The 19th Annual iPhone Photography Awards 2026 (IPPAWARDS 2026) is an international photography competition dedicated to celebrating creativity and innovation captured through iPhone and iPad cameras. Established in 2007, it was the first and remains the longest-running iPhone photography competition. This is not just about taking a quick snap, it is about proving that the best camera is truly the one you have with you.
While many similar photo challenges online exist, few carry the prestige and history of the IPPAWARDS. This global contest invites photographers from dozens of countries to submit their best shots captured on an iPhone or iPad. The goal is simple: to celebrate the creativity and innovation of iPhone users. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiast who just loves capturing moments, this competition offers a level playing field where your vision matters more than your gear.
The deadline for the 2026 edition is set for March 31, 2026. This gives you ample time to curate your gallery and select the images that best represent your unique perspective. With categories ranging from abstract compositions to candid street photography, the contest is designed to accommodate every style. It is a celebration of how mobile technology has democratized visual storytelling.
The 19th Annual iPhone Photography Awards Prizes
The rewards for the IPPAWARDS are distinct in the world of photography contests. Instead of just cash, the organizers focus on prizes that resonate with the Apple ecosystem and physical tokens of achievement that carry significant value.
Top Awards:
The overall winner, titled the Grand Prize Winner, along with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place photographers of the year, will each receive a brand-new Apple product. These top honors also come with extensive global exposure.
Category Winners:
The top photographers in each of the 12 individual categories are also recognized with unique physical prizes:
- The 1st Place winner in each category will be awarded a Gold Bar from the most recognizable private gold mint in the world.
- The 2nd and 3rd Place winners in each category will receive a Platinum Bar from the same prestigious mint.
Certificates and Mentions:
All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each category will receive an IPPAWARDS certificate. Additionally, the judges will award Honorable Mentions to entries that show remarkable talent, ensuring that a wide range of high-quality work is acknowledged.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the 19th Annual iPhone Photography Awards
For the 2026 edition, the contest features 12 distinct categories. Participants can submit to as many categories as they wish, provided the images fit the themes. The updated list includes:
- Abstract: For images that focus on shape, form, and color rather than literal representation.
- Animals: Celebrating the wildlife and pets that share our world.
- Architecture: Documenting the built environment, from skyscrapers to historic structures.
- Children: Capturing the innocence and energy of youth.
- City Life / Cityscape: Perfect for street photography and urban scenes.
- Landscape: For breathtaking views of the natural world.
- Lifestyle: Images that tell a story about how we live.
- Nature: Focusing on flora, geological formations, and the environment.
- People: Candid or posed shots that highlight the human element.
- Portrait: Close-up studies of character and expression.
- Series (3 images): A set of three photos that must be conceptually or visually related.
- Other: A flexible category for creative work that defies classification or fits themes not listed above.
19th Annual iPhone Photography Awards Dates and Entry Fees
The timeline for this competition is straightforward, with a single major deadline to keep in mind. The entry fees are tiered, rewarding those who submit multiple images.
Deadline: March 31, 2026.
Entry Fees:
- 1 image: $7.50
- 3 images: $15.50
- 5 images: $25.50
- 10 images: $55.50
- 15 images: $65.50
- 20 images: $75.50
- 25 images: $95.50
- 50 images: $150.50
There is no limit to the number of entries, but the organizers recommend submitting only your very best work.
How to Enter
All images must be taken with an iPhone or iPad. The photos should not be altered in any desktop image processing program like Photoshop. However, using any iOS app on the device itself is permitted. To enter, select the number of images you wish to submit, pay the entry fee, and then upload your photos. Files should be in their original size or not smaller than 1000 pixels in either height or width.
Why Enter 19th Annual iPhone Photography Awards?
Entering the Annual iPhone Photography Awards 2026 puts your work in front of a global audience. The winners receive extensive media coverage, often being featured in major publications like The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Vogue. It is a chance to have your “phone photos” recognized as serious art.
Furthermore, as one of the best photography challenges online dedicated solely to mobile devices, it levels the playing field. You are not competing against someone with a $10,000 camera setup. The focus is purely on your eye and your ability to capture a moment, making it a uniquely accessible yet prestigious event.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the 19th Annual iPhone Photography Awards 2026 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Image Usage
Photographers retain full copyright of their images. By submitting, you grant IPPAWARDS the right to use your photos for the promotion of the contest. This includes usage on the IPPAWARDS website, social media channels, and in press releases related to the winners.
General Rules
All entries must be shot on an iPhone or iPad. The use of add-on lenses is permitted. Photos cannot be published previously anywhere. However, posting photos on personal accounts (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) is allowed. Photos that have been altered with desktop software (Photoshop, Lightroom on PC/Mac) are ineligible. Only iOS apps are allowed for editing.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
