App Store Screenshot Sizes & Dimensions Guide (2026)

# App Store Screenshot Sizes: The Complete 2026 Guide for iOS Developers

An App Store screenshot shows off your iOS app's interface and key features. It's what users see on your product listing. These images matter—a lot. Studies show screenshots influence up to 60% of install decisions.

Getting your dimensions right isn't just about meeting Apple's rules. It's about making your app look great on every device. That includes the newest iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPad Pro.

This guide covers every screenshot size you'll need in 2026. We've included the newest devices like iPhone Air and iPad Pro M5. You'll also find Apple's guidelines, design tips, and practical advice.

Why App Store Screenshots Matter

Your screenshots show up in two key places:

• Search results — right next to your app name
• Product page — where users decide to download

In search, they give users an instant first impression. That's why getting them right is so important.

Here's what you need to know:

• First impressions count: Users decide to download within 3-7 seconds
• Visual storytelling: Screenshots show your app's value faster than text
• Conversion boost: Good screenshots can increase downloads by 25-35%
• ASO factor: Apple uses them when ranking your app

The good news? You don't need a design team. With the right sizes and a few best practices, you can create professional visuals yourself.

Required App Store Screenshot Sizes (2026)

Apple needs specific sizes based on your target devices. Most apps must submit two sizes:

• 6.9" iPhone screenshots (for modern iPhones)
• 13" iPad screenshots (for iPads)

Apple auto-scales these for smaller devices. You don't need to upload every size. But you can if you want pixel-perfect control.

iPhone Screenshot Sizes

Here are all accepted iPhone dimensions:

Pro tip: Just upload the 6.9" size for most apps. Apple handles scaling automatically.

iPad Screenshot Sizes

If your app runs on iPad, you'll need iPad-specific screenshots:

Mac Screenshot Sizes

Mac apps need a 16:10 aspect ratio:

When capturing Mac app screenshots, show the actual macOS interface. Include window chrome and menu bars where it makes sense.

Apple Watch Screenshot Sizes

Important: Use the same size across all languages for your Watch app.

Apple TV and Vision Pro

Apple's Screenshot Guidelines & Requirements

Beyond sizes, Apple has strict rules about content. Follow these to get approved.

File Format Requirements

• Formats: PNG or JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg)
• Color space: RGB only (no CMYK)
• Transparency: Not allowed—flatten your images
• Max file size: 10MB per screenshot
• Max screenshots: 10 per language

Content Rules

Your screenshots must:

1. Show real app content — Only screens from your actual app
2. No hands holding phones — Device mockups are fine, hands aren't
3. Be accurate — Don't show features that aren't in the current version
4. Be honest — Screenshots must match the real user experience

Check Apple's official specs for full details. Misleading screenshots get rejected.

How to Create App Store Screenshots on Mac

You don't need fancy software to create pro-looking screenshots. Here's a simple workflow:

Step 1: Capture Your Screenshots

For iOS apps, use Xcode's Simulator:

1. Open your app in iOS Simulator
2. Pick the target device (like iPhone 15 Pro Max)
3. Press ⌘ + S to save a screenshot
4. It saves to your Desktop

For Mac apps, use built-in Mac screenshot shortcuts:

• ⌘ + Shift + 3 — Capture full screen
• ⌘ + Shift + 4 — Capture a selection
• ⌘ + Shift + 4 then Space — Capture a window

Step 2: Add Polish and Context

Raw screenshots often need work. Consider adding:

• Backgrounds — Colors or gradients that pop
• Captions — Short headlines for key features
• Device frames — Optional, but looks polished
• Annotations — Arrows or callouts for specific features

ScreenSnap Pro makes this quick. You can add backgrounds and annotate in seconds—no Photoshop needed.

Step 3: Export at Correct Dimensions

Double-check your final images match Apple's exact pixels. Common mistakes:

• Wrong dimensions by a few pixels
• Using CMYK instead of RGB
• Leaving transparency in PNG files

Step 4: Upload to App Store Connect

In App Store Connect:

1. Go to your app → App Store → Screenshots
2. Pick the device size
3. Drag and drop in order
4. Put your best screenshot first—it shows in search results

Screenshot Design Best Practices

Here's how to make screenshots that actually get downloads:

1. Lead with Your Best Feature

Your first screenshot shows up in search results. Make it count. Show your app's most compelling feature.

2. Use Clear, Benefit-Focused Captions

Focus on benefits, not features:

• ❌ "Cloud sync feature"
• ✅ "Access your files anywhere"

Keep captions short. Users skim fast. Aim for 3-5 words max.

