App Store Screenshot Guidelines: iOS Requirements & Best Practices

Getting your iOS app screenshots right is critical for App Store success. This guide covers Apple's App Store screenshot guidelines and requirements — plus the design best practices that convert.

Apple's Official Screenshot Requirements

File Specifications

Required Device Sizes

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

Required:

• 6.9" Display: 1290 × 2796 px (iPhone 16/17 Pro Max — current large display group)
• 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

Related App Store Images & Metadata

Screenshots are the biggest visual asset in your listing, but the same submission screen controls several other images and text limits worth getting right.

App Store Image Sizes Beyond Screenshots

App Store Preview Video Dimensions

An app preview is optional but powerful. Its dimensions must match the screenshots' display class for the same device — for example, a portrait iPhone 6.9" preview is 1290 × 2796 px, the same as the screenshots. Apple accepts M4V, MP4, and MOV up to 30 seconds per preview, and the poster frame you choose appears wherever the video hasn't loaded yet. Check the current App Store Connect specifications before encoding.

App Store Metadata Limits

The text around your screenshots has hard character limits in App Store Connect:

The App Store subtitle character limit (30 characters) makes it the natural place for a secondary keyword — write it after your screenshots' headline so the two don't repeat.

The Official "Download on the App Store" Badge

If you need the official "Download on the App Store" image for your website or ads, don't screenshot the store — download the badge from Apple's marketing guidelines and resources. Apple's rules are strict: use the artwork unmodified (no recoloring, no translation of the badge itself), keep the minimum clear space around it, and never use it to promote anything other than your own app's App Store listing.

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:

• 6.9" screenshots ready (1290 × 2796)
• 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 →