News – Apple Developer

June 24, 2020

New tools in Core ML enable secure, cloud-based model deployment and model encryption, Create ML offers new templates and training capabilities, and new APIs for Vision and Natural Language give your apps more power. You can also work with third-party training libraries more easily with updated model converters and accelerated training support on Mac.

Learn more >

June 24, 2020

ARKit 4 introduces brand-new features that make the AR experiences in your apps even more lifelike. You can now access even more precise distance information gathered by the LiDAR Scanner on iPad Pro using Depth API, place AR experiences at a specific point in the world with Location Anchors, and more.

Learn more >

June 24, 2020

Now games with Game Center capabilities display a beautifully redesigned in-game dashboard on iOS, tvOS, and macOS. Users can see their achievements, leaderboards, and Game Center profiles directly in your game when you implement the new Access Point. Game Center also now supports recurring leaderboards that keep rankings current, as well as leaderboards for daily, weekly, and monthly competitions. You can set up recurring leaderboards, add achievements, and opt in to the challenges feature in App Store Connect.

Learn more >

June 24, 2020

App Store server notifications now include refund notifications for all types of in-app purchases, including consumables, non-consumables, and non-renewing subscriptions. You can use this information to take action in response, let the user know of any benefit changes, and tell them how to resubscribe.

Learn how to enable status update notifications >

Learn how to handle refund notifications >

June 24, 2020

You can now view and respond to feedback filed by your team members if you’re part of an organization in the Apple Developer Program, the Apple Developer Enterprise Program, Apple School Manager, or Apple Business Manager. And you’ll still have a personal inbox for separate submissions, with the choice to move feedback to your team inbox at any time.

Learn more >

June 23, 2020

You can now connect with over 1,000 Apple engineers on the all-new Apple Developer Forums through WWDC20 tags specific to sessions and topics.

Learn more >

June 22, 2020

Create seamless, intelligent, and engaging experiences with the latest exciting advancements in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, watchOS 7, tvOS 14, and macOS Big Sur. Get the Xcode 12 beta, which includes the SDKs for Apple platforms.

Learn more about what’s new >

June 22, 2020

Easily discoverable and quick to launch at the moment it’s needed, an app clip is a small part of your app that lets users start and finish an experience in seconds. And after you’ve demonstrated the value of your app with your app clip, you can provide the opportunity to download your full app from the App Store.

Learn more about app clips >

June 22, 2020

Widgets deliver a small amount of timely, useful information or app-specific functionality. And now, they’re even easier to build and make available across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS with the new WidgetKit framework, widget API for SwiftUI, widget gallery, and Smart Stacks.

Learn more about WidgetKit >

June 22, 2020

With an all-new design that looks great on macOS Big Sur, Xcode 12 has customizable font sizes for the navigator, streamlined code completion, new document tabs, and more. And it builds Universal apps by default to support Apple Silicon Macs, without changing a single line of code.

Learn more about Xcode 12 >

June 22, 2020

Create even more powerful Mac versions of your iPad apps. Apps built with Mac Catalyst now take on the new look of macOS Big Sur and help you better define the look and behavior of your apps. Provide full control of your app using just the keyboard, take advantage of the updated Photos picker, access more iOS frameworks, and more. There’s never been a better time to turn your iPad app into a powerful Mac app.

Learn more about Mac Catalyst >

June 22, 2020

Get your apps ready for Apple Silicon Macs. Create next-generation Universal apps that take full advantage of the capabilities the new architecture has to offer. As a Universal App Quick Start Program member, you can access all the tools, resources, and support you need.

Learn more about the program >

All-new Apple Developer Forums Now Available

June 19, 2020

The Apple Developer Forums have been completely redesigned, so they’re more engaging to use, automatically surface the most relevant content, offer simpler navigation, and make it easier to categorize and search for content. Connect with fellow developers and Apple engineers as you give and receive help on a wide variety of development topics, from implementing new technologies to established best practices. And during WWDC20, the forums will be a central place to engage with the community and over 1,000 Apple engineers, discuss new technologies, and get your questions answered.

Visit the Apple Developer Forums

June 16, 2020

The WWDC20 Swift Student Challenge gave students around the world the opportunity to showcase their love of coding by creating an incredible Swift playground. Starting today, developers who submitted their applications can find out their status by signing in to the Challenge website with the Apple ID they used to submit their application. Winners will receive an exclusive WWDC20 jacket and pin set, be able to request WWDC20 lab appointments, and be able to post about WWDC20 content on the all-new Apple Developer Forums.

With so many incredible applications this year, focussing on everything from productivity to the environment and social action, we want to congratulate all 350 winners from 41 countries.

Learn more about some of this year’s winners

June 15, 2020

It’s almost time for an all-new WWDC experience — starting with the Special Event Keynote from Apple Park on June 22 at 10 a.m. PDT. Get all the latest details for 1-on-1 developer labs, the all-new forums, and the Apple Design Awards. Update to the latest version of the Apple Developer app for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac, now available on the App Store.

View the WWDC website

Download the app

June 11, 2020

WWDC20 will bring together millions of Apple developers around the world to gain early access to the future of Apple platforms and engage with Apple engineers, from June 22 to 26. Learn about the Special Event Keynote, Platforms State of the Union, over 100 engineering sessions, one-on-one developer labs, and more.

