App Store vs Google Play Screenshot Requirements 2026: Full Comparison
Launching on both iOS and Android? Apple and Google have very different screenshot requirements. This guide compares everything — sizes, formats, minimum counts, aspect ratios, and design rules — so you can nail both store listings without guesswork.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 🍎 Apple App Store | 🤖 Google Play |
|---|---|---|
| Required sizes | 2 (6.7" + 5.5" iPhone, or 12.9" iPad) | Flexible range (min 320px, max 3840px) |
| Screenshot count | 1–10 per device family | 2–8 per device type |
| Accepted formats | PNG, JPEG | JPEG, PNG (24-bit) |
| Maximum file size | 500 MB per screenshot | 8 MB per screenshot |
| Aspect ratio rule | Must match device ratio | 16:9 or 9:16 required |
| Feature graphic | Not applicable | Required (1024 × 500 px) |
| Orientation | Portrait or Landscape | Portrait or Landscape |
| Device frames | Allowed (optional) | Allowed (optional) |
| Text overlays | Allowed | Allowed (no pricing claims) |
Apple App Store Requirements
Apple is more prescriptive than Google. They require specific pixel dimensions based on the device screen size. The good news: you don't need to submit every size — Apple auto-scales from your submitted sizes.
Required iPhone Screenshot Sizes
Apple requires at minimum two iPhone screenshot sizes to publish an app:
- 6.7-inch: 1290 × 2796 px — Covers iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Plus, and all 14 Pro Max models
- 5.5-inch: 1242 × 2208 px — Legacy requirement for iPhone 8 Plus era devices
🔑 Key Rule — App Store
If you submit screenshots for the 6.7-inch size, Apple will scale them to fill the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max display. You only need to submit the native 6.9-inch (1320 × 2868 px) size if you want pixel-perfect screenshots on the newest device.
iPad Screenshot Requirements (App Store)
If your app supports iPad, you must submit iPad screenshots:
- 12.9-inch: 2048 × 2732 px — Required for iPad apps (covers all iPad Pro models through 2023)
- 13-inch: 2064 × 2752 px — Optional (M4 iPad Pro specific size)
Google Play Requirements
Google Play is significantly more flexible. Rather than requiring exact pixel dimensions, they specify a range:
- Minimum: 320 × 320 px on each side
- Maximum: 3840 × 3840 px on each side
- Aspect ratio: Must be 16:9 or 9:16 (portrait or landscape)
- Count: 2 to 8 screenshots per device type
- Format: JPEG or PNG (24-bit, no alpha)
- File size: Max 8 MB per screenshot
Google Play Feature Graphic
Unlike Apple, Google Play requires a Feature Graphic — a banner image displayed at the top of your store listing and in featured collections:
- Size: Exactly 1024 × 500 pixels
- Format: JPEG or PNG (24-bit)
- Max file size: 1 MB
⚠️ Google Play Policy Warning
Google prohibits screenshots that contain misleading pricing claims, references to other platforms (e.g., "App of the Year" without citation), or any imagery that implies system UI elements. Violations can result in app removal.
Design Recommendations for Both Platforms
What Works on Both
- Device frames with mockups — Both Apple and Google allow device frames. They make screenshots look 3× more professional.
- Short, punchy headlines — Users scroll fast. Keep text to 5–7 words per slide.
- Consistent brand colors — Use the same gradient and accent color across all 6–8 slides.
- Story arc — Hook → Feature → Proof → Feature → CTA. This framework works on both stores.
Platform-Specific Differences
| Element | App Store Best Practice | Google Play Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot count | 6–8 (most used: 6) | 6–8 (Google recommends 8) |
| First screenshot | Hook — your #1 benefit | Hook — same rule applies |
| Feature graphic | Not required | Required (1024 × 500 px) |
| Landscape screenshots | Allowed for games | Allowed, displayed prominently |
| App Previews / Videos | Up to 3 preview videos | Up to 8 video trailers |
The Efficient Dual-Platform Workflow
The fastest way to create screenshots for both stores is to design once, then resize. Here's the recommended workflow:
- Design at 1290 × 2796 px — This is the iOS 6.7-inch canvas. It's tall enough that cropping it works for Android 9:16 as well.
- Export the iOS version — Use AppSceno to export at 1290 × 2796 px for App Store Connect.
- Adjust for Android — Switch the export preset to 1080 × 1920 px. The layout scales proportionally with minor tweaks.
- Create the Feature Graphic — Design a horizontal 1024 × 500 px banner from your brand colors and app icon.
Design for Both Stores in Minutes
AppSceno supports all App Store and Google Play screenshot sizes. Export both in one session — free.
Start Designing — It's Free →FAQ
Can I use the same screenshots for App Store and Google Play?
Not directly — the aspect ratios differ slightly. iOS uses a 19.5:9 ratio while Android screenshots should be 9:16. However, with minor adjustments using a tool like AppSceno, you can create both sets from the same design in minutes.
Does Google Play require a specific screenshot size?
No. Google Play accepts any size between 320 px and 3840 px on each side, as long as the aspect ratio is 16:9 or 9:16. The recommended size for phones is 1080 × 1920 px.
How many screenshots should I submit to the App Store?
Apple allows 1–10 screenshots per device family. Industry data shows 6–8 screenshots perform best — enough to tell your app's story without overwhelming the user.