3. Tell a Visual Story

Order your screenshots to flow naturally:

1. Hook them with your main value
2. Show key features in action
3. Prove it's easy to use
4. End with a bonus benefit

4. Stay Consistent

Use the same colors, fonts, and layouts across all screenshots. This looks professional and builds trust.

5. Design for Scrolling

Users scroll sideways through screenshots. Try creating "connected" images that flow into each other.

6. Localize for Different Markets

You can upload different screenshots for each language. For international markets, consider:

• Translating caption text
• Using local imagery
• Highlighting locally relevant features

This can really boost downloads abroad.

Tools for Creating App Store Screenshots

You don't need to be a designer. Here are your options:

For Mac App Developers

Building a Mac app? Screenshot tools like ScreenSnap Pro speed things up:

1. Capture your app window with one shortcut
2. Add a pro background with one click
3. Add annotations to highlight features
4. Export at exact App Store dimensions

You can go from capture to App Store-ready in minutes.

For iOS App Developers

• Simulator + Design Tool — Capture from Xcode, polish in Figma or Sketch
• Screenshot generators — AppLaunchpad or Previewed make mockups auto
• Manual — Screenshot from device, edit in any image app

Quick Reference: Minimum Required Screenshots

App Preview Video Sizes

Apple also lets you upload app preview videos. These autoplay on your listing and can boost conversions.

Video Requirements

• Length: 15-30 seconds
• Max file size: 500MB
• Format: H.264 or ProRes 422 (HQ only)
• File types: .mov, .m4v, .mp4
• Resolution: Must match screenshot sizes for that device

Video Dimensions

Use the same pixels as your screenshots:

Video Content Rules

Like screenshots, videos must show real app footage:

• ✅ Actual screen recordings
• ✅ Simple text explaining features
• ✅ Natural taps and scrolling
• ❌ Actors or lifestyle shots
• ❌ Marketing slogans
• ❌ Features that don't exist

You can upload up to 3 preview videos per language. Portrait videos replace your first screenshot. Landscape videos show in search.

Pro tip: If you need to record a GIF demo of your Mac app, that workflow helps with video previews too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common screenshot problems—and how to fix them:

Technical Errors

• Wrong resolution — Even 1 pixel off causes upload errors
• Wrong aspect ratio — Don't stretch or crop wrong
• Transparency in PNG — Must be flattened
• CMYK color — Convert to RGB first

Content Mistakes

• Old UI — Screenshots showing an outdated version
• Overpromising — Showing features that don't exist
• Too much text — Walls of words users won't read
• Poor contrast — Text that's hard to read

Strategy Errors

• Burying the lead — Not showing your best feature first
• Being generic — Not standing out from competitors
• Same screenshots everywhere — English-only for all markets
• Forgetting iPad — Missing required iPad shots

How to Fix Common Issues

Getting rejected? Try this:

1. Upload errors — Check pixels exactly (even 1 off fails)
2. Content rejection — Remove anything that's not from your app
3. Quality issues — Make sure text is readable, images aren't blurry
4. Missing screenshots — Verify you have all required sizes

When in doubt, start fresh. Capture new screenshots from Simulator at the right size. This avoids scaling problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should App Store screenshots be?

The main required sizes are 1290 × 2796 pixels for iPhone (6.9" display) and 2048 × 2732 pixels for iPad (13" display). Apple scales these for smaller devices. For specific devices, upload those exact pixel sizes.

How many screenshots can you upload to the App Store?

Up to 10 per language for each device type. You don't need all 10. But more screenshots mean more chances to show off features and win downloads.

What format do App Store screenshots need to be?

PNG or JPEG, RGB color, no transparency. Max 10MB per image. Apple doesn't accept WebP or GIF for static screenshots.

Do I need different screenshots for every iPhone model?

Nope. Apple scales your screenshots to fit different screen sizes. Upload for 6.9" and it'll work on most modern iPhones. You can add device-specific shots if you want perfect pixels.

How do I make my app screenshots stand out?

Use benefit-focused captions (not feature lists). Keep branding consistent. Lead with your best feature. Add annotations to highlight key points. Create a visual story that flows across your screenshot set.

Conclusion

Getting your App Store screenshot sizes right is step one toward a great listing. This guide covers all the 2026 requirements for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices.

Here's what to remember:

• 6.9" iPhone and 13" iPad are your required baselines
• Apple scales automatically for smaller devices
• Follow content rules strictly to avoid rejection
• Design for the scroll—first screenshot matters most
• Localize for international markets when you can

Building a Mac app? ScreenSnap Pro streamlines your whole workflow. Capture, annotate, and export at exact App Store sizes—all without design software.

You've got all the dimensions, guidelines, and tips. Now go create screenshots that show off your app at its best.