Learn more about WWDC20

New Resources Available for Password Manager Apps

June 5, 2020

Apple has created a new open source project to help developers of password managers collaborate to create strong passwords that are compatible with popular websites. The Password Manager Resources open source project allows you to integrate website-specific requirements used by the iCloud Keychain password manager to generate strong, unique passwords. The project also contains collections of websites known to share a sign-in system, links to websites’ pages where users change passwords, and more.

View Password Manager Resources

May 5, 2020

On June 22, WWDC20 takes off. Get ready for the first global, all-online WWDC by downloading the Apple Developer app to stay notified on all the latest news, with updates for events and sessions. More announcements to come in early June.

And now through May 17, student developers from around the world can showcase their love of coding by submitting their own Swift playground to the Swift Student Challenge. Winners will receive an exclusive WWDC20 jacket and pin set.

Learn about the challenge

Billing Grace Period Data Now Available in App Store Connect

May 4, 2020

The Sales and Trends section of App Store Connect now provides details about the number of subscribers in Billing Grace Period — a feature that lets subscribers with unsuccessful auto-renewals continue accessing your app’s paid content while Apple attempts to collect payment, allowing them time to fix the issue. New subscription events in Sales and Trends indicate the number of renewals and cancelations during Billing Grace Period, and the Subscription Report includes a new column with the total number of subscriptions in Billing Grace Period.

Get details on viewing subscriptions data

Apple Search Ads Now Available in Russia

April 27, 2020

Promote your apps to customers on the App Store in Russia with Apple Search Ads — an efficient and easy way for people to discover your app the very moment they’re searching for apps like yours. If you sign up for a new Apple Search Ads account, you can take advantage of a 100 USD credit to reach customers in 60 countries and regions.

Learn about Search Ads

The App Store Expands to 20 New Countries

April 21, 2020

You can now distribute your apps in 175 countries and regions on the App Store, allowing you to increase your impact and grow your business. As you deliver great experiences to an even more diverse audience, learn how you can localize your apps, product pages, and marketing materials to better connect with customers in different locations.

As a reminder, to allow your app to appear in these new countries, your membership Account Holder first needs to accept the updated Program License Agreement by signing in to their account on the Apple Developer website. If you have a Paid Applications Agreement, the Account Holder will also need to accept this updated agreement in App Store Connect. To make your app automatically available in all new countries, select the “New Countries or Regions” checkbox.

View your account

Learn about expanding to new markets

Updated Guidelines for HealthKit

April 20, 2020

HealthKit allows your app to provide valuable health-related insights to users by working with the Apple Health app. The updated HealthKit Human Interface Guidelines include guidance on using the Apple Health icon in your app, enhanced editorial guidance on using Apple Health-related terms, and clarified privacy and data-usage guidelines.

View Human Interface Guidelines

Works with Apple Health badge now available. You can also now use the Works with Apple Health badge to promote your HealthKit-enabled apps. Download the badge and review the guidelines for using the badge on marketing communications.

Learn about the badge

Upcoming price and tax changes in Barbados, Malaysia, Moldova, and Uzbekistan

April 14, 2020

When taxes or foreign exchange rates change, we sometimes need to update prices on the App Store. In the next few days, prices of apps on the App Store and in-app purchases (excluding auto-renewable subscriptions) will change in Barbados, Moldova, and Uzbekistan due to new value-added taxes. Your proceeds will be adjusted accordingly and will be calculated based on the tax-exclusive price.

A low value-added tax was also introduced in Malaysia. Prices on the App Store in Malaysia will not change and proceeds will be adjusted accordingly.

You can download the updated price tier charts now. Once these changes go into effect, the Pricing and Availability section of My Apps will be updated. You can change the price of your apps and in-app purchases (including auto-renewable subscriptions) at any time in App Store Connect. If you offer subscriptions, you can choose to preserve prices for existing subscribers.

View updated price tiers

New Financial Report Coming to App Store Connect

April 1, 2020

Starting April 2020, you can get more details on the final proceeds of your apps and in-app purchases, including the transaction and settlement dates for purchases, as well as the state or province for transactions in the United States and Canada. Simply download the “All Countries or Regions (Detailed)” report in App Store Connect.

View App Store Connect Help

Deadline for App Updates Has Been Extended

March 26, 2020

We greatly value the worldwide developer community, and appreciate your commitment to making a difference in people’s lives through the power of technology. To accommodate developers who may need additional time to update their existing apps on the App Store, the deadline for adhering to the requirements below has been extended to June 30, 2020.

  • Apps for iPhone or iPad must be built with the iOS 13 SDK or later and use an Xcode storyboard to provide the app’s launch screen.

  • iPhone apps must support all iPhone screens and all iPad apps must support all iPad screens.

  • Apps for Apple Watch must be built with the watchOS 6 SDK or later.

  • Apps that authenticate or set up user accounts must support Sign in with Apple if required by guideline 4.8 of the App Store Review Guidelines.

  • Apps in the Kids category must be in full compliance with guideline 1.3 and guideline 5.1.4. of the App Store Review Guidelines.

