Lilacpane01 / The key difference: previews are not screenshots
Apple lists preview resolutions separately from screenshot dimensions. Some pairs overlap; do not assume that a screenshot preset is also a valid video preset.
| Device category | Accepted preview pixels |
|---|---|
| iPhone 6.9 / 6.5 / 6.3 / 6.1-inch | 886 × 1920 (portrait) / 1920 × 886 (landscape) |
| iPhone 5.5 / 4-inch | 1080 × 1920 / 1920 × 1080 |
| iPhone 4.7-inch | 750 × 1334 / 1334 × 750 |
| iPad 13 / 11 / 10.5-inch | 1200 × 1600 / 1600 × 1200 |
| iPad 12.9-inch (2nd gen) | 1200 × 1600 / 900 × 1200 (portrait); 1600 × 1200 / 1200 × 900 (landscape) |
| iPad 9.7-inch | 900 × 1200 / 1200 × 900 |
| Mac | 1920 × 1080 (landscape) |
| Apple TV | 1920 × 1080 (landscape) |
| Apple Vision Pro | 3840 × 2160 (landscape) |
Apple App Preview specifications · 2026-09-19
02 / The hard numbers
- Duration: 15 to 30 seconds — shorter or longer is rejected
- File size: 500 MB maximum per file
- Count: up to 3 per device size, per language
- Formats: .mov / .m4v / .mp4 (ProRes must be .mov)
- Codec: H.264 or ProRes 422 (high quality only)
- Bitrate: 10–12 Mbps for H.264; variable, around 220 Mbps for ProRes
- Frame rate: 30 fps or lower
- Audio: stereo AAC for H.264; ProRes also supports PCM. See the linked specification for settings.
- Default poster frame: 5 seconds
Processing can take up to 24 hours after upload, so do not leave it for the night before submission.
03 / Five things that trip people up
- It must be captured from the app. Guideline 2.3.4 is explicit: previews may only use video screen captures of the app. Animated explainers or concept videos do not qualify.
- Check audio encoding against the selected video format. The specifications list stereo settings; they do not establish that silent content automatically fails review.
- The default poster frame is at five seconds. Review it and select a different frame in App Store Connect if needed.
- No other platforms’ devices or store badges. Reusing cross-store assets is a frequent rejection trigger.
- Keep it suitable for a 4+ audience, even if your app carries a higher rating.
04 / Recording a compliant preview
Use the built-in iOS screen recorder (Control Center → Screen Recording) and you get the native device resolution with no guessing. Trim to 15–30 seconds, export as H.264 .mp4 or .mov, then scale to the target dimensions above.
If the app has several core flows, two or three short previews each covering one thing read better than a single 30-second clip crammed with every feature.
05 / How previews and screenshots work together
Screenshots explain statically — one core function at a time. Previews show motion — the pacing and feedback of using the app. Both carry the same value proposition, but they should not repeat each other.
A practical split: let screenshots cover what the app does, and let the preview cover what it feels like. If a screenshot already explains a feature fully, the preview should not spend time on it again.
A preview can demonstrate an interaction that is difficult to explain in a still image. Whether it improves your product page results needs measurement for your app.
Still image screenshot sizes · iPad and Mac screenshot dimensions
FAQ
Is an App Preview required?
No. App previews are optional. Add one when motion helps explain the app; do not assume a universal conversion uplift.
Can I use a promotional animation instead of a screen recording?
No. Guideline 2.3.4 states that previews may only use video screen captures of the app. You can layer narration, captions, or text over real footage, but the underlying video must show the app running.
Is a silent video a problem?
Silent content and an incorrectly encoded audio track are different issues. Check the audio specifications for your codec and any upload error in App Store Connect; silence alone is not evidence of a rejection.
Why does my video fail to upload at screenshot dimensions?
Check the preview resolution for the exact device category and orientation. The 6.9-inch iPhone portrait preview is 886 × 1920; other categories differ. Then inspect duration, encoding and the upload error instead of assuming resolution is the only cause.
