iOS 18 Release Readiness Checklist
iOS 18 introduced significant changes to the privacy manifest system, RoomPlan API updates, Swift concurrency enforcement, and new App Store review guidelines. This checklist covers every item your QA and release team needs to validate before submitting to App Store review.
Privacy and permissions
iOS 18 tightens privacy manifest enforcement. Apps using required reason APIs (NSFileManagerRecentDocumentsKey, UserDefaults, NSKeyedArchiver and related) without a valid declared reason in the PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy file will be rejected at review.
- PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy present and complete for all required reason APIs
- All NSPrivacyAccessedAPIs entries include at least one valid NSPrivacyAccessedAPITypeReasons value
- Third-party SDK privacy manifests are merged (use 'xcodebuild -create-xcframework' audit)
- Location permission request string accurately describes use case
- Photo library access uses limited photo library picker where full access is not required
- Tracking (ATT) prompt, if present, fires after onboarding, not on first launch
UI and accessibility
iOS 18 introduced Dynamic Type size 'AX5', a new accessibility text size larger than 'AX4'. Apps must not overflow or truncate at AX5 without scroll.
- App renders correctly at Dynamic Type size AX5 (largest accessibility size)
- All interactive elements meet 44×44pt minimum tap target (iOS HIG requirement)
- Focus order is correct in VoiceOver for all new screens
- New Swift Charts or MapKit views include accessibility descriptions
- Dark mode and light mode tested on all new screens
App Store submission
App Store Connect requirements changed in iOS 18 cycle.
- Export Compliance declarations up to date (if app uses encryption)
- Age rating review complete for any new content categories
- All screenshot sizes submitted for iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9" display)
- iPad screenshots updated if app supports iPad
- App Privacy nutrition labels updated for any new data collection
Frequently asked questions
Apple began enforcing iOS 18 SDK requirements for new app submissions in April 2025. Apps that were previously in the store had a grace period until August 2025. All new submissions and updates must now comply.
Yes. Our iOS Release Readiness service runs this 100-point checklist against your build on a physical iOS 18 device lab. We return a prioritised defect report within 5 business days. Contact us for scope and pricing.
Need more detail?
Our team can provide vertical-specific data, custom analysis, or a live walkthrough of any resource on this page.