Release Notes Template for Mobile Apps

Mobile release notes are different — here's why

Mobile apps have two audiences for release notes: the app store (pre-install) and existing users (in-app). Most teams write one version and use it for both. That's a mistake.

App store release notes are marketing copy. In-app changelogs are product communication. This page covers both.

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App Store release notes template (iOS & Android)

App stores give you ~500 characters. Use them well.

What's new in [Version]:

• [Top feature or fix — lead with the biggest user benefit]
• [Second most impactful change]
• [Third change]

We ship updates regularly. [Optional: link to full changelog or website]

Example (Figma-style):

What's new in 24.3:

• Comments now load 2× faster on large files
• Fixed crash on iPad when switching between projects
• New: drag to reorder layers on mobile

Full changelog: figma.com/changelog

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In-app changelog template

## [Version] — [Release date]

### New
- **[Feature]:** [What it does + user benefit]

### Improved  
- **[Area]:** [Concrete improvement with measurable outcome if possible]

### Fixed
- [Bug description] — affected users on [iOS/Android/both]

### Coming soon
- [Optional teaser of next feature to build anticipation]

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3 real mobile app release note examples

Example 1 — Duolingo (App Store style)

We fixed some bugs and made performance improvements. We update the app regularly — if you love Duolingo, please leave us a review!

(Simple, works for low-stakes updates. Don't copy this if you have real features to announce.)

Example 2 — Notion (feature launch)

AI writing on mobile — Draft, summarize, and improve text with AI directly from the mobile editor. Tap the AI button in the toolbar to get started.

Example 3 — Linear (technical fix)

Fixed an issue causing the app to crash on iOS 17 when opening issues with long descriptions. If you were affected, please update to 1.42.1.

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Mobile-specific best practices

For App Store notes: Write for users who haven't updated yet. They're deciding whether the update is worth it. Lead with your biggest improvement.

For Google Play: Same rules apply. Play tends to show fewer characters in the preview — front-load your strongest line.

Version numbers matter for power users. Include them. They help users and support teams cross-reference issues.

Avoid "bug fixes and performance improvements" alone. This is the most common release note cop-out. It signals you have nothing to say. Even one specific fix is better.

Localize if you have international users. App Store release notes can be localized per market. If 30%+ of your users are non-English, it's worth it.

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What good looks like

Top mobile apps with great release notes: Craft, Linear, Notion, Things 3. What they have in common: specific language, consistent formatting, occasional personality.

Things 3 in particular is famous for release notes that read like product stories — worth studying.

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