iOS 26 Release Date & App Submission Timeline for Developers (2025)
Published 17th August, 2025 by Stuart Hall
Every September, Apple rolls out the next big iOS release and every September, app developers everywhere scramble to get their updates in on time. If you’re wondering when you can submit your app for iOS 26, here’s what you need to know. In this overview you'll learn:
- The Pattern: Mid-September Mondays
- Likely iOS 26 Release Date
- When You Can Submit Apps
- 1. WatchOS, iPadOS & macOS Usually Match
- 2. Test on the GM Build Before Submitting
- 3. Expect Review Times to Spike
- 4. Pitch for App Store Feature Slots Early
- 5. Update Privacy Labels & Screenshots
Want to generate best-practice review replies in seconds?
Try Appbot AI Replies, free for 14 days →The Pattern: Mid-September Mondays
Historically, Apple releases the new iOS version on the Monday of the third week of September. Here’s how the last few years have looked:
| iOS Version | Public Release Date | App Submission Opened |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 18 | 16 Sept 2024 | 10 Sept 2024 |
| iOS 17 | 18 Sept 2023 | 11 Sept 2023 |
| iOS 16 | 12 Sept 2022 | 7 Sept 2022 |
| iOS 15 | 20 Sept 2021 | 14 Sept 2021 |
| iOS 14 | 16 Sept 2020 | 15 Sept 2020* |
| iOS 13 | 19 Sept 2019 | 10 Sept 2019 |
*iOS 14 was unusual, Apple announced and released with just a day’s notice.
Likely iOS 26 Release Date
Based on this pattern, iOS 26 will probably release on Monday, 15 September 2025.
When You Can Submit Apps
Apple usually opens the submission gates about a week before the public release. That means if iOS 26 launches on 15 September 2025, you can expect to submit iOS 26-targeted builds from Monday, 8 September 2025.
Extra Tips for a Smooth iOS 26 Submission
1. WatchOS, iPadOS & macOS Usually Match
If your app ships companion versions, you can usually submit them at the same time. Apple’s review process tends to open in parallel across OSes.
2. Test on the GM Build Before Submitting
Apple will release the Golden Master (GM) build after the September keynote. This is effectively the final public build. Submitting before you test on GM is risky, as small changes can break things. Keep your Xcode project ready to rebuild and resubmit quickly.
3. Expect Review Times to Spike
During iOS launch week, reviews that normally take 24 hours can take 3 – 5 days. Build in a buffer and avoid scheduling marketing pushes for the exact submission date.
4. Pitch for App Store Feature Slots Early
Apple curates “New in iOS” collections before launch. Submit your pitch through App Store Connect > Promotional Artwork well ahead of time, and highlight how your app uses iOS 26 features.
5. Update Privacy Labels & Screenshots
If you add new permissions (like location, camera, or health data), update your App Privacy details and screenshots in App Store Connect. Missing these can delay your review.
TL;DR
You’ll likely be able to submit apps for iOS 26 starting 8 September 2025, with the public release on 15 September 2025.
- Test on the GM build
- Plan for slower reviews
- Pitch for features early
- Update privacy labels and screenshots
Submitting for a major iOS release isn’t just about hitting a deadline, it’s about making sure your app is visible, stable, and competitive on day one. Apple users upgrade quickly, and if you’re not ready, you risk bugs, poor reviews, and missed opportunities to be featured.
The iOS 26 launch is just around the corner. Developers who plan ahead will be the ones who benefit from the buzz, get featured, and earn positive reviews from day one. Don’t wait until the queues are full, prep now and hit submit as soon as the gates open.
Want to generate best-practice review replies in seconds?
Try Appbot AI Replies, free for 14 days →Where to from here?
- Discover effective strategies for app review management to efficiently handle and leverage user feedback.
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About The Author
Stuart is Co-founder & Co-CEO of Appbot. Stuart has been involved in mobile as a developer, blogger and entrepreneur since the early days of the App Store. He built the 7 Minute Workout app in one night and blogged the story of growing the app to 2.3 million downloads before exiting to a large fitness device company. Previously he was the co-founder of the Discovr series of applications which achieved over 4 million downloads. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
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