iOS Developer Timeline
Stay up-to-date with critical iOS platform events and deadlines that require developer action
Upcoming Deadlines
No upcoming deadlines at this time.
2025
Xcode 16.4 Released
Xcode 16.4 is out with iOS 18.5 SDK
Action Required:
Update to Xcode 16.4 to use iOS 18.5 SDKs.
iOS 18.4 Warning for Non-Scene-Based Apps
iOS 18.4 introduces runtime warnings for apps that don't use the scene-based lifecycle, indicating this will become a critical assertion in a future update.
Action Required:
Update your iOS apps to implement the scene-based lifecycle model introduced in iOS 13.
Swift 6.1 Released
Swift 6.1 released with major language improvements, enhanced concurrency features, and better interoperability with C++.
Action Required:
Try upgrading your project to use Swift 6.1 using Xcode 16.3 and note down issues ahead of time!
iPhone 16e Release
Apple releases the iPhone 16e, a more affordable entry in the iPhone 16 lineup with unusual design choices and unique AI features.
Action Required:
Test your apps for compatibility with the iPhone 16e's unusual aspect ratio, Edge AI capabilities, and new gesture controls.
Xcode 16.3 Released
Xcode 16.3 released with new Swift 5.11.2 compiler improvements and iOS 18.4 SDK.
Action Required:
Update to Xcode 16.3 to benefit from significant Swift compiler optimizations and code completion improvements.
Xcode 16.2 Released
Xcode 16.2 released with support for iOS 18.3 and important security updates for the development environment.
Action Required:
Update to Xcode 16.2 as soon as possible due to critical security patches in the development toolchain.
2024
Xcode 16.1 Released
Xcode 16.1 released with bug fixes and stability improvements for iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 development.
Action Required:
Update to Xcode 16.1 to support iOS 18.1 features and benefit from performance improvements.
iPad Pro and Air Released with M3/M2 Chips
New iPad Pro with M3 chip and iPad Air with M2 chip released with enhanced performance and display technology.
Action Required:
Optimize your iPad apps for M3/M2 chips and test on the new Mini-LED display for visual fidelity.
iPhone 16 Series Release
iPhone 16 series officially released to the public with pre-orders starting a week earlier.
Action Required:
Submit your camera-enhanced apps to the App Store with iPhone 16 optimizations highlighted in release notes.
Xcode 16.0 Released
Xcode 16.0 released with support for iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18 development.
Action Required:
Update to Xcode 16.0 to build and submit apps for the latest operating systems.
iPhone 16 Series Announced
Apple announced iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max with A18 chip and advanced camera features.
Action Required:
Request a Developer Transition Kit for A18 chips to optimize your apps for new performance capabilities.
App Store Requirement: Privacy Manifests
All apps must include privacy manifests detailing data collection and tracking practices.
Action Required:
Create and validate your privacy manifests before the September 1 deadline to avoid app rejection.
iOS 18 Announced at WWDC 2024
Apple introduces iOS 18 with major AI features, redesigned Control Center, and home screen customization improvements.
Action Required:
Download iOS 18 beta and explore Apple Intelligence APIs to integrate into your app for fall release.
Xcode 16 Beta Announced at WWDC 2024
Apple announces Xcode 16 Beta with Swift 5.11, improved build times, and enhanced debugging for Apple Intelligence features.
Action Required:
Download Xcode 16 Beta and begin testing your apps with Swift 5.11 and Apple Intelligence APIs.
App Store Requirement: Xcode 16 Required from June
Apple announces all app submissions must use Xcode 16 starting June 1, 2024.
Action Required:
Upgrade your CI/CD pipeline to use Xcode 16 now and identify any deprecated API usage in your codebase.
App Store Requirement: Xcode 15 Mandatory
Apple now requires all app submissions to be built with Xcode 15 or later.
Action Required:
Migrate all your projects to Xcode 15 immediately to ensure you can continue submitting updates.
iOS 17.3 Released
Released with new Stolen Device Protection feature and Apple Music collaborative playlists.
Action Required:
Ensure your app handles security changes from Stolen Device Protection and update Apple Music integrations.
2023
iOS 17.1 Released
First major update to iOS 17 with bug fixes and new features including Apple Music enhancements.
Action Required:
Test your app against iOS 17.1 to ensure compatibility with new system behaviors and bug fixes.
Xcode 15 Released
Xcode 15 released with support for iOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17 development.
Action Required:
Update to Xcode 15 to build apps targeting iOS 17 and incorporate the latest Swift compiler improvements.
iOS 17 Public Release
iOS 17 officially released to all users with compatible devices.
Action Required:
Submit your iOS 17 compatible app update to the App Store today with StandBy mode support.
iOS 17 Public Release
iOS 17 officially released to all users with compatible devices.
Action Required:
Submit your iOS 17 compatible app update to the App Store today with StandBy mode support.
iPhone 15 Series Announced
Apple announced iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max featuring the A16/A17 chips and USB-C.
Action Required:
Update your accessory apps to support USB-C connectivity and test with Dynamic Island on all iPhone 15 models.
iOS 17 Announced at WWDC 2023
Apple unveiled iOS 17 with new features including StandBy mode, Contact Posters, and improvements to Messages.
Action Required:
Download Xcode beta and install iOS 17 beta to test your app with new APIs and features.