  • Apps using HTML 5 must be in full compliance with guideline 4.7 sections 4, 5, and 6 of the App Store Review Guidelines.

Read the App Store Review Guidelines

Learn about submitting apps

Apple Developer App Update Now Available

March 26, 2020

The Apple Developer app delivers in-depth information from Apple experts all year round with the latest developer news, informative videos, and more. This new version lets you watch videos at multiple playback speeds, interact with the full video transcripts, and share stories from the Discover tab. It also includes accessibility improvements and other enhancements.

Download on the App Store

ARKit 3.5 Now Available

March 24, 2020

ARKit 3.5 takes advantage of the new LiDAR Scanner and depth-sensing system on iPad Pro to support a new generation of AR apps that use Scene Geometry for enhanced scene understanding and object occlusion. And now, AR experiences on iPad Pro are even better with instant AR placement, and improved Motion Capture and People Occlusion — all without the need to write any new code.

Learn more about ARKit 3.5

Universal Purchase for Mac Apps Now Available

March 23, 2020

The macOS version of your app can now be included in a universal purchase, allowing customers to enjoy your app and in‑app purchases across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS by purchasing only once. Get started by using a single bundle ID for your apps in Xcode and setting up your app record for universal purchase in App Store Connect.

Learn more about universal purchase

The App Store is Expanding to New Countries

March 23, 2020

Thanks to the creativity and innovation of developers like you, the App Store has become much more than the world’s safest marketplace. It’s grown into a vibrant platform with great apps that influence culture and change lives, with over half a billion visitors each week. This wide-reaching platform has helped generate over $155 billion in developer earnings — just from sales of apps and in-app purchases. Today, the App Store gives you the opportunity to connect with users in 155 countries or regions. We’re pleased to announce that the App Store will expand even farther this year with upcoming support for 20 new countries, allowing you to increase your impact and grow your business in new markets.

To allow your app to appear in these new countries, your membership Account Holder first needs to accept the updated Program License Agreement by signing in to their account on the Apple Developer website. If you have a Paid Applications Agreement, the Account Holder will also need to accept this updated agreement in App Store Connect. You can then select the “New Countries or Regions” checkbox in the Pricing and Availability section of your app information page to automatically make your app available in all new countries. Completing these steps by April 10, 2020 will help make sure your app is ready to be published as content initially becomes available across new locations. We’ll let you know when you can choose from specific new countries and update the default subscription pricing for these locations.

View your account

App Store

March 14, 2020

The App Store should always be a safe and trusted place for users to download apps. Now more than ever that commitment takes on special significance as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities around the world are depending on apps to be credible news sources — helping users understand the latest health innovations, find out where they can get help if needed or provide assistance to their neighbors.

To help fulfill these expectations, we’re evaluating apps critically to ensure data sources are reputable and that developers presenting these apps are from recognized entities such as government organizations, health-focused NGOs, companies deeply credentialed in health issues, and medical or educational institutions. Only developers from one of these recognized entities should submit an app related to COVID-19. Entertainment or game apps with COVID-19 as their theme will not be allowed.

We understand the need to get these apps into the hands of customers as soon as possible. We encourage developers that meet this criteria to select “Time-Sensitive Event” on the expedite request form to ensure prioritized review since App Store review may take longer.

If you are developing an app on behalf of a client, please advise your client to add you to the development team of their Apple Developer account. If your client does not yet have an Apple Developer account, they can enroll in the Apple Developer Program. Nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities that plan to distribute only free apps on the App Store can request to have their annual membership fee waived, if based in an eligible country.

Learn about membership fee waivers

Read the App Store Review Guidelines

Request an expedited review

WWDC20

March 13, 2020

This June, WWDC20 brings a completely new online experience to millions of talented and creative developers around the world. Join us for a fully packed program — including Keynote and sessions — to gain early access to the future of Apple platforms and engage with Apple engineers. Dive into an exciting learning experience and discover how to create your most innovative apps yet using the latest Apple technologies.

Stay tuned for details on the WWDC20 website, by email, and in the Apple Developer app.

App Store

March 4, 2020

The App Store is dedicated to the best store experience for everyone. To continue providing a safe experience for users and help you successfully develop apps that are secure, high-quality, reliable, and that respect user privacy, the App Store Review Guidelines have been updated. The changes impact replies to reviews, spam, push notifications, Sign in with Apple, data collection and storage, mobile device management, and more.

Read the App Store Review Guidelines

App Store

March 4, 2020

iOS 13 is now running on 77% of all iOS devices introduced in the last four years, worldwide. Deliver great user experiences by seamlessly integrating with Dark Mode, Sign in with Apple, and the latest advances in ARKit 3, Core ML 3, and Siri. Starting April 30, 2020, all iPhone apps submitted to the App Store must be built with the iOS 13 SDK or later.

Take advantage of Xcode features such as storyboards (including launch storyboards), Auto Layout, and SwiftUI, to ensure your app’s interface elements and layouts automatically fit the display of all iPhone models, regardless of size or aspect ratio. Starting April 30, 2020, all apps submitted to the App Store must use an Xcode storyboard to provide the app’s launch screen and all iPhone apps must support all iPhone screens.

