Apple raises SDK requirements from 2026

Apple regularly updates the technical specifications for the App Store. Now, another mandatory change is coming, affecting all app submissions. Starting in April 2026, new minimum requirements will apply to the Software Development Kits (SDKs) used. This update affects apps for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS alike and is part of Apple's long-term strategy to keep the App Store technically up-to-date.

Apple provided early notification of the upcoming changes via its own developer news portal. Such announcements are typically made in conjunction with major operating system releases. The goal is to ensure that newly submitted apps are based on modern development principles and reliably support current system features. The announced deadline gives developers ample time to prepare their projects accordingly.

New SDK minimum requirements from April 28, 2026

Starting April 28, 2026, all apps and games uploaded via App Store Connect must meet certain minimum requirements. Specifically, Apple stipulates:

iOS and iPadOS apps must be built using the iOS 26 SDK or iPadOS 26 SDK or later.
tvOS apps require at least the tvOS 26 SDK.
visionOS apps must be built with the visionOS 26 SDK or higher.
watchOS apps require the watchOS 26 SDK or later.

In practice, this requirement means that apps can only be created and submitted using Xcode 26 or later. Older versions of the development environment no longer meet the new requirements.

Background to Apple's SDK strategy

With each new major version of an operating system, such as iOS 26, Apple also releases a corresponding SDK. This contains updated APIs, frameworks, and resources specifically developed for the respective system.

Point updates like iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2 occasionally also update the system SDKs. Currently, version 26.2 is the latest available SDK for both iOS and iPadOS.

The latest announcement stipulates that, from the cut-off date, only apps built with at least these new SDK generations will be accepted. This ensures that apps in the App Store are technically up-to-date, both internally and in their user-side functionality.

Impact on existing and new apps

The new regulation applies exclusively to the app development process. It does not specify which operating system version an app needs to run.

Even if an app is built with the iOS 26 SDK, it can still support older iOS versions. The decision regarding the minimum supported operating system version remains entirely with the developer. Therefore, there is no automatic obligation to specify iOS 26 or later as a runtime requirement.

Liquid Glass design remains optional

With iOS 26, Apple introduces, among other things, the new Liquid Glass design. By default, apps built with the iOS 26 SDK apply this design to native UI components.

However, this doesn't mean that every updated app has to be visually changed. Developers can consciously decide whether and to what extent the Liquid Glass design is used. The SDK requirement alone does not force any visual adjustments.

Apple relies on current SDKs and modern development environments

With the increase in the minimum SDK requirements, Apple continues its established policy of keeping the App Store technically consistent and up-to-date. From April 28, 2026, app submissions will only be possible with modern SDKs and Xcode versions. For developers, this primarily means planning ahead and adapting their development environment. For users, this step will ensure more stable, secure, and better-integrated apps across the entire Apple ecosystem in the long run. (Image: Apple)