Summarize this article with:
Upload the wrong app store screenshot sizes and Apple rejects your app instantly.
No warnings. No second chances during the initial review.
Every iPhone and iPad requires specific pixel dimensions that changed multiple times since 2020. The 6.7-inch iPhone display needs 1290 x 2796 pixels, while iPad Pro demands 2048 x 2732 pixels for the same portrait orientation.
This guide covers exact screenshot dimensions for every iOS device Apple currently accepts in App Store Connect.
You’ll learn required file formats, quantity limits, safe zones around the Dynamic Island, and which device sizes you can skip. Plus tools that generate screenshots automatically across all specifications without manual resizing.
| Device Category | Display Size | Resolution (Portrait) | Submission Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone (Current Standard) | 6.9 inches | 1320 × 2868 px | Required (2025) |
| iPhone (Previous Standard) | 6.7 inches | 1290 × 2796 px | Legacy (2024) |
| iPhone (Alternative) | 6.5 inches | 1242 × 2688 px | Optional Fallback |
| iPhone (Older Standard) | 5.5 inches | 1242 × 2208 px | Auto-Scaled |
| iPad (Current Standard) | 13 inches | 2064 × 2752 px | Required (2025) |
| iPad (Previous Standard) | 12.9 inches | 2048 × 2732 px | Legacy (Pre-2025) |
| Note: As of September 2024, Apple requires only one iPhone size (6.9″ or 6.5″) and one iPad size (13″). Other display sizes are automatically scaled. Maximum 10 screenshots per localized listing. | |||
iPhone Screenshot Dimensions by Display Size
Apple simplified screenshot requirements in September 2024.
Upload one iPhone size and Apple auto-scales for all other devices.
6.9-Inch Display Screenshots (Recommended)
Dimensions: 1320 x 2868 pixels (portrait) or 2868 x 1320 pixels (landscape).
This size covers iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple’s preferred format for 2024 submissions.
6.5-Inch Display Screenshots (Alternative)
Dimensions: 1242 x 2688 pixels (portrait) or 2688 x 1242 pixels (landscape).
Still accepted for apps not yet updated to 6.9-inch dimensions. Covers iPhone 11 Pro Max, XS Max, 14 Plus.
Choose either 6.9-inch or 6.5-inch, not both. App Store Connect scales your screenshots automatically to match iPhone 6.7-inch, 6.1-inch, 5.5-inch, and smaller displays.
iPad Screenshot Requirements
Upload screenshots for 13-inch iPad only.
Apple handles scaling for all other iPad sizes automatically.
13-Inch iPad Pro Screenshots
Dimensions: 2064 x 2752 pixels (portrait) or 2752 x 2064 pixels (landscape).
This single size replaces the previous 12.9-inch and 11-inch requirements. Works across iPad Pro, iPad Air, and standard iPad models through automatic scaling.
No need to create separate screenshots for different iPad generations or screen sizes.
File Specifications
Accepted File Formats
PNG format and JPEG both work for App Store screenshots.
PNG maintains better quality for interface elements with sharp edges, text, and icons. JPEG compresses better for photo-heavy screenshots but introduces artifacts around text.
Use RGB color space (sRGB specifically) for all screenshot files. CMYK color profiles cause upload failures in App Store Connect.
File Size Limits
Apple caps individual screenshot files at 500 MB.
Real-world file sizes rarely exceed 5 MB per screenshot when properly optimized. PNG screenshots at required dimensions typically range from 200 KB to 2 MB depending on visual complexity.
Reduce file size by flattening layers in design tools before export.
Screenshot Quantity Rules
App Store Connect requires between 1-10 screenshots per device type and localization.
Minimum required: 1 screenshot.
Maximum allowed: 10 screenshots per localization.
Optimal number: 3-5 screenshots that show core features work best for conversion. Users rarely swipe past the third image when browsing.
App Store Connect Upload Process
Log into App Store Connect and navigate to your app’s version page under My Apps.
Select the Media Manager section where device types appear as separate upload areas.
Screenshot Sets by Device Type
Click each device category to upload corresponding screenshot files.
Required sets:
- iPhone 6.7-inch display (mandatory for all iPhone apps)
- iPad 12.9-inch or 11-inch display (mandatory for iPad apps)
Optional sets:
- Additional iPhone display sizes
- Apple Watch screenshots (if applicable)
App Store Connect automatically previews how screenshots appear in search results and product pages after upload. The first screenshot becomes your primary marketing image in search results.
Localization Setup
Upload separate screenshot sets for each supported language under the App Store Localization section.
Create localized screenshots when your app targets markets where English isn’t primary. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and European markets show higher conversion rates with native language screenshots.
Priority markets for localization: United States, China, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, South Korea.
Skip localization if your custom app development project targets a single region or uses minimal text in screenshots.
Design Best Practices
Safe Zone Considerations
Keep critical content 120 pixels from screen edges to avoid status bar coverage and home indicator overlap.
The Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and newer cuts into the top center, blocking roughly 160 x 40 pixels. Text or key features placed there become invisible.
Bottom home indicator requires 34 pixels of clearance in portrait orientation.
Visual Hierarchy
Place your app’s strongest feature in the first screenshot since 70% of users never scroll past it.
Text readability at thumbnail size determines whether users tap to see more. Font sizes below 28pt become illegible in App Store search results.
Limit text overlays to 6-8 words per screenshot. More text reduces conversion rates.
Common Rejection Reasons
Why Apple Rejects Screenshots
Wrong pixel dimensions for the required size trigger automatic rejection.
Upload 1320 x 2868 pixels for iPhone (6.9-inch) or 1242 x 2688 pixels (6.5-inch alternative). Upload 2064 x 2752 pixels for iPad (13-inch). Other sizes cause upload errors in App Store Connect.
Screenshots showing features not in your app binary violate guideline 2.3.1. Apple compares your marketing images to actual app functionality during software validation.
Pixelated images from upscaling smaller screenshots fail quality standards. Always create at required resolution, never resize up.
Text smaller than 12pt in rendered output causes readability rejections. The status bar and home indicator areas must remain clear of critical content.
Misleading screenshots that don’t represent actual user experience get flagged. Show real app screens, not concept mockups.
Tools For Creating App Store Screenshots
| Tool Name | Primary Functionality | Platform Support | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppScreens | Browser-based screenshot mockup generator with device frame templates | iOS, Android web interface | Fast web-based workflow without software installation |
| Fastlane (Frameit + Snapshot) | Command-line automation suite for automated screenshot capture and device framing | iOS, Android via CLI | Full automation of screenshot generation across multiple devices and localizations |
| LaunchMatic | Desktop application for creating App Store marketing assets with template library | iOS focused, macOS app | Pre-built marketing templates optimized for App Store conversion |
| Previewed | Professional mockup creation platform with animated screenshot capabilities | iOS, Android, web, desktop mockups | High-fidelity 3D device mockups with animation and video support |
| DaVinci Apps | AI-powered screenshot design tool with smart background generation | iOS, Android web platform | AI-generated backgrounds and text overlay optimization for conversion |
| Shotbot | Screenshot beautification service with device frame wrapping and background customization | iOS, Android via web | Batch processing with gradient and color background presets |
| Hotpot | Freemium graphic design tool with App Store screenshot templates and AI features | iOS, Android web-based | Free tier with AI-assisted design and template customization |
| AppMockUp | Dedicated screenshot mockup generator with device frame library and annotation tools | iOS, Android web tool | Simple drag-and-drop interface focused solely on app store screenshots |
| Rotato | 3D animated mockup video creator with realistic device rendering and motion graphics | iOS, Android macOS app | 3D video animations with screen recording integration for app previews |
| Figma (with templates) | Professional design platform with community-created App Store mockup templates and components | iOS, Android web and desktop | Full design flexibility with collaborative editing and extensive template library |
Figma dominates screenshot creation with device frame templates and auto-layout features.
Sketch App offers iOS-specific artboard presets at correct pixel dimensions. Built-in export settings match App Store specifications without manual calculations.
Adobe Photoshop works but requires manual setup for each device size. Download Apple’s official device templates from their design resources page.
Automation and Batch Processing
Fastlane’s snapshot tool generates localized screenshots automatically during continuous integration workflows.
Run fastlane snapshot after writing UI tests to capture screens in all required languages and device sizes. Saves 4-6 hours per release compared to manual screenshot creation.
Screenshot generators like AppLaunchpad and Previewed create device mockups from your raw screenshots. Upload a 1290 x 2796 pixel base image, select frame styles, and export marketing-ready visuals.
Template systems in Figma or Sketch let you update screenshots across all device sizes simultaneously. Change one master screen, and variants update automatically.
Localization Strategy
Screenshot Localization for Different Markets
App Store displays localized screenshots when available, English versions when not.
Conversion rate improvements from localization range from 15-40% in non-English markets. Japanese users particularly expect native language screenshots.
Text-heavy screenshots require full translation. Interface screenshots showing mostly visual elements work across markets with minimal changes.
Priority localization sequence: Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, German, French, Korean, Spanish.
Create localized versions during mobile app development process planning, not as an afterthought. Translation services need 3-5 business days per language set.
Update and Maintenance
When to Update Your App Store Screenshots
Update screenshots whenever UI changes affect what users see after app deployment.
Major feature releases require new screenshots showing added functionality. Apple’s review team checks if screenshots match current app version.
Seasonal campaigns let you refresh first 2-3 screenshots while keeping others static. Swap back to standard screenshots when promotions end.
Screenshot Review Timeline
Apple reviews screenshot updates within 24-48 hours for existing apps.
Expedited review (available 1-2 times yearly) reduces wait to 2-4 hours. Reserve this for critical fixes or time-sensitive campaigns.
Screenshot-only updates process faster than binary updates. Change metadata without submitting new app builds to skip regression testing delays.
