In this edition of ASO news for September 2026, we cover the key changes in App Store and Google Play that affect mobile app optimization strategies. September was packed: Apple announced iPhone Duo — the first foldable iPhone — and opened submissions for iOS 27, Google launched mandatory developer verification in four countries, and Play Store introduced a new generation of subscription tools.
App Store updates
iPhone Duo announced: resources for developers
On September 18, Apple published materials for preparing apps for iPhone Duo — the first foldable iPhone. Available now: Xcode 27.1 beta, design kits for Figma and Sketch, and workshops on optimizing apps for all screen sizes. iPhone Duo launches October 23, 2026, running iOS 27.1. Apps optimized for iPhone Duo by launch day traditionally get priority in featuring.
iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, and other OS betas released
On September 16, betas of iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, and watchOS 27.2 became available. Note: when iPhone Duo ships on October 23, it will run iOS 27.1, not iOS 27.2.
New subscription capabilities for iOS 27
Bundles and Suites: multiple subscriptions can now be combined into a single purchase — within one app, across apps from the same developer, or even different developers. Multiseat purchasing: organizations can buy subscriptions in bulk. Volume Purchasing launches October 22; Group Purchases launch this winter.
App Tracking Transparency updates in the EU
From iOS 27.2, developers in the EU can use an alternative ATT system prompt. Only the alternative version is available for apps distributed in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Romania.
Get ready for iPhone Duo — September 9
On September 9, Apple published developer materials: videos, Group Labs, and Q&As on Apple Developer Forums on preparing apps for iPhone Duo.
App Store submissions open for iOS 27
On September 9, Apple opened submissions for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27. Answer age rating questions and prepare new App Store assets. From April 2027, all apps must be built with the iOS 27 SDK.
Rosetta deprecation: what changes with macOS 27
macOS 27 is the last version to support Rosetta. Intel-only apps will no longer run on Apple silicon Macs after updating to macOS 27. Developers need to add Apple silicon support and distribute as a universal binary.
Google Play updates
The next era of subscriptions in Google Play
New personalized offer formats, cohort analytics in Play Console, Billing Library 8.0, and retention/win-back tools directly from Play Console. Subscription monetization on Android is becoming more flexible.
In-app agentic workflows for Android
New APIs for building AI agents inside Android apps using Gemini Nano. Apps with on-device AI agents get an additional quality signal and better chances of featuring in Play Store.
Android Studio: support for any AI agent
An open protocol for connecting Claude Code, Codex, Gemini, or any other AI agent to Android Studio through a single interface.
Games for Android Auto and Android Automotive
A new games category in Play Store — early entry into a niche with low competition.
Android Bench 2.0
Updated LLM benchmark for Android development with more challenging long-horizon tasks.
ADB Wi-Fi 2.0
Next-gen wireless debugging: more reliable connection and support for multiple devices simultaneously.
Android developer verification now in effect in four countries
On September 30, mandatory verification took effect in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Check registration status on the Play Console home page.
64-bit requirement for Wear OS — from September 15
Google Play blocks upload of non-compliant Wear OS apps with native code in Play Console.
Upcoming deadlines
October 22 — Volume Purchasing launches in App Store.
October 23 — iPhone Duo launches with iOS 27.1.
April 2027 — mandatory build with iOS 27 SDK for all apps in App Store Connect.
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