Apple has opened submissions for the 2026 Swift Student Challenge, inviting students worldwide to submit their projects by Saturday, February 28. The annual program gives young developers a chance to show their coding skills by building an interactive app playground using Swift Playgrounds or Xcode. The focus stays on learning, creativity, and real-world ideas, not just polished apps.
In a statement shared on its developer news page, Apple said submissions will be judged on projects that “demonstrate excellence in innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity.” A small group of standout participants will earn the title of Distinguished Winners and receive an invitation to visit Apple in Cupertino for three days in summer 2026, with travel and lodging covered.
Distinguished Winners often attend WWDC, Apple’s annual developer conference, which usually takes place in June. While Apple has not confirmed dates for 2026, the event is where the company introduces its next major software updates, including iOS 27 and macOS 27.
Key things to know about the Challenge
- No prior coding experience is required if you meet the eligibility rules
- The Challenge is free to enter with access to a Mac or iPad
- Students can choose any topic they care about
- App playgrounds should run for three minutes or less
The Swift Student Challenge remains a clear entry point for students who want to build skills and share ideas through code.
