App Store Screenshot Guidelines 2026

Why screenshots are your storefront

Your screenshots are the first thing a potential user sees. Before they read your description, before they check your ratings — they scroll through your screenshots. Apple and Google both treat them as primary creative assets, which means getting them right is non-negotiable.

A well-optimized listing uses all 5 screenshot slots to tell a cohesive story — leading with the core value proposition, not your logo or welcome screen.

Apple App Store requirements

Required sizes for iPhone

As of 2026, Apple requires screenshots for the 6.7" display (iPhone 16 Pro Max) and 6.1" display (iPhone 16). You can optionally include iPad and Apple Watch screenshots if your app supports those platforms.

What Apple cares about

• No device bezels in your screenshots unless you are using Apple-approved templates
• No misleading claims or functionality that does not exist in the app
• No pricing information in screenshots (moved to the new pricing tab)
• Text must be legible at thumbnail size — think 50% zoom

Google Play requirements

Required sizes for Android

Google Play is more flexible, but you still need to hit their minimums. Phone screenshots are required; tablet and wear OS are optional based on your app.

What Google cares about

• Screenshots must show actual in-app experience — no hand models or lifestyle shots
• No promotional text overlaying more than 20% of the image
• Localized screenshots are strongly recommended for each market
• You can upload up to 8 screenshots per device type

Best practices that actually convert

1. Lead with the value prop

Your first screenshot should answer "what does this app do?" in under 2 seconds. Not your logo. Not a welcome screen. The core benefit.

2. Tell a story across 5 frames

Think of your screenshots as a comic strip. Frame 1: the problem. Frame 2: the solution. Frames 3–5: features that differentiate you. This narrative structure tends to outperform random feature dumps because it guides the viewer through a logical progression.

3. Use contrast, not decoration

Dark app? Use a light background frame. Light app? Dark frame. The contrast makes your UI pop at thumbnail size. Gradients and decorative shapes are noise — remove them.

4. Localize everything

Translating your screenshots into your top markets is one of the highest-impact optimizations you can make. Many developers see meaningful conversion improvements from localized screenshots. Nuvex supports automatic localization; check whether your chosen tool offers this.

Quick reference checklist