Learn about submitting your apps

App Store

March 4, 2020

iPadOS is now running on 79% of all iPad devices introduced in the last four years, worldwide. With iPadOS, you can deliver multiwindow experiences, add full drawing experiences for Apple Pencil, and contribute fonts for systemwide use. You can also take advantage of Dark Mode, Sign in with Apple, and the latest advances in ARKit 3, Core ML 3, and Siri. Starting April 30, 2020, all iPad apps submitted to the App Store must be built with the iOS 13 SDK or later.

Take advantage of Xcode features such as storyboards (including launch storyboards), Auto Layout, and SwiftUI, to ensure your app’s interface elements and layouts automatically fit the display of all iPad models, regardless of size or aspect ratio. Starting April 30, 2020, all apps submitted to the App Store must use an Xcode storyboard to provide the app’s launch screen and all iPad apps must support all iPad screens.

Learn about submitting your apps

App Store

March 4, 2020

Make it easy for users to sign in to your apps and websites using the Apple ID they already have. With built-in privacy and security features, Sign in with Apple is a great way to help users set up an account, sign in, and engage with your app quickly and easily. All accounts are protected with two-factor authentication, and Apple will not track users’ activity in your app or website.

See the latest App Store Review Guidelines and Human Interface Guidelines to learn how to provide great user experiences with Sign in with Apple, and get new downloadable design resources, including left-aligned, center-aligned, and logo-only buttons. All new apps and app updates submitted to the App Store must follow these guidelines by April 30, 2020.

View the App Store Review Guidelines

View the Human Interface Guidelines

App Store

February 12, 2020

Now you can learn and explore coding using Swift Playgrounds on Mac. Take advantage of the same great experimenting environment from iPad, updated with a unique Mac experience that includes a new sidebar, Touch Bar support, and code suggestions that provide additional help. You can even use the same playground file on both platforms. Swift Playgrounds is an easy way to try out new code for your app, then use that code for development in Xcode.

View on the Mac App Store

App Store

February 6, 2020

You can now meet the unique needs of educational institutions by privately offering apps you’ve customized just for them. Organizations that you identify in App Store Connect will see the app and be able to purchase it in volume on Apple School Manager, a service that lets educational institutions buy content, configure automatic device enrollment, and create accounts for students and staff. Educational institutions can also use this feature to distribute proprietary apps for internal use.

Learn about distributing custom apps

App Store

February 5, 2020

With the public release of watchOS 6.2, you’ll be able to offer in‑app purchases directly in your watchOS apps, so users can access premium content, digital goods, subscriptions, and more, all right from their wrist. Get started today by downloading Xcode 11.4 beta, implementing the StoreKit API, and build for the beta version of watchOS 6.2.

View WatchKit documentation

View StoreKit documentation

App Store Connect

February 5, 2020

Starting in March 2020, you’ll be able to distribute iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS versions of your app as a universal purchase, allowing customers to enjoy your app and in‑app purchases across platforms by purchasing only once. You can choose to create a new app for these platforms using a single app record in App Store Connect or add platforms to your existing app record. Get started by building and testing your apps using a single bundle ID with Xcode 11.4 beta.

In addition, categories will be unified across the App Store and Mac App Store to align with this change, and to help make your apps more discoverable. The following changes will be made.

  • You’ll be able to select the following categories for iOS apps: “Developer Tools” and “Graphics & Design”.
  • You’ll be able to select the following categories for macOS apps: “Books”, “Food & Drink”, “Magazines & Newspapers”, “Navigation”, and “Shopping”.
  • The “Photography” and “Video” categories on the Mac App Store will be combined into “Photo & Video”. Mac apps and pending updates with the “Photography” or “Video” category selected in App Store Connect will be moved automatically to the combined category.
  • “Kids” will no longer be a subcategory within “Games” on the Mac App Store.

As a reminder, you can change the categories and subcategories associated with your app at any time with an app update.

Download Xcode 11.4 beta

Learn how to edit app information in App Store Connect

Membership Fee Waiver

February 3, 2020

We’re pleased to announce that Apple Developer Program membership is now available at no cost for eligible organizations based in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, and South Korea. Nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities that plan to distribute only free apps on the App Store can request to have their annual membership fee waived.

Learn about membership fee waivers

HTML5

January 21, 2020

The App Store Review Guidelines are designed to help developers create apps that are secure, high-quality, reliable, and that respect user privacy. In order to ensure this, we’ve always specified that all apps be self-contained bundles. This means that the core features and functionality of the app must be contained within the software’s binary, rather than made possible by referring users outside of the approved app — including through the use of HTML5. Apps that dynamically provide core features and functionality with web technology like HTML5 are best delivered through Safari, rather than through the curated App Store.

Guideline 4.7 sections 4, 5, and 6 were updated in June 2019 to further clarify that apps containing or running code that is not embedded in the binary cannot provide access to real money gaming, lotteries, or charitable donations.

As a reminder, existing apps must be in full compliance with these guidelines by March 3, 2020.

