, adding native iOS UI (sliders, bottom nav) for approachable creation.
Apple announces WWDC25 for June 9–13, 2025. The fully online, no‑cost event will showcase new Apple tools, frameworks, and features via engineer‑led video sessions, labs with Apple experts, and community activities. Ideal for iOS devs to prepare for upcoming updates.
Ubisoft brings Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Mac day-and-date, powered by Metal 3 and Apple silicon. Anvil engine uses unified memory, HDR, and real-time ray tracing on M3/M4 to drive dynamic seasons, weather, and lighting. Takeaway: Mac is ready for AAA.
Apple’s March 2025 Hello Developer roundup highlights a major AAA game coming to Mac, plus updates and activities around International Women’s Day, WeChat, and more. A light news digest—check the full post for details and links relevant to Apple platform developers.
Apple announces an official Apple Developer WeChat account to share news, announcements, and upcoming activities for the developer community. A link is provided to learn more in Simplified Chinese.
Betas: iOS/iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, tvOS 18.4, visionOS 2.4, watchOS 11.4. Test and build with Xcode 16.3. From Apr 24, 2025, App Store Connect uploads require Xcode 16+ and current SDKs. Adds support for default translation worldwide and default navigation in the EU.
Effective today, Apple removed apps without trader status from the EU App Store. Account Holders/Admins must enter and have trader status verified in App Store Connect to comply with the EU Digital Services Act. Update your status to restore or retain EU availability.
Apple introduces new APNs token-auth options: team‑scoped keys limited to development or production, and topic‑specific keys tied to a bundle ID for finer control. Existing keys continue to work. Adopt to improve push security and simplify key management.
From Feb 14, 2025, South Korea requires extra consent for auto‑renewing subscription trials/offers. The App Store will email, send a push notification, and show an in‑app price consent sheet. Consent is due within 30 days for free‑to‑paid trials and discounted‑to‑standard conversions. Apps without pre‑conversion trials/discounts are unaffected.
Apple updates App Store taxes/prices. Feb 6: proceeds adjusted for VAT changes (Azerbaijan 18%, Peru 18%, Slovakia 23% std/5% ebooks, Estonia 9% news, Finland 14% ebooks). Feb 24: prices update for AZ/Peru unless base/manual; subs excluded. Apr 1: Apple collects 10% JCT in Japan.
How Bears Gratitude, a Swift-built journaling app and Apple Design Award winner, embraces art-driven, linear UX: no sign-in, swipeable prompt cards, and prompts in the user’s voice. Takeaway: let core art/experience guide flows and simplify onboarding to boost engagement.
Apple’s February 2025 Hello Developer roundup covers the latest on developer activities, the Swift Student Challenge, and the team behind Bears Gratitude. A brief news post pointing to the full article for this month’s updates and community highlights.
Vietnam’s MIC now requires licensed games to remain on the App Store in Vietnam. After obtaining a license, sign in to App Store Connect, add the license number and URL in the Vietnam storefront localization description, then submit an update to App Review. Contact ABEI for questions.
Swift Student Challenge 2025 is open through Feb 23. Submit an app playground (≤3‑minute experience) built with Swift Playgrounds or Xcode. Free to enter and no prior coding required. Aim for a personal idea. 350 winners. See Apple’s tools, tutorials, and past winners.
Apple introduces the Advanced Commerce API to support complex App Store business models (large catalogs, creator experiences, subscriptions with optional add-ons). Developers can apply to flexibly manage IAPs while leveraging App Store payments, taxes, and customer support.
Starting Feb 17, 2025, apps lacking trader status will be removed from the App Store in the EU until status is provided and verified as required by the Digital Services Act. Account Holders/Admins must enter trader status in App Store Connect to stay compliant.
App Store receipt‑signing intermediate cert moves to SHA‑256. From Jan 24, 2025, on‑device receipt validation without SHA‑256 will fail, which may block content. Update validation or switch to StoreKit AppTransaction/Transaction. See TN3138.
Apple will change the algorithms securing server connections for Apple Pay on the Web. Ensure production servers support one or more of the six designated ciphers by Feb 4, 2025. Affects payment session, domain verification, token notifications, Wallet Orders, and PSP onboarding.
Apple’s January 2025 Hello Developer roundup: Join an in‑person “Bring SwiftUI to your app” session in Cupertino, prepare for the Swift Student Challenge, and meet the team behind Oko. Read the full post for details and links.
Oko helps blind and low‑vision people cross streets by detecting pedestrian signals with on‑device Core ML from the Camera feed, guiding via haptic, audio, and visual cues. Built with the Maps SDK and shaped by accessibility testing, it favors a simple, fast UI.