Resubmission after rejection typically gets reviewed within 24 hours if you fix the exact issue noted.
Quick Reference
App Store Screenshot Size Chart (September 2024 Requirements)
| Device Type | Portrait | Landscape | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6.9″ | 1320 x 2868 | 2868 x 1320 | Recommended (auto-scales to all iPhones) |
| iPhone 6.5″ | 1242 x 2688 | 2688 x 1242 | Alternative (auto-scales to all iPhones) |
| iPad 13″ | 2064 x 2752 | 2752 x 2064 | Required (auto-scales to all iPads) |
Simplified requirements as of September 2024:
- Upload ONE iPhone size (6.9″ preferred, 6.5″ acceptable)
- Upload ONE iPad size (13″)
- Apple automatically scales for other devices
- No need for multiple device-specific screenshots
File formats: PNG or JPEG
Color space: sRGB (RGB)
Max file size: 500 MB per screenshot
Quantity: 1-10 screenshots per localized listing
Auto-scaling: Screenshots automatically adapt to iPhone 6.7″, 6.1″, 5.5″ and all iPad sizes
Official documentation: Apple Developer – App Store Connect Help
This simplification reduced screenshot creation time by 60-70% for developers maintaining multiple device variants. Create one set at the correct dimensions, and Apple’s system handles the rest during app deployment.
FAQ on App Store Screenshot Sizes
What are the required screenshot dimensions for iPhone apps?
Apple requires one iPhone size: 1320 x 2868 pixels for 6.9-inch displays (iPhone 16 Pro Max, 15 Pro Max).
Alternative: 1242 x 2688 pixels for 6.5-inch. Apple auto-scales your screenshots to all other iPhone sizes automatically. No need for multiple device-specific sets.
Do I need separate screenshots for iPad apps?
Yes, but only one iPad size now.
Upload 2064 x 2752 pixels for 13-inch iPad (portrait). Apple automatically scales this to all other iPad models including Pro, Air, and standard iPads. Simplified from previous 12.9″ and 11″ requirements.
Can I use JPEG instead of PNG format?
Both PNG format and JPEG work for App Store submissions.
PNG maintains sharper quality for text and interface elements. JPEG compresses better for photo-heavy screenshots but adds artifacts around text. Always use sRGB color space regardless of format choice.
How many screenshots does Apple require?
Minimum 1 screenshot, maximum 10 per localized listing.
Most apps upload 3-5 screenshots showing core features. Users rarely swipe past the third image when browsing. The first screenshot appears in search results and drives initial conversion.
What happens if I upload wrong dimensions?
App Store Connect rejects uploads that don’t match required dimensions.
iPhone needs 1320 x 2868 px (6.9″) or 1242 x 2688 px (6.5″). iPad needs 2064 x 2752 px (13″). Wrong sizes trigger upload errors before reaching human review. Fix and resubmit.
Do I need localized screenshots for different countries?
Not required but highly recommended for non-English markets.
Conversion rates improve 15-40% with localized screenshots in Japanese, Chinese, German, French, and Korean markets. App Store displays English versions when localized screenshots aren’t available for specific regions.
What’s the safe zone for screenshot text?
Keep critical content 120 pixels from edges, 160 pixels from top center.
The Dynamic Island blocks top center area on iPhone 14 Pro and newer models. Bottom home indicator needs 34 pixels clearance in portrait orientation. Text smaller than 28pt becomes illegible at thumbnail size.
Can I update screenshots without submitting a new app version?
Yes. Screenshot updates process independently from app binary updates.
Changes review within 24-48 hours for existing apps. Screenshot-only metadata updates skip technical documentation requirements and don’t require semantic versioning changes or new build submissions.
Which design tools work best for creating App Store screenshots?
Figma and Sketch offer device mockup templates at correct pixel dimensions.
Adobe Photoshop works but requires manual setup. Fastlane’s snapshot tool automates screenshot generation during deployment pipeline workflows. Templates updated for September 2024 requirements now only need one iPhone and one iPad size.
Do screenshots need to match the actual app interface exactly?
Yes. Apple rejects screenshots showing features not in the submitted app binary.
Your marketing screenshots must accurately represent current app functionality per guideline 2.3.1. Showing upcoming features, placeholder content, or capabilities not present triggers rejection. Screenshots go through QA engineer verification during review.
Conclusion
Getting app store screenshot sizes right the first time prevents rejection delays that can postpone your launch by days or weeks.
Focus your effort on the first three screenshots since most users never scroll past them. Text readability at thumbnail size matters more than elaborate designs that look impressive at full resolution.
Screenshot optimization directly impacts conversion rates once your app appears in search results. Markets like Japan and China expect localized screenshots with native language text, not just English versions with translation overlays.
Set up wireframing templates at correct pixel dimensions during your initial front-end development phase. This prevents last-minute scrambling when App Store Connect upload deadlines approach.
Automate screenshot generation through tools like Fastlane to maintain consistency across device sizes and app updates.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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