WWDC25 wasn't just about flashy AI tools and new UI toys. Behind the main stage, Apple quietly dropped some major shifts in how Flutter apps are submitted, reviewed, and approved.

If your app touches the App Store in any way — and especially if you build cross-platform with Flutter — this blog could save you hours of debugging and frustration.

Let's dive into the hidden updates, real-world issues, and practical fixes Flutter devs need after WWDC25.

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1. App Upload Rejections Are Spiking — Why?

Since WWDC25, many devs (including myself) have seen the dreaded:

"Invalid bundle. Your app uses disallowed APIs or outdated SDKs."

Even though nothing was changed in our codebase.

The culprit?

  • Hidden APIs in outdated dependencies
  • Privacy labels that don't match real app behavior
  • Targeting old iOS versions (below 14.0)

What You Can Do Right Now:

  • Run flutter pub outdated to check dependencies
  • Update your Flutter SDK (use stable branch)
  • Double-check Podfile and Info.plist for legacy values
  • Use Xcode 17 or newer only
  • Avoid packages that haven't been updated in over a year

Pro tip: If you're using packages like image_picker, firebase, or permission_handler, review each one's iOS integration guide again.

2. Notarization for iOS Apps Is Coming (Yes, Really)

Notarization isn't just for macOS anymore.

Apple announced a Q4 2025 rollout of automated app notarization for all iOS apps — including Flutter apps built outside Xcode.

This means your .ipa file might soon need to pass through a pre-review security process, even before App Store review.

Why it Matters:

Flutter uses third-party build pipelines. Many devs build outside Xcode via CLI or CI/CD. If your app has binaries, dynamic frameworks, or unsigned assets — it may get blocked.

How to Prepare:

  • Use flutter build ipa (not Xcode GUI)
  • Start testing notarization-ready builds now
  • Add --no-codesign flag during local builds to test behavior

CI/CD? Update Fastlane, Codemagic, or Bitrise workflows to handle pre-notarization steps.

3. Privacy Labels: You Need More Than "We Don't Collect Data"

WWDC25 confirmed: Apple is doubling down on privacy transparency.

Even if you don't collect data, your dependencies might.

Many Flutter packages indirectly use location, device ID, or analytics tools that must now be disclosed.

For example:

  • google_fonts → hits Google Fonts API
  • firebase_core → may use device ID
  • camera → touches background processes

You are responsible for everything your app touches — not just your code.

Fix It Fast:

  • Use Apple's Privacy Manifest Generator
  • Check each dependency's behavior
  • Update App Store privacy labels, even for internal test builds
  • Link to an updated privacy policy in-app and in App Store Connect

Real-Life Upload Issue

A dev I mentor recently submitted a production Flutter app with no direct location use — but got rejected due to location tracking without disclosure.

Turns out:

  • A third-party analytics tool embedded in firebase_analytics accessed CoreLocation
  • Apple caught it via automated scanning
  • The app was blocked until labels and plist were updated

Lesson: If you didn't write it, doesn't mean it's safe. Audit everything.

4. Background Behavior in iOS 19 Has Changed

WWDC25's iOS 19 update includes stricter background limits — especially for cross-platform and timer-based apps.

What's affected:

  • flutter_local_notifications
  • Alarm/timer services
  • Apps relying on background fetch or activity

Even push notifications may behave differently if your background modes aren't configured properly.

What To Do:

  • Test on iOS 19 beta devices
  • Enable relevant background modes in Xcode
  • Add fallbacks for background logic
  • Watch logs for silent failures post-sleep

So, What Should Flutter Devs Do?

Your WWDC25 Flutter Checklist:

  • Update Flutter + Dart SDK
  • Review every iOS dependency for privacy and SDK version
  • Rebuild with flutter build ipa using Xcode 17
  • Prepare for notarization workflows in CI/CD
  • Start testing with iOS 19 beta now

For Beginners:

Use DartPad + Gemini Build a test app with flutter create Review your privacy policy — now, not later

For Intermediate to Pro:

Test background logic on real devices Migrate away from unmaintained packages Explore platform channels and Swift interop

Final Thoughts: Flutter Isn't "Just a UI Toolkit" Anymore

Flutter is now a serious multi-platform engine. Apple's changes are proof.

It's being used in:

  • Google Cloud apps
  • Universal Studios kiosks
  • GE Appliances dashboards

Staying current isn't optional. It's the difference between shipping and being rejected.

Let's Continue the Conversation

What's been your toughest iOS challenge this year? Have you run into upload rejections since WWDC25? Seen unexpected behavior in iOS 19 beta?

Drop your thoughts in the comments — your story could help another dev.

More From Me:

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Flutter Booster 2025: 7 High-Impact Strategies to Build Smarter, Faster, and Future-Ready Apps

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iOS 26 Just Left Flutter Devs Behind Find out how the latest iOS update is affecting Flutter developers — and what you can do to stay ahead of platform-specific changes.

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