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Screenshots must show real app content. Apple rejects screenshots with lorem ipsum, placeholder images, or mock UI that does not represent the actual app experience.
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App Store review
App Store screenshot requirements for 2026
What Apple checks during screenshot review — content rules, size requirements, localization expectations, and the most common reasons screenshots get rejected. Read before submitting your next build.
Apple's screenshot content rules
These are the content requirements Apple enforces during metadata review. Violations lead to screenshot rejection — easy to fix, but delays your update.
No device frames
Apple explicitly prohibits device bezels, frames, or hardware images in screenshots. Show only the screen content — let App Store Connect add device frames automatically.
No marketing text
Promotional taglines must appear in caption text, not overlaid as part of the screenshot image. Apple treats embedded marketing text as deceptive if it misrepresents app functionality.
Localization accuracy
Screenshots in a given language must accurately reflect the app experience in that language. Mismatched localized screenshots are a common rejection reason.
No misleading UI
Every UI element shown in a screenshot must exist in the submitted app build. Mock features or unreleased functionality will trigger a metadata rejection.
Required screenshot dimensions by device
Apple requires screenshots at specific dimensions for each device type your app supports. Submit at least the largest iPhone size if your app is iPhone-only.
| Device | Required size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone (6.9 inch) | 1290 x 2796 px portrait | Primary large iPhone set. Submit this first. |
| iPhone (6.5 inch) | 1242 x 2688 px portrait | Required fallback for older large iPhones. |
| iPad (13 inch) | 2064 x 2752 px portrait | Required if your app supports iPad. |
| Mac | 1280 x 800 to 2880 x 1800 px | 16:10 aspect ratio. Only required for Mac Catalyst apps. |
| Apple Watch | 312 x 390 to 422 x 514 px | Only required for watchOS apps. |
| Apple TV | 1920 x 1080 or 3840 x 2160 px | Landscape-only. Required for tvOS apps. |
5 common screenshot rejection reasons
Screenshots do not match app functionality
A screenshot shows a feature that does not exist in the binary you submitted. Solution: take new screenshots from the current build before each submission.
Screenshots contain non-localized text
You uploaded English screenshots to a localized listing but the app supports multiple languages. Solution: prepare language-specific screenshot sets for each supported locale.
Screenshots include a device frame
Apple automatically adds device frames in App Store Connect. Solution: export flat screenshots without any phone or tablet bezel. Strip frames before uploading.
Screenshot content not suitable for all ages
Even if your app has a 17+ rating, screenshot content must pass additional review. Avoid suggestive imagery, realistic violence, or restricted substance imagery in screenshots.
Insufficient screenshot count
Apple requires at least one screenshot per supported device family. Solution: upload at minimum one screenshot for each device type your app runs on.
App Store screenshot requirements FAQ
What are the App Store screenshot requirements?
App Store screenshots must use real app content, show no device frames, be uploaded at the required dimensions for each supported device type, and match the actual app experience in each localized language. Apple reviews screenshots as part of the metadata review process before every submission.
Does Apple still reject screenshots with device frames?
Yes. Apple's App Store Review Guidelines state that screenshots should show only the app interface without device hardware. App Store Connect applies device frames automatically after upload. Including frames in your export will cause metadata rejection.
How many screenshots does Apple require?
Apple requires at least one screenshot for each device family your app supports. You can upload up to 10 per device type. For a typical iPhone-only indie app, submit at least 3 screenshots for the largest iPhone display group.
What happens if my screenshots get rejected?
A screenshot metadata rejection does not block your app from the store — it only blocks that specific version update. You can fix the screenshots and resubmit without changing the binary. Most screenshot rejections are resolved within 1-2 business days after correction.
Can I use the same screenshots for App Store and Google Play?
The content can be similar, but the dimensions differ. App Store requires specific iPhone/iPad sizes, while Google Play uses 1080x1920 for phone screenshots. Design the master set at 1290x2796 for iOS and export a 1080x1920 crop for Google Play.
Do I need to update screenshots for every app update?
Not every update — only when the app's appearance or functionality changes. If a minor bug-fix update does not change the UI, you can keep the same screenshots. Apple does not require fresh screenshots for every binary submission.