Apple Opens App Submissions for OS 27 Platforms, macOS Officially Drops Intel Support

Apple has announced the opening of App Store submission channels for its latest operating systems, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. This update not only introduces new technology support but also marks Apple's definitive farewell to the Intel architecture era.

App Submissions Now Open Across Six Platforms

Apple has simultaneously opened app submissions across six platforms: iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27. Developers can now build apps using Xcode 27 Release Candidate, take advantage of the latest technologies such as Apple Intelligence and the Foundation Models framework, and submit to App Store review after testing via TestFlight.

This update brings developers new technical capabilities and design updates, along with new App Store features. Apple is encouraging developers to adopt the new systems early so they can deliver the best possible experience to users worldwide when the final releases launch.

macOS 27 Officially Ends Intel Architecture Support

The most significant change is that macOS 27 will be the first version to support Apple Silicon exclusively. Apple has made it clear that macOS 26 is the last version to support Intel Macs and the Rosetta translation layer. Starting with macOS 27, all Mac apps will run natively on Apple Silicon chips.

For developers, this change is both a challenge and an opportunity. Apple recommends setting the Xcode build architecture to arm64 only, then rebuilding and resubmitting apps. Dropping Intel support simplifies the development workflow, allowing developers to focus on optimizing performance for Apple Silicon and fully leveraging the hardware capabilities of the M-series chips.

This decision comes nearly seven years after Apple announced its transition from Intel to custom silicon in 2020, marking the formal completion of the architectural transformation across the Apple ecosystem.

Parental Controls Significantly Enhanced

Apple has introduced a new Time Allowances feature, giving parents a more flexible way to manage how much time children spend in apps across categories including entertainment, gaming, and social media.

If your app includes social media functionality, you are now required to declare this in App Store Connect. This requirement reflects Apple's ongoing commitment to the digital wellbeing of young users. Developers must answer the relevant questions accurately in the age rating questionnaire to ensure their apps comply with parental control policies.

App Store Product Page Display Upgrades

Apple has introduced new product page hero images and search result asset formats for the App Store. Developers can use Apple's design guidelines and templates to create more compelling product page hero images, search result assets, screenshots, app preview videos, and in-app event materials.

A product page preview tool is coming soon to App Store Connect, allowing developers to see exactly how their pages will appear in the App Store before publishing. This helps optimize visual design and improve both first impressions and download conversion rates.

Minimum SDK Version Requirements Enforced

Starting April 2027, all apps uploaded to App Store Connect must meet minimum SDK version requirements:

• iOS and iPadOS apps: Must be built with the iOS 27 & iPadOS 27 SDK or later
• tvOS apps: Must be built with the tvOS 27 SDK or later
• visionOS apps: Must be built with the visionOS 27 SDK or later
• watchOS apps: Must be built with the watchOS 27 SDK or later

This policy gives developers approximately three months to transition. It's recommended to plan your migration early to avoid disrupting your app update cadence. Building with the latest SDK not only ensures compatibility but also provides access to the latest security features and performance improvements.

Developer Action Recommendations

Now is the ideal time for developers to begin the migration process:

1. Download Xcode 27 RC: Check your app's compatibility on the new systems and identify potential issues.
2. Evaluate Intel architecture support: If your macOS app still supports Intel, decide whether to continue maintaining that support or transition to an Apple Silicon-only build.
3. Review social feature declarations: Make sure any social media functionality in your app is correctly declared in App Store Connect to avoid rejection during review.
4. Optimize your App Store presence: Use the new design resources and preview tools to enhance your product page and strengthen your app's market competitiveness.

This system update is not just a technical upgrade — it's a pivotal moment in Apple's ecosystem strategy. Developers need to keep pace with platform evolution and complete their migrations in a timely manner.