SDK

January 21, 2020

When parents visit the Kids category on the App Store, they expect that the apps they find are suitable for children. That’s why apps published on the App Store must protect children’s data and provide only age-appropriate content. Apps must also require a parental gate in order to link out of the app, request permissions, or present purchasing opportunities. It’s critical that apps do not transmit personally identifiable information or device information to third parties, and that advertisements are human-reviewed for age appropriateness in order to be displayed.

As a reminder, existing apps in the Kids category on the App Store must be in full compliance with the updated guideline 1.3 and guideline 5.1.4 by March 3, 2020.

Learn about building apps for kids

App Store

January 16, 2020

When taxes or foreign exchange rates change, we sometimes need to update prices on the App Store. In the next few days, prices of apps on the App Store and in-app purchases (excluding auto-renewable subscriptions) will change in the following countries.

  • Thailand: Prices will decrease due to changes in foreign exchange rates.
  • Pakistan: Prices will increase due to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Additionally, on January 1, 2020, a 7% goods and services tax (GST) was introduced in Singapore. Developers based in Singapore who provide their GST number in App Store Connect will not have their proceeds affected. Otherwise, proceeds will be adjusted accordingly. Prices on the App Store won’t change based on the introduction of this tax.

Once these changes go into effect, the Pricing and Availability section of My Apps will be updated. You can change the price of your apps and in-app purchases (including auto-renewable subscriptions) at any time in App Store Connect. For subscriptions, you have the option to preserve prices for existing subscribers.

View the updated price tier charts now

App Store

January 13, 2020

Apps should look great on all models of iPhone and iPad, regardless of display size or aspect ratio. With features like Xcode storyboards and Auto Layout, your app’s interface elements and layouts automatically fit the display. As announced at WWDC19, starting April 2020, apps submitted to the App Store must use an Xcode storyboard to provide the app’s launch screen and must have an interface that supports any display size.

Support for Multitasking on iPad is strongly encouraged. Adding support for multiple windows, and adopting Multitasking capabilities, including Slide Over, Split View, and Picture in Picture, will ensure your app delivers a modern and complete experience on iPadOS.

Learn about designing adaptive interfaces

Learn about multitasking on iPad

Reality Converter

January 13, 2020

The new Reality Converter app makes it easy to convert, view, and customize USDZ 3D objects on Mac. Simply drag-and-drop common 3D file formats, such as .obj, .gltf and .usd, to view the converted USDZ result, customize material properties with your own textures, and edit file metadata. You can even preview your USDZ object under a variety of lighting and environment conditions with built-in IBL options.

Download Reality Converter beta

View example 3D models using USDZ

Apps Using Web Views

December 23, 2019

If your app still embeds web content using the deprecated UIWebView API, we strongly encourage you to update to WKWebView as soon as possible for improved security and reliability. WKWebView ensures that compromised web content doesn’t affect the rest of an app by limiting web processing to the app’s web view. And it’s supported in iOS and macOS, and by Mac Catalyst.

The App Store will no longer accept new apps using UIWebView as of April 2020 and app updates using UIWebView as of December 2020.

Learn more about WKWebView

Notarize Your Mac Software for macOS Catalina

December 23, 2019

In June, we announced that all Mac software distributed outside the Mac App Store must be notarized by Apple in order to run by default on macOS Catalina. In September, we temporarily adjusted the notarization prerequisites to make this transition easier and to protect users on macOS Catalina who continue to use older versions of software. Starting February 3, 2020, all submitted software must meet the original notarization prerequisites.

If you haven’t yet done so, upload your software to the notary service and review the developer log for warnings. These warnings will become errors starting February 3 and must be fixed in order to have your software notarized. Software notarized before February 3 will continue to run by default on macOS Catalina.

As a reminder, all installer packages must be signed since they may contain executable code. Disk images do not need to be signed, although signing them can help your users verify their contents.

Learn about notarizing software

Apple Security Bounty

December 19, 2019

As part of Apple’s commitment to security, we reward researchers who share critical issues with us through the Apple Security Bounty. You can now earn up to $1,500,000 and report issues on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and iCloud. In addition, Apple offers public recognition for those who submit valid reports and will match donations of the bounty payment to qualifying charities.

Learn more

HomeKit

December 18, 2019

Apple is taking a major step in its approach to the smart home by joining a new industry effort with Amazon, Google, Zigbee Alliance, and others. The initiative aims to develop an open standard that will increase the compatibility of smart home products across multiple platforms, with security and privacy as fundamental design tenets. The new standard will make it even simpler for developers to build one device that is compatible with smart home services and voice assistants, while ensuring consumers can easily choose smart home products that seamlessly work together.

Learn more about the initiative

Apple Developer App

December 17, 2019

Now it’s simpler than ever for developers based in China mainland to enroll in the Apple Developer Program. The Apple Developer app now supports enrollment in China mainland, allowing developers to start and finish their membership purchase with local payment methods on iPhone or iPad. And since membership is provided as an auto-renewable subscription, keeping your account active is easy.

View on the App Store

了解如何通过该 app 进行注册

App Store Connect

December 17, 2019

As a reminder, new apps and app updates will not be accepted December 23 to 27 (Pacific Time), so any releases should be scheduled, submitted, and approved in advance. Other App Store Connect and developer account features will remain available.

