Why do I need to switch to the scene-based life cycle?
On September 14, 2026, Apple released Xcode 27, the new version of its tool for building iOS apps. Apple requires apps built with Xcode 27 or later to handle links and display screens by scene. Each window that displays your app’s screens is a scene. For example, if a user opens multiple windows of your app on iPad, each window is its own scene. Apps that use the scene-based life cycle or the SwiftUI app life cycle manage screens by scene. Apps that use the app delegate life cycle manage their screens as a single unit instead. iOS apps that use the app delegate life cycle fail to open when built with Xcode 27 or later, so they must switch to the scene-based life cycle. This includes apps developed with React Native, Cordova-Ionic, Flutter, Expo, Unity, and Unreal. Apps that use the SwiftUI app life cycle already manage screens by scene and don’t need to switch. Starting in April 2027, Apple also requires iOS apps uploaded to App Store Connect to be built with the iOS 27 SDK or later, which means Xcode 27 or later. Even if you still use Xcode 26, your app must switch to the scene-based life cycle before then to keep releasing updates. For details, see Apple’s iOS & iPadOS 27 Release Notes and its announcement, App Store submissions now open for the latest OS releases.What should I do if my app uses the app delegate life cycle?
If your iOS app uses the app delegate life cycle, complete the two steps below in order.Switch to the scene-based life cycle
To switch a native iOS app, follow Apple’s documentation, Transitioning to the UIKit scene-based life cycle. Depending on the platform version, apps developed with React Native, Cordova-Ionic, Flutter, Expo, Unity, or Unreal need a platform update before they can switch. For details, see Troubleshooting guides by platform below.Set up Airbridge deep links in SceneDelegate
If Airbridge deep links aren’t set up in SceneDelegate, deep linking doesn’t work, and deep link events aren’t collected. Complete this setup after you switch to the scene-based life cycle. The setup method depends on your Airbridge SDK version, and some versions require an SDK update. For details, see Troubleshooting guides by platform below.Troubleshooting guides by platform
Find detailed steps in the troubleshooting guide that matches your platform and Airbridge SDK version.FAQ
Can I skip the switch to the scene-based life cycle if I keep using Xcode 26?
Can I skip the switch to the scene-based life cycle if I keep using Xcode 26?
You can upload apps built with Xcode 26 to App Store Connect only before April 2027. To keep releasing updates, switch your app to the scene-based life cycle before then.
When do I need to switch to the scene-based life cycle?
When do I need to switch to the scene-based life cycle?
Before you build your app with Xcode 27 or later. Xcode 27 was released on September 14, 2026, and is already available. If you’re building your app with Xcode 27, switch right away.To keep submitting to the App Store, you must switch before April 2027. Starting in April 2027, App Store Connect accepts only apps built with the iOS 27 SDK or later, which means Xcode 27 or later. For details, see Apple’s announcement, App Store submissions now open for the latest OS releases.