Apple opens App Store submissions for iOS 27 and macOS 27

Apple has opened the submission window for its next generation of operating systems, allowing developers to upload apps built for iOS 27, macOS 27, and other new releases. This access comes just days before the official public launch scheduled for Monday, September 14, following the company's recent product event.

According to reporting from 9to5Mac, developers can now download the Xcode 27 Release Candidate to begin testing and submitting their software. While this marks a standard step in the release cycle, it also signals a hard deadline for developers who have not yet optimized their code for the new hardware requirements.

Intel Macs lose support in macOS 27

The most significant change for Mac developers is the end of Intel support. Apple has confirmed that macOS 27 will run exclusively on Apple silicon chips. This means the Rosetta translation layer, which allowed older Intel-based apps to run on newer Macs, will no longer be available.

For users, this is a clear signal that older Macs are reaching the end of their software life. For developers, the trade-off is significant. They must rebuild their applications to target the arm64 architecture only. While this simplifies the development environment by removing legacy code, it requires immediate action to ensure apps remain compatible with the new system.

New rules for app store listings

Beyond the technical shifts, Apple is updating how apps appear in the store. Developers are required to answer new age rating questions, particularly for features like Time Allowances. The company has also introduced new design guidelines for product page headers and search result assets, requiring updates to screenshots and app previews.

These changes affect how users discover and evaluate apps. The new visual standards aim for a more uniform look across the store, but they add another layer of work for developers who must ensure their marketing assets meet the new specifications before the rollout.

Strict deadlines for future compatibility

Apple has also set a firm timeline for long-term compatibility. Starting in April 2027, all new app and game uploads must be built with the iOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, or watchOS 27 SDKs. Apps that do not meet these minimum requirements will no longer be accepted on the platform.

This policy ensures that the ecosystem moves forward with the latest features and security standards, but it leaves little room for developers who rely on older tools or legacy codebases. The window to adapt is open now, but the consequences of missing the transition are permanent exclusion from the app store.