Hi, I’m working on my Swift Student Challenge submission using iOS 26 APIs (FoundationModels) along with AVFoundation + Vision to capture user input and generate feedback. Since Swift Playgrounds doesn’t support FoundationModels framework, I’m using an Xcode App Playground, but I heared that submissions are reviewed in the Simulator, which doesn’t support live camera feed. I’m unsure how to handle this. Looking for guidance on the recommended approach. Thanks!

This is probably a silly question, but I just want to make sure. The screenshot submission states: "Upload three screenshots of your app playground that best represent the user experience as .png or .jpg files. Do not upload handwritten notes, sketches, or outlines." For an Apple Pencil based app, can I sketch in the canvas to show the abilities of the app in the screenshots? I assume yes and that this only refers to submitting mock-ups of apps, but I wanted to be super sure I won't be going against the rules.

My playground may require that the device has downloaded some resources in advance, such as Apple's advanced voice, translation language... But this is not necessary. It is just an incidental function. If it is not downloaded, the app will prompt that this function is not available and most of the other functions can continue to be used. But I want to know whether the judge's device will download these things in advance, and if not, will the judges think that there is a problem with my app that can't be used normally, which will cause my work to be rejected directly? Because my app uses the API of iOS 26, it needs to run in Xcode, and the competition allows the Apple intelligent function, but it is stipulated that if it runs with Xcode, the app will be tested on the simulator. However, my app involves image playground and cannot run on the simulator. Does anyone have a good solution? Thank you!

Hi, I recently built an app and I’m planning to publish it on the App Store. Since the Swift Student Challenge (SSC) is coming up, I’m also considering submitting the same project by converting it into a Swift Playground (with some content trimmed to meet the rules). I believe both I and the project are eligible. My question: if I publish the app on the App Store first and then submit it to SSC, could that violate the rules or lead to rejection? I also have a concern: because I’m a minor, Apple requires the App Store developer name to be my mother’s. However, the app was entirely developed by me. my mother and anyone else did not participate(My mother can't even use a computer.). I’m worried this might create confusion and make judges think I copied someone else’s work, which I did not. Would you recommend publishing on the App Store now, waiting until after SSC, or taking a different approach? Thank you.

I am currently developing my submission for the Swift Student Challenge 2026. My project focuses on financial literacy for children ("Canteen Hero"), and I want to ensure it runs flawlessly during the judging process. I have two specific questions regarding the environment: Which iOS/iPadOS version do judges typically use for testing? Should I assume they will be using the latest stable release (e.g., iOS 19/iPadOS 19) or a specific beta version? Device Compatibility: Is it a requirement to design the app for all previous iOS versions (backward compatibility), or is it acceptable to target only the latest APIs (iOS 18/19+) to utilize modern features like SwiftData and the latest SwiftUI animations? Thank you for your guidance!

Hi everyone, I have a question about showcasing my Swift Student Challenge submission. My app includes layouts optimized for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and I’d like to highlight that it works well across all three device sizes. Would it be acceptable to upload one combined screenshot that shows the same screen displayed on iPhone, iPad, and Mac side-by-side, to demonstrate the responsive design? Thanks in advance for any advice!

I'm working on my Swift Student Challenge 2026 submission and have a question about the evaluation environment. My app targets iOS 26 (I had to configure this on the Package.swift file directly) and uses the Speech framework for on-device speech recognition. I've selected Swift Playgrounds as my evaluation path (rather than Xcode) with the intention of having it run on a physical iPad rather than Simulator. My question: What version of iPadOS will the evaluation iPads be running? The reason I ask is practical, as my app's minimum deployment target is iOS 26. If the evaluation device is running an earlier version of iPadOS, the app won't launch at all. I've searched the eligibility and terms pages but couldn't find this documented anywhere.

Can I use agentic coding entirely for my app development?

Hi everyone, I’m currently developing my submission for the Swift Student Challenge. My app idea heavily relies on CLLocationManager to track the user's movement (recording coordinates, altitude, and calculating distances) to provide a localized, real-world experience. I have a few questions regarding how this will be evaluated during the judging process: Testing Environment: Since the rules mention that Xcode app playgrounds are run in the Simulator, but submissions optimized for iPad are run on real devices, will the judges physically test an app that requires real-world walking/movement? Location Permissions: Will the judges accept the iOS location permission prompts to experience the app, or should I build a "Simulation Mode" with mock GPS data to ensure they can evaluate the core logic without leaving their desk? Judging Criteria: Does a location-dependent app fit well within the "Technical Accomplishment" and "Creativity" criteria, or is it too risky if the judges cannot test the physical movement aspect easily?

