Why App Store Screenshot Sizes Matter
App Store screenshots are the single most influential visual element in your product page. According to Apple's own data, over 70% of visitors decide to download an app based on the screenshot gallery alone — before reading a single line of the description. Getting your screenshot dimensions wrong means rejected submissions, blurry visuals, or wasted screen real estate.
Apple updates their required sizes whenever new hardware launches. This guide covers the exact pixel specifications required for App Store Connect in 2026, including the mandatory and optional display classes.
Required iPhone Screenshot Sizes (2026)
As of 2026, Apple requires screenshots for two mandatory iPhone display classes. If you only submit one set, App Store Connect will attempt to auto-scale them — but this frequently causes blurry or misaligned results.
| Display Class | Portrait (W × H) | Landscape (W × H) | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.9" Super Retina (Required) | 1320 × 2868 px | 2868 × 1320 px | iPhone 16 Pro Max, 15 Pro Max |
| 6.5" Super Retina (Required) | 1284 × 2778 px | 2778 × 1284 px | iPhone 14 Plus, 13 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, 11 Pro Max, XS Max |
| 5.5" Retina HD (Optional) | 1242 × 2208 px | 2208 × 1242 px | iPhone 8 Plus, 7 Plus, 6s Plus |
Design your screenshots at the largest 6.9" dimensions first (1320 × 2868 px). App Store Connect can automatically scale these down to smaller sizes, but scaling up from a smaller size produces poor results. ReinShots Studio includes one-click presets for all display classes.
Required iPad Screenshot Sizes (2026)
If your app supports iPad, you must provide tablet-specific screenshots. These are displayed prominently on the iPad App Store and cannot be auto-generated from iPhone screenshots.
| Display Class | Portrait (W × H) | Landscape (W × H) | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13" Display (Required for iPad apps) | 2064 × 2752 px | 2752 × 2064 px | iPad Pro 13" (M4), iPad Pro 12.9" (M2/M1) |
| 11" Display (Optional) | 1668 × 2388 px | 2388 × 1668 px | iPad Pro 11", iPad Air (M2) |
App Store Screenshot Rules & Limits
Beyond pixel dimensions, Apple enforces several rules about your screenshots:
- Minimum 1 screenshot per localization, maximum 10 screenshots per display class.
- File format: PNG or JPEG only. No transparency layers — Apple rejects screenshots with alpha channels.
- File size: No individual file may exceed 500 MB (practical limit is much lower; aim for under 5 MB per image).
- Aspect ratio: Must match exactly. Even a single pixel off will be rejected by App Store Connect.
- Content guidelines: Screenshots must accurately represent the app. Apple will reject misleading or heavily modified screenshots.
- Text overlays are allowed: You can (and should!) add marketing copy, device bezels, and background graphics to your screenshots.
Apple frequently rejects screenshots that show a status bar with incorrect carrier names, battery levels set to low, or screenshots taken in iOS Simulator with the "Simulator" label visible. Always use clean, professional mockups.
Apple Watch Screenshot Sizes (Optional)
If your app has an Apple Watch companion, you can optionally submit watch screenshots:
| Display | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Ultra 2 (49mm) | 410 × 502 px |
| Series 10 (46mm) | 416 × 496 px |
| Series 9 (45mm) | 396 × 484 px |
| SE (44mm) | 368 × 448 px |
| SE (40mm) | 324 × 394 px |
How to Create Perfect App Store Screenshots
Creating screenshots that look professional and convert visitors into downloads requires more than just taking a raw simulator capture. Here's the recommended workflow:
- Capture raw screenshots from iOS Simulator or a real device at the correct resolution.
- Choose a panoramic background — a continuous gradient or image that flows seamlessly across all your screenshot panels.
- Add a device bezel (phone frame) around your screenshot to add polish and depth.
- Write compelling caption text above or below each device — highlight your app's key features and benefits.
- Export at exact pixel dimensions for each required display class.
- Test your screenshots by viewing them in App Store Connect's preview before submitting for review.
Tools like ReinShots Studio automate steps 2–5, allowing you to go from raw captures to submission-ready assets in under 5 minutes — completely offline in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same screenshots for iPhone and iPad?
No. iPhone and iPad screenshots have completely different aspect ratios. App Store Connect will not accept iPhone-sized images for iPad display classes. You need to create separate screenshot sets for each device type.
How many screenshots should I upload?
Apple allows up to 10 screenshots per localization per display class. Studies show that the first 3 screenshots matter most since they're visible without scrolling. Focus your effort on making the first 3 screenshots as compelling as possible.
What's the best file format for App Store screenshots?
Use PNG for graphics-heavy screenshots with text overlays (sharper text rendering) and JPEG for photo-heavy screenshots (smaller file sizes). Both formats are accepted. Never submit screenshots with transparency/alpha channels.
Do I need to update my screenshots for every iOS release?
Only if Apple introduces a new display class with different pixel dimensions. As of 2026, the 6.9" and 6.5" classes have been stable. However, updating your screenshots regularly with fresh designs and current iOS UI patterns can boost conversion rates.
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