App Store

December 2, 2019

Every year, the App Store’s Best Of celebration honors a select group of innovative, beautifully designed, culturally interesting apps and games with exceptional production quality. Congratulations to the 2019 winning developers!

See this year’s selections

App Store Connect

November 29, 2019

The busiest season on the App Store is almost here. Make sure your apps are up to date and ready for the holidays. New apps and app updates will not be accepted December 23 to 27 (Pacific Time), so any releases should be scheduled, submitted, and approved in advance. Other App Store Connect and developer account features will remain available.

App Store Connect

November 22, 2019

Server-to-server notifications from the App Store let you receive real-time updates in a subscription’s status, so you can provide customized experiences for your subscribers. New notifications are now available when a subscription renewal fails due to a billing issue and when a billing issue is resolved by the App Store. In addition, a unified receipt containing information about the latest 100 in-app purchase transactions is now included with the notification. If you’ve already enabled server-to-server notifications in App Store Connect, you’ll automatically receive the new notifications and unified receipt for these subscription events.

Learn how to enable server-to-server notifications

SF Symbols

November 21, 2019

With the SF Symbols Mac app, you can view over 1,500 symbols available for use. Each symbol comes in a wide range of weights and scales, allowing you to easily design adaptable interfaces that look great. Symbols are easy to integrate into your app directly from within Xcode. And if you need a symbol that isn’t provided by SF Symbols, you can export template files to create your own with the same capabilities using a vector graphics editor. Version 1.1 adds custom symbol validation, a new sidebar with categories for faster browsing, and the option to receive updates automatically.

Learn more about SF Symbols

Download SF Symbols

App Store

November 20, 2019

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code, join us at an Apple Store near you to learn the basics of coding and apps, December 1 to 15. Sign up for engaging Code with Apple sessions to code augmented reality art, robots, and more on iPad. And if you’d like to lead your own Swift coding activity, you can download the new Hour of Code with Swift Playgrounds Facilitator Guide.

Apple Developer App

November 18, 2019

Starting today, the WWDC app is now the Apple Developer app and delivers in-depth information from Apple experts all year round. Stay up to date with the latest developer news, informative videos, WWDC content, and more. Developers in the U.S. can also use the app to conveniently enroll in the Apple Developer Program on iPhone or iPad, with enrollment in additional countries and regions becoming available over time. And since membership is provided as an auto-renewable subscription, keeping your account active is easy.

View on the App Store

Learn about enrolling with the app

App Store Connect

November 4, 2019

Apple is committed to making sure that the App Store is a safe place for kids around the world to browse and download apps. Due to regulations in Brazil, the Brazil-specific age ratings that are automatically generated from the age ratings set in App Store Connect have been adjusted as listed below. The local age rating is shown as a badge displayed alongside Apple’s rating on the App Store in Brazil.

Apps with Infrequent/Mild selected for the following content descriptions displays a local rating of 12+:

  • Mature or Suggestive Themes
  • Sexual Content or Nudity

Apps with Infrequent/Mild selected for the following content descriptions displays a local rating of 14+:

  • Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use References

Apps with Frequent/Intense selected for the following content descriptions displays a local rating of 18+:

  • Mature or Suggestive Themes
  • Realistic Violence
  • Sexual Content or Nudity
  • Simulated Gambling

Learn more about age ratings

Notifications

November 4, 2019

If you send push notifications with the legacy binary protocol, we recommend updating to the HTTP/2-based APNs provider API as soon as possible. You’ll be able to take advantage of great modern features, such as authentication with a JSON Web Token, improved error messaging, and per-notification feedback.

The Apple Push Notification service (APNs) will no longer support the legacy binary protocol as of November 2020.

Learn about the APNs Provider API

Apple Entrepreneur Camp

October 23, 2019

Today marks the completion of Apple Entrepreneur Camp’s first year with its fourth cohort of 2019. So far, Apple Entrepreneur Camp has helped 100 participants from 13 different countries work on the next generation of cutting-edge apps with a hands-on technology lab and one-on-one code-level guidance from Apple engineers, as well as mentorship, inspiration, and insights from top Apple leaders. The next cohort is planned for January 28 to February 5, 2020, and applications are accepted until November 15.

Learn about our alumni

Find out how to apply

Transporter

October 15, 2019

The new Transporter app for macOS makes it easy to upload your binary to App Store Connect. To get started, download Transporter from the Mac App Store, and simply drag and drop your binaries into the upload window. With Transporter you can:

  • Upload your .ipa or .pkg files to App Store Connect.
  • View delivery progress, including validation warnings, errors, and delivery logs, so you can quickly fix any issues.
  • See a history of past deliveries, including date and time.

The Transporter app is available in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

View on the Mac App Store

App Store

October 3, 2019

macOS Catalina will soon be available to hundreds of millions of users around the world. With macOS Catalina, your Mac apps can take advantage of Sign in with Apple, Sidecar, and the latest advances in Core ML 3, and Metal. And with Mac Catalyst, you can bring your iPad apps to Mac. Build your apps using Xcode 11, test them on a Mac computer running the macOS Catalina GM seed, and submit them for review.

