Updated for 2025

App Icon Design Guidelines 2025: iOS vs Android

Master the complete guide to app icon design requirements for both iOS and Android platforms. Learn the latest specifications, design principles, and optimization strategies that boost downloads.

Table of Contents

iOS Guidelines

  • • iOS App Icon Specifications 2025
  • • Apple Human Interface Guidelines
  • • App Store Review Requirements
  • • iOS Design Best Practices

Android Guidelines

  • • Android Adaptive Icon System
  • • Google Play Store Requirements
  • • Material Design Principles
  • • Android Design Best Practices

iOS App Icon Guidelines 2025

Required iOS Icon Sizes

App Store & Device Icons

App Store1024×1024px
iPhone (iOS 14+)180×180px
iPad Pro167×167px
iPad152×152px

System Icons

Settings58×58px
Spotlight120×120px
Notification60×60px

Critical iOS Requirements

  • No transparency: iOS icons must have a solid background
  • Square format: iOS automatically applies rounded corners
  • High resolution: Always design at @3x resolution (1024px minimum)
  • RGB color space: Use sRGB color profile for accurate colors

Android App Icon Guidelines 2025

Android Adaptive Icon System

Foreground Layer

Main icon design within safe zone (72dp diameter)

Background Layer

Solid color or simple pattern (108dp × 108dp)

Mask Shape

System applies shape (circle, square, rounded square)

Android Icon Specifications

  • Google Play Console: 512×512px (PNG, no transparency)
  • Adaptive Icon: 108dp × 108dp safe zone
  • Legacy Icon: 48dp × 48dp (for Android 7.1 and below)
  • Notification Icon: 24dp × 24dp (white/transparent)
  • Foreground safe zone: 72dp diameter circle
  • Background: Can extend to full 108dp area

Universal Design Best Practices

Do's

  • Use bold, simple designs that work at small sizes
  • Maintain consistent brand colors and style
  • Test your icon at different sizes (16px to 1024px)
  • Use high contrast for better visibility
  • Consider cultural differences in symbol meaning

Don'ts

  • ×Don't use too many details or small text
  • ×Don't copy other popular app icons
  • ×Don't use low contrast color combinations
  • ×Don't include app store badges or text overlays
  • ×Don't use copyrighted images or trademarked symbols

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