Apple has officially opened the submission portal for developers preparing software for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Software creators can now build, test, and upload their updated apps and games to App Store Connect ahead of the official public rollout.
The announcement gives engineering teams worldwide the green light to submit builds created with the newly seeded Xcode 27 Release Candidate. With the final operating system versions scheduled to reach consumers on September 14, developers have a brief window to ensure their apps are reviewed and approved for day-one availability.
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Apple opened App Store submissions for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 following its annual September product showcase. Developers are instructed to use the Xcode 27 Release Candidate to compile their applications and submit them through App Store Connect. This step allows software creators to integrate new system capabilities, test performance on final software builds, and publish updates in time for the general public release.
Xcode 27 Release Candidate and Build Requirements
To submit apps for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, development teams must compile their software using Xcode 27 RC. The software package includes updated Software Development Kits (SDKs) across Apple platforms, enabling integration with system features like the expanded Foundation Models framework, new user interface controls, and refined multitasking tools.
Testing must be conducted via TestFlight or local devices running the release candidate builds. Apple emphasized that apps built on earlier beta builds of Xcode 27 will not be accepted for store deployment, requiring teams to update their toolchains to the final candidate release before generating software archives.
Key App Store Submission Guidelines and Policies
Alongside opening submissions, Apple provided clear directives regarding platform rules and upcoming mandatory requirements for published software.
Age Ratings and Social Media Feature Disclosures
App Store Connect now requires developers to complete updated questionnaires regarding age ratings and social media features. In particular, apps that incorporate social networking capabilities or community sharing tools must explicitly declare them in their submission metadata.
This requirement coincides with new parental management controls in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, which offer parents more fine-grained time allowances for categories such as Entertainment, Games, and Social Media. Accurate disclosures ensure these parental controls function correctly across device fleets.
Mandatory SDK Deadlines for Upcoming Updates
While developers are encouraged to adopt the new features immediately, Apple confirmed a strict timeline for future mandatory updates. Starting in April 2027, all new apps and app updates submitted to App Store Connect must be built with the iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 SDK or later.
Similar SDK requirements will apply to companion operating systems, including tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27. The phased policy ensures that legacy software on the marketplace is eventually updated to support modern system APIs, security standards, and display layouts.
Preparing Apps for the September 14 Public Release
The opening of App Store submissions marks the final milestone before software reaches hundreds of millions of personal devices. Apple confirmed earlier that iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 will launch publicly on September 14, alongside companion platform releases like watchOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate.
Developers are encouraged to double check their store assets, including product page screenshots, app previews, and In-App Event configurations, to present updated features clearly to users. By completing the review process early, developers can ensure their applications take full advantage of Apple's latest hardware and software ecosystems on launch day.