Learn about preparing your apps

Notarize Your Mac Software for macOS Catalina

October 3, 2019

To further protect users on macOS Catalina, we’re working with developers to make sure all software, whether distributed on the App Store or outside of it, is signed or notarized by Apple. This will give users more confidence that the software they download and run, no matter where they get it from, has been checked for known security issues.

In June, we announced that all Mac software distributed outside the Mac App Store must be notarized by Apple in order to run by default on macOS Catalina. Make sure to test all versions of your software on the macOS Catalina GM seed and submit it to Apple to be notarized.

Learn about notarizing software

App Store

September 30, 2019

When taxes or foreign exchange rates change, we sometimes need to update prices on the App Store. In the next few days, prices of apps on the App Store and in-app purchases (excluding auto-renewable subscriptions) will increase in Kazakhstan and Sweden due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Your proceeds will be increased accordingly.

Once this change goes into effect, the Pricing and Availability section of My Apps will be updated. You can change the price of your apps and in-app purchases (including auto-renewable subscriptions) at any time in App Store Connect. For subscriptions, you have the option to preserve prices for existing subscribers.

View updated price tiers

App Store

September 24, 2019

With iPadOS, you can deliver multiwindow experiences, add full drawing experiences for Apple Pencil, and contribute fonts for systemwide use. You can also take advantage of Dark Mode, Sign in with Apple, and the latest advances in ARKit 3, Core ML 3, and Siri. Build your apps using Xcode 11, test them on the latest version of iPadOS, and submit them for review.

Starting April 2020, all new apps and app updates for iPad will need to be built with the iOS 13 SDK and support the all-screen design of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation).

Learn about preparing your apps

App Store

September 23, 2019

When taxes or foreign exchange rates change, we sometimes need to update prices on the App Store. Starting October 2019, the Japan Consumption Tax (JCT) will increase from 8% to 10%, resulting in a price increase for apps on the App Store and in-app purchases (excluding auto-renewable subscriptions) in Japan. Once the change goes into effect, the Pricing and Availability section of My Apps will be updated and your proceeds will be increased accordingly. You can change the price of your apps and in-app purchases (including auto-renewable subscriptions) at any time in App Store Connect. For subscriptions, you have the option to preserve prices for existing subscribers.

Note that Apple does not administer the collection and remittance of JCT applicable to sales to customers purchasing content on the App Store in Japan. You will continue to be responsible for the collection and remittance of such taxes to the appropriate tax authorities, as may be required by local law.

View updated price tiers

App Store for Apple TV

September 20, 2019

With tvOS 13, your apps can now take advantage of multi-user support and Sign in with Apple, play full-screen video previews on the Home screen, and much more. Build your tvOS apps using Xcode 11, test them on Apple TV running tvOS 13 GM seed, and submit them for review.

Learn about preparing your apps

App Store

September 19, 2019

Apps on the App Store in China mainland, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Vietnam are now available for volume purchase on Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. You can now also privately distribute custom apps to specific organizations in these locations or proprietary apps to employees within your organization in these locations. The organizations that you identify in App Store Connect can access your custom app in the Custom Apps section of Apple Business Manager.

Learn more

Game Center

September 13, 2019

A new certificate for server-based Game Center verification is available via the publicKeyUrl property of generateIdentityVerificationSignature. The previous certificate will no longer be available as of September 17, 2019.

Make sure your app always retrieves and uses the current publicKeyUrl value so it automatically uses the new certificate. If your app caches the certificate or hardcodes the certificate URL, it will require an update.

Learn more

App Store

September 12, 2019

We’ve worked closely with leading developers to create a solution for reducing customer churn while improving the experience for auto-renewable subscriptions. With the new grace period for unsuccessful auto-renewals, subscribers can continue accessing your app’s paid content while Apple attempts to collect payment — allowing them time to fix the issue. There won’t be any interruption to the subscriber’s days of paid service or to your revenue if payment is successful within the grace period.

Learn more

Sign in with Apple

September 12, 2019

Make it easy for users to sign in to your apps and websites using the Apple ID they already have. With privacy and security features built-in, Sign in with Apple is a great way to help users set up an account, sign in, and engage with your app quickly and easily. All accounts are protected with two-factor authentication for superior security, and Apple will not track users’ activity in your app or website.

We’ve updated the App Store Review Guidelines to provide criteria for when apps are required to use Sign in with Apple. Starting today, new apps submitted to the App Store must follow these guidelines. Existing apps and app updates must follow them by April 2020. We’ve also provided new guidelines for using Sign in with Apple on the web and other platforms.

View the App Store review guideline

View guidelines for websites and other platforms

SDK

September 12, 2019

When parents visit the Kids category on the App Store, they expect the apps they find will protect their children’s data, provide only age-appropriate content, and require a parental gate in order to link out of the app, request permissions, or present purchasing opportunities. It’s critical that no personally identifiable information or device information be transmitted to third parties, and that advertisements are human-reviewed for age appropriateness in order to be displayed.

Guideline 1.3 and guideline 5.1.4 detail important rules related to apps in the Kids category and we’ve been working with some developers of existing apps to assist them in the transition to full compliance with this important guideline.

All new apps must follow these guidelines, and we urge you to update your existing apps as soon as possible. If your existing app requires more time to implement these guidelines, we’ve provided an additional six months, until March 3, 2020, to bring it into full compliance.

