New SDK Requirements for App Store: Apple’s Major Move
As of April 28, 2026, Apple has implemented new minimum Software Development Kit (SDK) requirements for all apps and games submitted to the App Store. This marks the company’s most significant development environment update in years.
According to the new policy, all apps uploaded to App Store Connect must be built with Xcode 26 or later using the iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, or watchOS 26 SDKs. This requirement applies to both new app submissions and updates. However, existing apps already on the store will remain available. Developers who have not yet upgraded their build environments will be unable to submit new apps or updates until they meet these new requirements.
The SDK mandate coincides with Apple’s broadest design update ever, introducing the “Liquid Glass” visual language. This applies translucent, fluid materials to native UI components. Apps built with the iOS 26 SDK will automatically adopt this new aesthetic on devices running iOS 26, though developers can opt out of specific design elements. The update also includes enhanced security features, privacy protections, and improved performance optimizations for modern Apple hardware.
Industry observers have noted that this is Apple’s standard annual SDK requirement. However, iOS 26 represents a larger change than most years due to the unified versioning across all Apple platforms and the introduction of the Foundation Models framework. Developers can still set lower deployment targets to support older iOS versions, meaning users on older devices won’t be immediately affected.
Source: Apple Developer News