As the official launch of iOS 18 approaches, Apple is inviting developers to submit their new apps or updates optimized for the upcoming versions of its platforms. This also includes iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia, all of which are arriving next week.
Updates for iOS 18 / iPadOS 18
Following its special iPhone 16 event on Monday, Apple has rolled out Release Candidate (RC) builds of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, and macOS Sequoia to developers and beta testers. These builds are expected to be released to the general public next week, assuming no major issues are found by then.
On a New Apple Developer Portal Pagethe American company encourages developers to submit their new applications or updates, ensuring that they “exploit the latest capabilities of Apple platforms”.
For example, iOS 18 introduces several new APIs, such as those supporting Apple Intelligence tools, Control Center and Lock Screen shortcuts (to toggle the flashlight and camera), and dark icons for the Home screen. For watchOS 11 apps, developers can use the new API for Double Tap or integrate Live Activities.
Apple has confirmed that iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, and macOS Sequoia will be available to the public on Monday, September 16, on compatible devices.
Developers must download Xcode 16 RC from the Apple Developer site to submit iOS 18-ready apps to the App Store. Remember that Apple typically holds back app updates until the new version of iOS is officially released.