Every app icon size you actually need in 2026

July 21, 2026 · 6 min read

You do not need to design the same icon twenty times. You need one strong concept, the right source artwork, and a predictable export pack. A store listing icon, installed app icon, favicon, and PWA icon use the same mark under different rules.

The working checklist

Apple: start with a 1024 × 1024 layout

Apple's current guidelines use a 1024 × 1024 square layout for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The system scales icons for smaller placements and applies the platform mask. Do not bake rounded corners into source layers. Pre-masking can produce rough edges and interfere with system effects.

Current Apple workflows support layered artwork and Icon Composer for different appearances. A custom background layer should be full-bleed and opaque. Keep the subject centered and simple enough for Settings and notifications. Apple's app icon guidelines contain the current platform table and layer rules.

Google Play: 512 × 512, separate from the launcher icon

Google requires a 512 × 512, 32-bit PNG for the Play listing, with a maximum file size of 1024KB. This listing asset does not replace the launcher icon packaged with the Android app.

Follow the official safe zone and shape guidance instead of drawing a rounded plate that may be masked again. Do not add badges or text that suggests ranking, price, or Play category. See Google's preview asset requirements and icon design specifications.

Do not forget the web pack

• PWA:Chromium expects at least 192 × 192 and 512 × 512 raster icons. Add a separate maskable version when the subject needs safe space under Android shapes. Google's manifest guide shows the current format.
• Apple touch icon: Export a 180 × 180 PNG for current iPhone home-screen shortcuts. Apple documents the touch-icon link format.
• Favicon: Use a simple SVG and include a compact ICO or PNG fallback at 16 × 16 and 32 × 32. Tiny versions often need thicker strokes and fewer details.

One concept, three edge treatments

• Apple: Keep square layers unmasked and let the system shape them.
• Google Play: Respect the safe zone so the store mask does not crowd the subject.
• PWA maskable: Add breathing room so circular and rounded masks preserve the mark.

Resizing a finished 1024px PNG into every slot is only half a pipeline. The files can be technically valid and still look smaller, busier, or more cramped than neighboring icons.

Small-size QA

1. View the icon at 16px, 32px, 48px, 64px, and full size.
2. Test it against light and dark surrounding UI.
3. Place it beside real competitors without labels and check whether it stays distinct.
4. Remove text or detail that becomes noise below 64px.
5. Inspect dimensions, color mode, alpha, and file size after export.

Icons are also a testable asset in both stores; the A/B testing guide covers how to run that experiment without fooling yourself.

What belongs in the ZIP

• Apple 1024 × 1024 source and platform-ready assets
• Google Play 512 × 512 PNG
• PWA 192 × 192 and 512 × 512 PNGs
• Maskable PWA 192 × 192 and 512 × 512 PNGs
• Apple touch icon at 180 × 180
• SVG favicon, plus 16 × 16 and 32 × 32 fallbacks

Storeboard starts with four concepts, lets you select the direction worth polishing, then builds the store and web pack from the chosen master.