Short answer
Build with Xcode 26 or later, which uses the iOS 26 SDK. Check with xcodebuild -version on the machine that makes the build, and on Codemagic, GitHub Actions, Bitrise or EAS pick an image with Xcode 26. Then increase the build number and upload again. Plan for the next step too: Apple says uploads need the iOS 27 SDK starting April 2027.
Why the upload is refused, and the fix
01
The build used an older Xcode
“Apps uploaded to App Store Connect must be built with Xcode 26 or later using an SDK for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, or watchOS 26.” Apple, Upcoming Requirements
The SDK comes with Xcode, so an older Xcode means an older SDK. Update Xcode on the Mac that archives the app, or select the newer one if several are installed.
xcodebuild -version xcrun --sdk iphoneos --show-sdk-version02
The CI image is pinned to an old Xcode
Cloud builds use the Xcode in their image. Change the image or Xcode version in your workflow file, run the build again, and check the Xcode version in the build log.
03
Your framework needs a version that supports Xcode 26
Flutter, React Native and Expo projects can fail to build on a new Xcode until the framework and its iOS dependencies are updated. Update them first, then build with Xcode 26.
04
The iOS 27 SDK is next
“iOS and iPadOS apps must be built with the iOS 27 & iPadOS 27 SDK or later” Apple, App Store submissions now open for the latest OS releases
Apple has announced the next minimum. Moving to Xcode 26 now is required. Xcode 27 is already available, so you can test with it now and avoid the same email next spring.
Checked against the vendor’s docs on : Apple Developer: Upcoming Requirements; Apple Developer News: App Store submissions now open for the latest OS releases.
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Resubmit before Apple’s holiday slowdown
Pay for the Diagnosis and send the rejection and access to the app by (US Eastern). The Diagnosis is back by . Pay for the Fix that day and it arrives as a pull request by , in time to build and resubmit before .
In past years Apple said reviews may take longer around the holidays: December 20 to 26 in 2024 (opens in a new tab), December 22 to 27 in 2023 (opens in a new tab), December 23 to 27 in 2022 (opens in a new tab). Apple hasn’t posted its 2026 dates yet (checked ). Approval stays Apple’s decision.
- from $450App Fix TicketOne reproducible bug in an existing mobile or web app, diagnosed and fixed.See scope and start
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Related: ITMS-91053 Missing API declaration · Xcode “requires a development team” · TestFlight Missing Compliance · ITMS-90725 in a Flutter app, step by step