App Store for Apple Watch

September 11, 2019

With watchOS 6, customers around the world can use the new App Store on Apple Watch to easily discover, browse, search, and install apps directly on their wrist. And for the first time, you can distribute an app just for Apple Watch, without a companion app on iOS. Build your watchOS apps using Xcode 11 GM seed, test them on devices running the latest watchOS 6 GM seed, and submit them for review.

Starting April 2020, all new watchOS apps and app updates submitted to the App Store must be built with the watchOS 6 SDK and support Apple Watch Series 4 or later.

Learn about preparing your apps

App Store

September 10, 2019

With iOS 13, your app can take advantage of Dark Mode, a dramatic new look for iPhone, Sign in with Apple, the fast, easy way to sign in to apps, and the latest advances in ARKit 3, Core ML 3, and Siri. Build your apps using Xcode 11 GM seed, test them on iOS devices running the latest GM seeds, and submit them for review.

Starting April 2020, all new apps and app updates will need to be built with the iOS 13 SDK and support the all-screen design of iPhone XS Max or later.

Learn about preparing your apps

HTML5

September 6, 2019

In order to provide users with the secure and curated experience that they expect on the App Store, we have always specified that apps must be self-contained bundles. This means that the core features and functionality of the app must be contained within the binary of the software, rather than made possible by referring users outside of the approved app, including through the use of HTML5. Apps that provide core features and functionality dynamically with web technology like HTML5 are best delivered to everyone in Safari, rather than through the curated App Store.

To prevent fraud and abuse, the exceptions to this rule have always been very narrow. In June, we updated guideline 4.7 sections 4, 5, & 6, to further narrow these exceptions and clarify an existing restriction. Apps containing or running code that is not embedded in the binary cannot provide access to real money gaming, lotteries, or charitable donations, among other changes.

All new apps must follow this guideline and we urge you to update your existing apps as soon as possible. If your existing app requires more time to implement the guidelines, we’ve provided an additional six months, until March 3, 2020, to bring it into compliance.

View the App Store Review Guidelines

SDK

September 6, 2019

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a powerful and wide-reaching technology that grants a broad range of access to and control over users’ devices. While these capabilities are necessary to effectively manage a large number of devices, and in limited cases for parental control services, they also have the potential to create user privacy and security issues if not used properly.

In June, we announced that apps seeking to include MDM technology must first submit an MDM capability request. This process will evaluate how the app will use MDM in order to prevent abuse and ensure that no data is shared with third parties. The MDM capability will be re-evaluated on an annual basis, and you will need to submit a new request each year. We have worked with developers of parental control apps who have successfully completed this process and are now providing safer apps for kids and their families.

This new guideline was effective for all apps on June 3, 2019. If you already have an app on the App Store that uses MDM capabilities but does not follow the new guideline, submit an MDM capability request as soon as possible.

View the Mobile Device Management guideline

Notarizing Your Mac Software for macOS Catalina

September 3, 2019

As a reminder, Mac software distributed outside the Mac App Store must be notarized by Apple in order to run on macOS Catalina. To make this transition easier and to protect users on macOS Catalina who continue to use older versions of software, we’ve adjusted the notarization prerequisites until January 2020.

Dark Mode

August 29, 2019

Dark Mode introduces a dramatic new look for iPhone and iPad that is seamlessly integrated throughout the system and simple to turn on from Control Center or Siri. With a dark appearance for all user interface elements, your app’s content becomes the focus.

When a user has Dark Mode turned on, all apps built with the iOS 13 SDK will run in Dark Mode. Learn how to optimize for Dark Mode, then test your apps on a device running the latest beta version of iOS 13 or iPadOS. If you need more time to make your apps look fantastic in Dark Mode, or if Dark Mode is not suited for your app, you can learn how to opt out.

View WWDC19 videos

Read documentation

August 28, 2019

You can now see sales data by the hour for your apps and in-app purchases.App Store

August 19, 2019

In an effort to open up additional opportunities for developers, we’ve worked with the government of the Republic of Korea on making more apps available on the App Store in the Republic of Korea. And to ensure that our global age rating system continues to help make the App Store safe for kids, apps that feature Frequent/Intense Simulated Gambling will be rated 17+ in all countries and regions starting August 20, 2019.

WWDC19

August 13, 2019

You can now watch all the session videos from this year’s Apple Worldwide Developers Conference with Japanese and Simplified Chinese subtitles.

View WWDC19 videos

July 29, 2019

When taxes or foreign exchange rates change, we sometimes need to update prices on the App Store. Following recent clarifications from tax authorities in Egypt and changes in foreign exchange rates, prices on the App Store in Egypt (excluding auto-renewable subscriptions) will decrease starting today. Your proceeds from sales in Egypt will be adjusted to account for the price changes and will no longer reflect any Value Added Tax.

WWDC19

July 10, 2019

Take advantage of transcripts to quickly discover and share information presented in WWDC19 videos. You can search by keyword, see all instances where the keyword is mentioned in the video, go straight to the time it was mentioned, and even share a link to that specific time.

See this year’s WWDC videos

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