Hello. I'm building my Swift Student Challenge Project. But I noticed that the FoundationModels Framework isn't supported in Swift Playgrounds. My app uses ARKit, so it definitely should be tested on real device. So, is it possible to somehow implement a foundation models to my Swift Playgrounds app? Or is it possible to ask judges to test the app on real device launching it from xcode. Your answer is really important for because the functionality of my app directly depends on Foundation Models availability. Thank you!

Hi, I was wondering if there’s a way to ensure my submission is tested on an iPad simulator in Xcode as some UI elements were designed with a large display in mind ?

Hello! Because the compilers used by different versions of Xcode 26 may be different, and I find that my app may not be able to ensure that all versions of Xcode 26 are successfully compiled. For example, my app can run on Xcode26.3 but will report an error at 26.4 (I have fixed it now). So I want to confirm which version of Xcode the jury uses to run my app, whether it is a known version or the latest version in the future. Thanks!

Hi, I have a question regarding the Swift Student Challenge submission requirements. I’m planning to use the glassEffect API introduced in iOS 26 and build my .swiftpm app to support iOS 26 only. Is it acceptable to submit a project that runs exclusively on iOS 26? Currently, I am developing and building the project in Xcode. However, it seems that the current Swift Playgrounds app does not provide a preview or runtime environment for iOS 26 yet. I would like to confirm whether this could cause any issues during the review process, especially if reviewers are using Swift Playgrounds for evaluation. Thank you for your clarification.

I'm making my app in Xcode (as an app playground). I understand that the app will be run in a simulator when being evaluated if I choose the Xcode option on the submission form. However, my app looks significantly better on iPhones than on iPads. Is there a way for me to specify which device to use that will be respected by judges? What about device orientation? Thanks.

Hello Apple Developer Community, I am planning to participate in the Swift Student Challenge 2026. However, while reviewing the application form, I noticed that my country of residence is not listed in the address dropdown menu. I would like to clarify the correct way to proceed in this situation to avoid disqualification: Is it permissible to use the address of a relative who lives in a supported region as my contact address? Is filling out the shipping address mandatory for the initial submission, or is there an option to proceed without it? I want to ensure I fully comply with the Terms and Conditions. Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hello everyone, I have already submitted my app playground for the Swift Student Challenge. After submission I noticed a few things I would like to improve and fix. Is it possible to withdraw my current submission and then immediately resubmit an updated version? Any clarification (especially from Apple staff or anyone who has done this before) would be very helpful. Thank you!

Hello, I built my app in Xcode and used IOS 26 latest frameworks like Foundation Models. But some of this frameworks don't work properly in Swift Playground(MyApp.swiftpm) and cause crashes. My question is can I submit a MyApp.xcodeproj file and choose Xcode 26 as a software to run my app ? Thank you in advance.

Hi all, The SSDC states: Challenge submissions are due by Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST I am curious does this apply to local timezone? I am GMT+0, so would this mean the deadline for GMT+0 is on the 1st of March at 7:59AM? Kind regards, Adam

Hello, I recently submitted my Swift Student Challenge app playground (“Crest”) and realized after submission that I accidentally selected Swift Playgrounds as the software to run it, instead of Xcode 26 or later. My project builds and runs successfully in Xcode 26 using the iOS 26 SDK and simulator. However, when opening the same .swiftpm project in the Swift Playgrounds app on iPad, it does not compile because Swift Playgrounds currently only supports up to iOS 18 SDK and does not support iOS 26 APIs. The submission itself is complete, builds correctly in Xcode, and was submitted before the deadline. The incorrect selection of Swift Playgrounds was an honest mistake during the submission process. I wanted to ask whether reviewers are able to run the submission using Xcode 26 in cases like this, or if there is anything I should do. Thank you very much for your time.

Hi, I was one of the winners this year for the SSC and wanted to ask, when and how we will receive the complimentary one year Apple Developer Programm membership. I have already received everything else, including the exam voucher, the airpods max and the certificate, so I just wanted to follow up on this last item. Kind regards and thank you in advance!