Apple Announces Swift Student Challenge 2027 for All Apple Platforms

Apple has announced the Swift Student Challenge 2027, with submissions opening February 8 and closing February 28, 2027. For the first time, students can enter an app for any Apple platform, rather than being limited to an app playground.

The expanded competition accepts Xcode apps and app playgrounds built with Swift Playground for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, tvOS, or watchOS. Entries must be built with and run on Xcode 27 or Swift Playground 4.7, or later. Other Xcode project types, including command-line tools and packages, are not eligible.

Projects should offer an experience that can be explored within three minutes and must work offline, with all resources included locally. ZIP submissions can be up to 500 MB, up from the 25 MB limit for the 2026 challenge. All content should be in English.

Entries must be individual work, although credited third-party open-source code and public-domain images and sounds are permitted with an explanation of their use. Applicants cannot be employed full time as developers and must meet Apple's age and educational eligibility requirements. A free Apple developer registration is sufficient; a paid Developer Program membership is not required to enter.

Winners will be recognized for innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity. All receive a year of Apple Developer Program membership and a special gift, while a group of Distinguished Winners will be invited to Apple in Cupertino. Students can win the challenge up to three times, but can receive Distinguished Winner recognition only once.

Apple is also offering free Meet with Apple online sessions for students and beginner developers ahead of the submission window:

• December 10, 2026: Get started with agentic coding in Xcode.
• January 14, 2027: Get ready for the Swift Student Challenge.
• February 4, 2027: Create your app's story.

Students can register for those sessions, explore preparation resources, and sign up for notifications on the Swift Student Challenge website.