iOS vs Google Play Screenshot Guidelines: Complete 2026 Comparison
Think Apple’s App Store and Google Play have the same screenshot rules? Think again. This side-by-side 2026 guide covers sizes, layouts, text, device frames, localization, and compliance tips.
Whether you’re an indie developer or app marketer, knowing the differences between Apple and Google Play screenshot requirements can save you from rejections and boost conversions. Let’s break down the latest 2026 guidelines and best practices.
Why Guidelines Matter
- Avoiding rejection: Wrong sizes or misleading content can delay your release.
- Boosting conversion: Proper sizes and clear visuals ensure your screenshots look sharp on every device.
- Staying current: New devices mean new requirements; this guide covers the latest 2026 specs.
Apple App Store Screenshot Requirements (2026)
- Dimensions: Apple requires exact pixel sizes per device. The main size is 6.7-inch iPhone (1290 × 2796 px), with 5.5-inch (1242 × 2208 px) still common for legacy coverage.
- Quantity: Up to 10 screenshots per device type. The first three are most important in search views.
- Orientation: Portrait is the norm unless your app is landscape-only.
- Content rules: Screenshots must show real app UI, not just marketing banners.
- Device frames: Allowed if they’re official Apple devices and the UI is genuine.
- File format: PNG or JPEG, with no transparency and sRGB color profile.
Need a checklist for sizes and device coverage? Use our store size requirements tool to validate your exports quickly.
Google Play Screenshot Requirements (2026)
- Dimensions: Minimum 1080 px on the short side, long side up to 3840 px. Aspect ratios must be between 16:9 and 9:16.
- Quantity: 2–8 phone screenshots required. Tablets and other devices need their own sets if supported.
- Wear OS & TV: Square Wear screenshots (1:1) and 16:9 TV screenshots are required if applicable.
- Content rules: Must reflect real app UI; no misleading or unrelated imagery.
- File format: PNG or JPEG only, no alpha transparency, max 8MB per image.
iOS vs. Android: Key Differences at a Glance
| Category | Apple App Store | Google Play |
|---|---|---|
| Max screenshots | 10 per device type | 8 for phones |
| Sizing | Exact pixel sizes | Minimums + aspect ratio range |
| Orientation norm | Portrait preferred | Portrait common, landscape flexible |
| Device frames | Allowed with official Apple frames | Allowed, but avoid iPhone frames |
Do’s and Don’ts (Quick Checklist)
Apple App Store
- Do show real iOS UI and keep text readable.
- Do keep orientation consistent for the set.
- Don’t use Android devices or off-platform status bars.
- Don’t rely on marketing banners without UI.
Google Play
- Do keep aspect ratios within 16:9–9:16.
- Do highlight features with short, readable copy.
- Don’t use iPhone frames or iOS UI elements.
- Don’t exceed 8MB or use transparent PNGs.
Tools & Tips to Ensure Compliance
- Screenshot validators: Use free checkers to validate dimensions and file formats before upload.
- Fastlane snapshot: Automate screenshot capture for all device sizes.
- Design templates: Use prebuilt frames and guides in Figma or a dedicated screenshot builder.
- Localization support: Consider localized sets. Pair this with our mobile app localization guide to scale globally.
Conclusion & CTA
Apple’s guidelines are precise and device-specific, while Google Play is more flexible but still strict on aspect ratio and authenticity. Use this comparison as your checklist, then build screenshot sets that convert. For design strategy, revisit our complete screenshot guide or explore broader optimization in the ASO 2026 guide.
Want a faster way to stay compliant? Try AppLaunchFlow’s screenshot generator to auto-format screenshots for iOS and Google Play with compliance checks built in.
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