You've built an amazing Bluesky client (or any iOS app), and now it's time to publish it to the App Store. But wait - App Store Connect is asking for screenshots in specific sizes, and getting them wrong means rejection or a poor listing. This guide covers every screenshot size you need for a successful iOS app submission in 2025.

Why Screenshots Matter for Your App's Success

Before diving into dimensions, understand why screenshots are crucial for growing your app's user base:

  • First impression - Screenshots are often the first thing users see after your app icon
  • Conversion driver - Great screenshots can dramatically increase download rates
  • Feature showcase - Highlight your app's best features and unique value
  • Trust builder - Professional screenshots signal a quality app
  • Search visibility - Screenshots contribute to App Store search ranking

Required iPhone Screenshot Sizes

Apple requires screenshots for specific device sizes. Here are the current requirements:

iPhone 6.9" Display (Required)

This is the largest iPhone display size and is required for all iPhone apps.

  • Devices: iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • Portrait: 1320 x 2868 pixels
  • Landscape: 2868 x 1320 pixels

iPhone 6.7" Display

Required if you don't provide 6.9" screenshots (they scale down).

  • Devices: iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • Portrait: 1290 x 2796 pixels
  • Landscape: 2796 x 1290 pixels

iPhone 6.5" Display

For older Pro Max and XS Max devices.

  • Devices: iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS Max
  • Portrait: 1284 x 2778 pixels or 1242 x 2688 pixels
  • Landscape: 2778 x 1284 pixels or 2688 x 1242 pixels

iPhone 6.1" Display

Standard iPhone size, very common among users.

  • Devices: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro
  • Portrait: 1179 x 2556 pixels
  • Landscape: 2556 x 1179 pixels

iPhone 5.5" Display (Required for older device support)

Required if your app supports iPhone 8 Plus and earlier Plus models.

  • Devices: iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus
  • Portrait: 1242 x 2208 pixels
  • Landscape: 2208 x 1242 pixels

Required iPad Screenshot Sizes

If your app runs on iPad, you'll need these sizes:

iPad Pro 12.9" Display (Required for iPad apps)

The largest iPad display, required for universal apps.

  • Devices: iPad Pro 12.9" (6th gen and later)
  • Portrait: 2048 x 2732 pixels
  • Landscape: 2732 x 2048 pixels

iPad Pro 11" Display

  • Devices: iPad Pro 11", iPad Air (4th gen and later)
  • Portrait: 1668 x 2388 pixels
  • Landscape: 2388 x 1668 pixels

iPad 10.9" Display

  • Devices: iPad (10th gen), iPad Air
  • Portrait: 1640 x 2360 pixels
  • Landscape: 2360 x 1640 pixels

Screenshot Requirements and Limits

App Store Connect has specific requirements beyond just dimensions:

  • Minimum: 1 screenshot per device size
  • Maximum: 10 screenshots per device size
  • Format: PNG or JPEG (PNG recommended for quality)
  • Color space: sRGB or Display P3
  • No alpha channel: Screenshots must not have transparency
  • No rounded corners: Apple adds these automatically

Tips for Creating Effective App Store Screenshots

1. Lead with Your Best Feature

The first screenshot is most important - it appears in search results. For a Bluesky client, this might be your beautiful timeline view or unique feature.

2. Add Captions and Context

Don't just show raw screenshots. Add text overlays that explain features:

  • "Beautiful Timeline View"
  • "Multi-Account Support"
  • "Real-Time Notifications"
  • "Track Trending Hashtags"

3. Use Device Frames (Optional)

Placing screenshots in device frames can look professional, but isn't required. If you do, ensure the frame matches current devices.

4. Maintain Consistency

Use consistent colors, fonts, and styling across all screenshots. This creates a professional, cohesive look.

5. Show Real Content

Use realistic content in your screenshots. For a Bluesky app, show actual posts (with permission or using your own accounts).

6. Localize When Possible

If targeting international markets, localize screenshot text for each language. App Store Connect supports different screenshots per localization.

Tools for Creating App Store Screenshots

Here are tools we recommend:

  • Figma - Free design tool, great for creating screenshot templates
  • Sketch - Popular Mac design app with App Store templates
  • Screenshots Pro - Dedicated app for App Store screenshots
  • AppLaunchpad - Web-based screenshot generator
  • Rotato - 3D device mockup tool for Mac
  • Xcode Simulator - Capture pixel-perfect screenshots directly

Capturing Screenshots from Xcode Simulator

The easiest way to get pixel-perfect screenshots is from Xcode Simulator:

# Take screenshot of currently running simulator
xcrun simctl io booted screenshot screenshot.png

# Or use keyboard shortcut in Simulator
# Command + S (saves to Desktop)

# For specific device sizes, run your app on these simulators:
# - iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9")
# - iPhone 16 Plus (6.7")
# - iPad Pro 12.9" (6th generation)

Simulator Tip: Use Status Bar Override

Clean up your screenshots by setting a perfect status bar:

# Set clean status bar (9:41 AM, full signal, full battery)
xcrun simctl status_bar booted override \
    --time "9:41" \
    --batteryState charged \
    --batteryLevel 100 \
    --cellularMode active \
    --cellularBars 4

# Reset to default
xcrun simctl status_bar booted clear

Common Screenshot Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wrong dimensions - Always double-check sizes before uploading
  • Low resolution - Never upscale screenshots; always capture at native resolution
  • Cluttered UI - Show clean, focused screens
  • Too much text - Keep captions short and readable
  • Inconsistent styling - Maintain visual consistency across all screenshots
  • Outdated device frames - Use current device designs
  • Showing sensitive data - Remove any personal information

App Store Connect Upload Process

Here's how to upload your screenshots:

  1. Log in to App Store Connect
  2. Select your app and go to the version you're submitting
  3. Scroll to the "Screenshots" section
  4. Select the device size tab (6.9" Display, 6.7" Display, etc.)
  5. Drag and drop your screenshots in order
  6. Repeat for each required device size
  7. Save your changes

Stay Updated on Bluesky Development

Building a Bluesky client? Stay on top of trends and discussions:

Good luck with your App Store submission! Great screenshots are the final touch that turns a good app into a successful one.