iOS App Screenshot Requirements & Best Practices for 2025
2025/12/03

iOS App Screenshot Requirements & Best Practices for 2025

Complete guide to App Store screenshot requirements for iOS apps. Learn Apple's guidelines, required sizes, and design tips for higher conversions.

Getting your iOS app screenshots right is critical for App Store success. This guide covers everything you need to know about Apple's screenshot requirements and how to create screenshots that convert.

Apple's Official Screenshot Requirements

File Specifications

RequirementSpecification
FormatPNG or JPEG (no alpha)
Color SpacesRGB or Display P3
OrientationPortrait or Landscape
Maximum File SizeNo official limit
Minimum Screenshots1 per device size
Maximum Screenshots10 per device size

Required Device Sizes

For iPhone apps, you must provide screenshots for at least these sizes:

Required:

  • 6.7" Display: 1320 × 2868 px (iPhone 15 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max)
  • 6.5" Display: 1284 × 2778 px (iPhone 14 Plus, 13 Pro Max)
  • 5.5" Display: 1242 × 2208 px (iPhone 8 Plus) - for older devices

For iPad Apps (if applicable):

  • 12.9" Display: 2048 × 2732 px (iPad Pro)

What Apple Does NOT Allow

❌ Screenshots with added device frames (Apple adds these automatically)
❌ Excessive promotional text
❌ Pricing information that may change
❌ References to competing platforms
❌ Misleading or inaccurate representations

Screenshot Design Best Practices

1. Lead with Your Best

Your first screenshot is the most important. It appears in:

  • Search results
  • Category listings
  • Featured placements

Make it count: Show your app's single most compelling feature or benefit.

2. Keep Text Concise

Apple recommends minimal text overlays. When you do use text:

  • Keep headlines to 5-7 words maximum
  • Use large, readable fonts (minimum 30pt equivalent)
  • Ensure text is legible on small screens

3. Show Real App Content

Avoid:

  • Generic placeholder content
  • Obviously fake data
  • Empty states

Instead, populate your screenshots with realistic, appealing content that shows your app in its best light.

4. Maintain Visual Consistency

Your screenshots should feel like a cohesive set:

  • Use consistent colors and fonts
  • Keep layout structure similar
  • Maintain the same background style

5. Optimize for Dark Mode

Many users browse the App Store in dark mode. Consider:

  • How your backgrounds look against the dark App Store UI
  • Whether your text remains readable
  • Using high contrast for important elements

Screenshot Content Strategy

The 10-Screenshot Framework

With up to 10 screenshots available, here's a proven structure:

  1. Hero Shot - Your most impressive feature
  2. Core Feature 1 - Primary functionality
  3. Core Feature 2 - Secondary functionality
  4. Unique Value - What makes you different
  5. User Interface - Show your beautiful design
  6. Integrations - Connections with other apps/services
  7. Customization - Personalization options
  8. Social Proof - Reviews, awards, or stats
  9. Security/Privacy - Trust signals
  10. Call to Action - Encourage the download

Localization Requirements

Apple supports screenshots in 40+ languages. For each market:

  • Translate all text overlays
  • Consider cultural differences in imagery
  • Adapt to local conventions

Pro tip: Use AppScreenshots to manage multi-language screenshot sets efficiently.

Technical Tips

Color Accuracy

  • Design in sRGB for maximum compatibility
  • If using Display P3, ensure fallback colors work
  • Test on actual devices before submitting

File Naming

While not required, organized naming helps:

AppName_iPhone67_01_Hero_EN.png
AppName_iPhone67_02_Feature1_EN.png

Resolution Guidelines

Always export at the exact required resolution. Don't:

  • Scale up lower-resolution images
  • Use compression that creates artifacts
  • Crop from larger screenshots

Common Rejection Reasons

Apple may reject your screenshots if they:

  1. Don't match the app - Screenshots must accurately represent current functionality
  2. Include device frames - Apple adds frames automatically in the store
  3. Show other platforms - No Android, Windows, or competitor references
  4. Have inappropriate content - Even if your app is 17+ rated
  5. Contain promotional pricing - "Limited time 50% off!"

Testing Your Screenshots

Before submitting, verify:

  • All required sizes are included
  • Screenshots accurately represent the app
  • Text is readable at actual display size
  • Colors look correct on different devices
  • Content is appropriate for all ages (unless rated 17+)
  • Localized versions are complete and accurate

Creating Screenshots with AppScreenshots

Our App Screenshot Generator helps you:

  1. Meet all size requirements - Export all required dimensions
  2. Add professional text overlays - With proper sizing and positioning
  3. Create localized versions - Support for 14+ languages
  4. Maintain consistency - Use templates across all screenshots
  5. Preview before export - See exactly how they'll look

Submission Checklist

Before uploading to App Store Connect:

  • 6.7" screenshots ready (1320 × 2868)
  • 6.5" screenshots ready (1284 × 2778)
  • 5.5" screenshots ready (1242 × 2208)
  • iPad screenshots if applicable
  • All localizations complete
  • File formats correct (PNG/JPEG, no transparency)
  • Content accurately represents current app version

Conclusion

Following Apple's screenshot requirements while implementing design best practices will help your app stand out in the App Store. Focus on showing your app's value clearly and quickly.

Need help creating compliant screenshots? Try AppScreenshots free →

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